Treating an essential oil burn in a few simple steps

Do you remember the first time you experienced an essential oil? Maybe someone placed a drop of Peppermint oil into the palm of your hands, and after breathing in that cooling sensation, you had to resist the urge to drench yourself in its icy scent. We’ve all gotten a little “essential oil happy” at some point, but properly using these oils can make or break your experience. While many essential oils are safe to use without much precaution, some essential oils—like Peppermint—can burn the skin if you overdo it. Follow these simple tips and tricks to avoid negative reactions or burns and get the most out of your essential oils.

What are the symptoms of a reaction or burn from essential oils? 

While most essential oils are safe to use without much caution, there are a few reactions you should watch out for:

Contact dermatitis 

This reaction is a rash that appears when a certain substance comes into contact with your skin. Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash that can be accompanied by dry, cracked skin, oozing blisters or bumps, and a burning or stinging sensation.

Contact dermatitis can be a delayed reaction, meaning you may not notice symptoms for 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

Photosensitive reactions 

Some essentials oils can cause photosensitivity, which means they can cause a reaction if you apply them topically and then go out into the sun without protection. Most citrus essential oils are included in this category.

Photosensitive reactions will appear much like a sunburn and can include:

• Skin redness or discoloration
• Burning or itching
• Blistering

Nasal or eye irritation 

While uncommon, some people may experience a reaction while or after diffusing essential oils. This could include nasal symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or congestion. Eye irritation can also occur if you accidentally touch your eyes after handling essential oils.

Though rare, if you experience a severe allergic reaction that involves difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

YL tip: Be sure to wash your hands after handling essential oils to avoid accidently getting oils in your eyes or other sensitive areas.

What to do if you have an essential oil reaction

Some resources suggest diluting the oil with water, but water actually drives oil further into the skin. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off of the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If you experience a hot or burning sensation, have feelings of discomfort and irritation, or develop a rash, saturate the affected area immediately with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or another carrier oil to dilute. Follow up by washing the area well with a mild soap and water. Apply more carrier oil as often as needed until the reaction diminishes. Apply a cool compress to the area if you are still experiencing slight discomfort.

If your reaction is severe, seek medical help or call your doctor.

How to safely use essential oils 

While essential oils are well loved for their simple application, our product safety guidelines can help you develop habits that will keep you safe and avoid negative reactions. Some of these steps include the following:

Pay attention to labels 

All of our essential oil bottles are labeled with safety usage information that can help you avoid negative reactions. If an oil label says that it needs dilution when used topically, be sure to follow the necessary dilution requirements.

Disclaimer: When using essential oils around your little ones, you will want to dilute even more. Read this blog post for more information on diluting essential oils for children.

Generally, oils require dilution because they either are photoreactive and can cause photosensitivity or are “hot.” Photoreactive oils contain compounds that can increase your sensitivity to UV rays. These oils contain a photosensitivity warning on the label, as well as instructions on how to safely apply these oils to the skin. For photosensitive oils, it’s best to stick to the golden rule of avoiding sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying. Read this blog post for more information on photosensitive essential oil safety.

“Hot” oils create a warming or hot sensation when applied to the skin, which can cause burning or negative reactions if not diluted properly. Learn more about these types of oils here.

If your label is worn and illegible or you want to double check the safety warnings, go to the oil’s product page on our website and you’ll find labels for photosensitivity and dilution under the “safety items” section.

Patch test to discover skin sensitivity 

We recommend that you patch test prior to your first use of any oil, especially if you tend to have sensitive skin. To perform a patch test, mix 1–2 drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and apply the diluted oil to a patch of skin that does not have hair, such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction. While most reactions will happen shortly after use, some may take time to appear, so be sure to continue to monitor your skin for up to 72 hours.

In some cases, your skin may become sensitive over time. If you have a reaction to an initial patch test, you can try patch testing again in the future. Be sure to dilute with more carrier oil this time and keep a close eye for any negative reaction. Immediately discontinue topical use if you have a reaction again.

New to essential oils? Learn all the basic tips and tricks in our beginner’s guide to essential oils!

What are your favorite ways to apply oils topically?

Tell us in the comments below.