How to Get Essential Oil Off Skin
Anyone who has ever used essential oils knows that they can be incredibly effective at helping you feel better. However, if you get them on your skin, they can be a little more challenging to remove. If you’ve ever gotten essential oil on your skin, you know how difficult it can be to get it off.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best ways on how to get essential oil off skin quickly and easily. We’ll also cover some of the hazards of getting essential oil on your skin, so you can be sure to avoid them. So, read on to learn more!
10 Effective Methods on How to Get Essential Oil Off Skin
1. Apply a Carrier Oil
A carrier oil is a base oil that you mix with essential oils. The carrier oil can completely neutralize the essential oils’ basic qualities and significantly lower their evaporation rates when done correctly. Carrier oils are an effective way to dilute individual oils before using them on your skin. In addition to creating a strong barrier between your skin and essential oil, carrier oils provide a way to recuperate after topical use.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
When essential oils are used in aromatherapy, the evaporation rates are so slow that mild dehydration is an unlikely side effect. However, there is a risk of severe dehydration during topical use due to the increased surface area and concentration of oil on your skin. Therefore, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after topical use.
3. Drink Less Alcohol
When oils are applied to the skin, evaporation rates are heightened, and absorption is more rapid. If you have taken a lot of alcohol in your system, then the essential oil will quickly enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body, not just where it was applied, which can lead to negative health effects.
4. Soak in a Salt-Water Bath
If you are using grapefruit, bergamot, or other essential oils that can irritate the skin, cleansing the area with a salt-water bath can be an effective way of removing any oils applied. Mix 1/4 – 1/2 cup salt with 2 – 4 cups of water and soak the affected area for 5 – 10 minutes before rinsing the solution off with cold water.
5. Apply Baby or Mineral Oil
Before putting grapefruit or other citrus essential oils on your skin, you can saturate a cotton ball with baby oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, or any other light carrier oil. Then cover the affected area with the saturated cotton ball and massage it into your skin for about 5 minutes. After this is done, wash off the remaining solution to remove all traces of essential oil.
6. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is almost as effective as lemon juice for removing diluted oils, but it has a strong smell that could potentially irritate your skin if you are sensitive to acidic odors. Instead, mix equal parts vinegar and water into a container and soak the affected area for about 15 minutes until bubbly, then rinse with cold water.
7. Use Lather and Hot Water
This method is similar to the salt-water bath mentioned above, but you can use it alone or in conjunction with other treatments listed here based on rinsing the affected area.
Fill your sink with hot water along with a small amount of mild dish soap. Then apply a small amount of water directly to the aqueous solution and create a soap lather. This method can irritate sensitive skin, so it is best left for adults who can rinse the solution off quickly.
8. Use Oil-Based Makeup
Before going to bed, use an oil-based makeup remover to remove all traces of essential oils. Oil-based makeups effectively break down the oil into essential oils. They will easily wash off after application, making this an ideal treatment for people who struggle with topical allergies or irritation.
9. Perform a Patch Test:
If you have a mixture of oils in your possession, put a small amount on your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. If no skin irritation is apparent, then you can go ahead and use the mixture on both your skin and hair without worrying about negative health effects.
10. Rinse with Baking Soda
If you are attempting to remove peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or other essential oils that may cause skin irritation, then a baking soda treatment can be very effective. Combine water and 1/2 cup of baking soda into a container for soaking the affected area. After 5 – 10 minutes, rinse with cold water.
Things to Consider When Getting Essential Oil Off Skin
Now that you know some methods on how to get essential oil off skin, there are some things to consider when getting essential oil off skin.
1. Never Use Water
It is not recommended to use water on the skin when dealing with essential oils. The oil will spread over a larger skin area, giving you less control of where it goes. In addition, some people have gotten essential oils in their eyes using warm water to remove the oil from their bodies. This could cause some discomfort or even more severe conditions which could damage the eye.
2. Never Use a Cleanser or Soap
Using a cleanser or soap could do more harm to the skin, making the oil spread even further and potentially creating lesions on the skin from harsh chemicals in these products.
3. Don’t Rub the Essential Oil In
Rubbing the area could only make the oil spread. It is good to try and pat dry the skin to get rid of some of the excess oil before using a carrier oil.
4. Don’t Apply Essential Oils to Sensitive Areas
Applying essential oils on the face, underarms, breasts, genitals, etc. These areas are susceptible and can cause some pain if applied incorrectly. Make sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it over these areas. If needed, you can use an ice cube or cold compress that has been soaked in pure vegetable oil. The cold temperature will help the oil sink into the skin and allow the pores to close up for a while, making it less likely that other oils can get in.
5. Be Cautious Applying Essential Oils on Children
Although many essential oils can be used safely on children, it is still good to consult a doctor before using them. Also, always make sure that the essential oils you are using are not phototoxic since children spend more time in the sun.
Five Common Usage of Essential Oil
1. Aromatic Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in a diffuser to scent the air to stimulate and comfort the respiratory tract. For example, vaporizing or boiling water in a pot with a few drops of essential oil might purify the air, reduce symptoms caused by germs and strengthen general well-being.
2. Topical Use of Essential Oils
Many essential oils are also widely used topically. For example, essential oils can be combined with a carrier oil to produce a massage oil, or they can be applied directly onto the skin in the form of salves, balms, and liniments.
3. Oral Use of Essential Oils
The concentrated nature of essential oils brings up some safety concerns related to oral ingestion. These oils are very potent and, as such, can cause nausea or vomiting when not administered carefully. Some essential oils are safe for internal use; however, you should research the particular oil before ingesting it.
4. Internal Use of Essential Oils
Certain essential oils are safe for internal use, so people can ingest them to enjoy their benefits. Many pharmacies today even carry ready-to-use essential oil supplements that can be easily added to juices or smoothies without the hassle of mixing and measuring.
5. Cosmetic Use of Essential Oils
While most essential oils are beneficial to the skin, some can be used as cosmetic-grade ingredients in various beauty products. Common cosmetic uses of essential oils include aromatherapy shampoos and conditioners, facial cleansers and moisturizers, massage lotions, and even bath bombs.
Note: It is important to know that it’s possible to react negatively to certain essential oils, so you should always perform a patch test before using any new oil on your skin. To do a patch test, simply mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and stir the solution until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
Conclusion
The best way to get essential oil off the skin is by using a carrier oil or soap. In addition, you can use milk as the solution for removing the smell of essential oils from your hands. Avoid rubbing alcohol and water because they could cause burning sensations on your skin. Essential oils are not meant to be rubbed onto your body. Hence, you must take care when applying them to avoid any potential allergic reactions after application due to chemical sensitivity issues.
If you have questions about how to get essential oil off skin feel free to let us know. We specialize in providing information about health and wellness solutions while also educating people on what they need in their homes for safety purposes with products that are affordable. Lastly, always store oils away from children or pets due to their toxic nature.
