What is an Essential Oil?
By the definition it is an highly concentrated mixture (easily evaporated) chemical compounds extracted from plants. Usually by steam distillation or cold pressing, these compounds give the plant its characteristic scent and many of its biological effects. Because they are highly concentrated plant chemicals, essential oils are usually diluted before topical use in medicine, cosmetics, or aromatherapy
What Benefits do Essential Oil have?
Certain essential oils influence the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotions and memory, Examples include lavender which promotes relaxation and sleep, bergamot can reduce anxiety and elevate mood. Essential oils also contain compounds that can inhibit bacteria or fungi, tea tree and eucalyptus are antimicrobial and antifungal. These oil are commonly used in natural cleaning products and skin treatments.
Does my skin tone affect how the oils are absorbed?
No skin tone itself does not significantly affect how essential oils are absorbed. What matters more are the structure and condition of the skin, not the amount of pigmentation. The outer skin layer (called the Stratum corneum) controls most absorption. Thinner barrier → faster absorption Thicker barrier → slower absorption, This varies by body area, not by skin color.
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Can I have a delayed reaction to an essential oil?
This is fairly common with certain skin reactions. The most typical delayed reaction is a type of allergic skin response called Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Symptoms can show up 6–12 hours later, 24–72 hours later, Sometimes even several days later. This happens because the immune system takes time to recognize the substance and trigger inflammation. Some oils are more irritating or allergenic such as Tea Tree, Lavender and Ylang-ylang. Because of delayed reactions, dermatologists recommend a 24–48 hour patch test before using a new oil