Ebooks doTERRA eBook Topical Use of Essential Oils | Page 9

Dosage
The key to using essential oils safely is to always observe proper dosage suggestions. Whether you are using
an essential oil aromatically, topically, or internally, ensuring that you use the correct amount will allow you
to remain within the limits of safe use. With topical use, there is always a risk for skin irritation or sensitivity,
especially when you consider that each essential oil has a different chemical profile, and each person has
different skin sensitivity levels, skin conditions, and preferences.
Remember that an essential oil dose will always depend on the age,
size, health status, and personal skin sensitivity of the individual. If you
Topical Dose
have specific concerns about your skin, it is always a good idea to
consult with your physician before using essential oils topically.
• Start with 1–2 drops and increase as
necessary
When using an essential oil topically for the first time, always start with
the lowest possible dose—one to two drops. Once you see how your
body reacts to the small dose, you can increase the dose as necessary
• Repeat dose every 4–6 hours as
needed
to help achieve a desired benefit. Because essential oils are so potent,
it is always a good idea to use a few small doses periodically throughout the day, rather than a single large
dose all at once. For topical use, a dose can be repeated every four to six hours as needed.
Sensitivity
Because each individual has different sensitivities, health concerns, skin conditions, and preferences, it is
possible for essential oils to cause a sensitivity response. Children or those with sensitive skin are often more
sensitive to developing a sensitivity, and should take extra safety precautions when using essential oils topically.
Sensitivity test
When applying an essential oil for the first time, it is a good idea to
first conduct a sensitivity test to see how your body and skin react
to the chemical structure of the oil. You can conduct a sensitivity
test by applying a small dab of the essential oil (mixed with a
carrier oil) to an inconspicuous area of the skin. Continue to
check the area each hour for a few hours to make sure that no
or irritation
has
occurred.
• sensitivity
Diffuse essential
oils during
a bubble
bath to create a
spa-like environment
• Apply sensitivity
oil to a cotton ball and place in the air vents of your car
Sun
•
Diffuse
essential
oils in that
the some
car during
road trips
to create
a
It is important
to note
essential
oils,
particularly
citrus
calming environment
oils, can cause sensitivity when exposed to sun or ultraviolet light after
topical application. Because citrus oils have photosensitive compounds,
•
Diffuse
essential
oils
to help promote
a relaxing
exposure to sunlight, UV light, or sunlamps
for up to
12 hours after application can cause sensitivity on the
environment that will promote restful sleep
skin. Essential oils • that
pose
a risk oils
for when
sun studying
sensitivity
Diffuse
essential
for a will
test typically
to help include a warning or caution, so be sure to
promote
focus application.
and motivation
carefully read oil labels
before