Best Effective Essential Oil for Skin Irritation: How to Use and Safety

Skin irritations can be uncomfortable and even painful. Fortunately, natural remedies such as essential oils can provide relief without the use of harsh chemicals. Essential oils are plant extracts containing various vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds to help soothe and heal the skin. However, using them safely is vital to avoid any adverse reactions. This blog discusses the best essential oils for treating skin irritations and provides guidelines on how to use them for maximum benefits.

Best Essential Oils For Skin Irritation

Cedarwood Oil 

Extracted from the bark of cedar trees, cedarwood oil has a warm, woody scent. It contains natural compounds such as cedrol and alpha-cedrene, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cedarwood oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals. These properties make it an effective treatment for various skin irritations and infections, including eczema and acne.

Pure Sandalwood Oil 

Derived from the sandalwood tree is pure sandalwood oil. It has a rich, woody aroma and is high in natural compounds such as alpha-santol and beta-santol, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Sandalwood oil is commonly used to treat skin irritations such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and other environmental factors due to its antioxidant properties.

Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil is extracted from the tea tree leaves and has a fresh, medicinal scent. It is rich in natural compounds such as terpinene-4-ol, which have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Tea tree oil is used for treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also known to soothe and heal minor cuts and burns.

Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil is a popular essential oil used to calm and heal skin irritations such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Lavender oil is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant and has a floral scent. It contains natural compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

Chamomile Oil 

Derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, chamomile oil has a sweet, fruity aroma. It is high in natural compounds such as alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chamomile oil is used to soothe and heal skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns. It is also known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Frankincense Oil 

Frankincense oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree and has a spicy, woody aroma. It contains natural compounds such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Frankincense oil is commonly used to soothe and heal skin irritations such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and has a fresh, minty aroma. It contains natural compounds such as menthol and menthone, which have cooling and soothing properties. Peppermint oil is commonly used to soothe and heal skin irritations such as acne and psoriasis. It is also known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Rose Oil 

Rose oil is extracted from the petals of the rose plant and has a sweet, floral scent. It contains natural compounds such as geraniol and citronellol, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Rose oil is also known for its moisturizing properties, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. Due to its antioxidant properties, rose oil helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging. Additionally, the soothing aroma of rose oil has been found to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Eucalyptus Oil 

Extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus oil has a fresh, medicinal scent. It contains natural compounds such as eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Eucalyptus oil is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Geranium Oil 

Geranium oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the geranium plant and has a sweet, floral scent. It contains natural compounds such as citronellol and geraniol, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Geranium oil is commonly used to give relief and heal the skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns. It is also known to balance oil production and improve skin elasticity.

The Correct Way Of Using Essential Oils

• Topical use: Essential oils are extremely potent and may cause adverse reactions when applied directly to the skin, so diluting them with a carrier oil is essential to avoid irritation or sensitivity. Carrier oils such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil are commonly used to dilute essential oils. Guidelines suggest using 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

• Aromatic use: Essential oils can be used aromatically by adding a few drops to a diffuser or inhaling the scent directly from the bottle. Doing this can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may help soothe and heal skin irritations.

• Patch test: It is always advised to do a prior testing before applying any new essential oil, on a small skin area to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity. To do this, simply apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to your elbow and wait to see if any redness, itching, or swelling occurs.

• Consult a healthcare professional: If you need help deciding which essential oil to use or how to use it safely, consult a professional or a licensed aromatherapist. They can help you determine the best essential oil for your skin irritation and provide guidance on how to use it safely.

Safety And Precautions

Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when using essential oils:

• Dilute with a carrier oil: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation or sensitivity. A general rule is to use 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

• Patch test: Before using any new essential oil, do a patch test on a small skin area to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity. Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or swelling occurs.

• Avoid sensitive areas: Essential oils should not be applied to sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, or genital area. If you accidentally get the essential oil in your eyes, flush with cool water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

• Consult a healthcare professional: If you need help deciding which essential oil to use or how to use it safely, consult a professional or a licensed aromatherapist. They can help you determine the best essential oil for your skin irritation and provide guidance on how to use it safely.

• Pregnancy and nursing: Pregnant or nursing mothers should speak with their healthcare provider before using essential oils, as some oils may be unsafe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets: Essential oils should be kept out of reach of children and pets, as they can be toxic if ingested. Always store essential oils in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, essential oils can be a natural and effective remedy for soothing skin irritations. With their numerous beneficial compounds and healing properties, they can provide relief without the use of harsh chemicals. Before applying essential oils, it is important to safely dilute them with a carrier oil, patch test them, and avoid sensitive areas. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or licensed aromatherapist to ensure proper usage. With this knowledge in hand, you can explore the beneficiary world of essential oils to fit best to your skin irritation treatment.

Article Reviewed and Edited by: Utsa Saha, M. Tech Biotechnology