Topical Use

of Essential Oils
Topical Use of Essential Oils

Introduction

The Body’s
Largest Organ
Did you know your skin is your body’s
largest organ? Just like the liver and
kidneys, your skin has vital functions
that keep you healthy.
One of the skin’s most important functions is it
protects your tissues and other organs. It keeps out
unwanted or harmful substances and even protects the
internal organs from threats like radiation or injuries.

The skin also gives you a sense of touch. It helps you

understand your surroundings by sending sensory
messages to the brain, recognizing changes in
temperature, pain, pressure, and more. When you feel
the soft threads on your favorite blanket, the prickly
thorns on a rose bush, or even the wind on your face,
that’s all thanks to the receptors on your skin that are
communicating with your brain.

Because the skin plays such a large role in your

overall well-being, it should be protected at all costs.
Nourishing and protecting the skin is about more than
just self-image. When you apply products topically,
they absorb into the skin. This is why your choice of
topical products is so important. What you put on your
body could potentially end up in your body.

Whether you care about maintaining a youthful

complexion, soothing muscles, or just prioritizing
overall health, taking a closer look at the products you
use topically is a great starting place.

For millions of people worldwide, essential oils offer

For millions of people
a safe, natural way to care for the body. One of the
easiest ways to reap their benefits is through topical
worldwide, essential oils
use. Your skin is powerful. When you use equally
powerful and natural topical products, endless offer a safe, natural way
benefits await you.

In this eBook, you’ll learn all about the topical use of

to care for the body
essential oils and discover their benefits for the skin
and body. You’ll come to understand more about
sensitivity, dosage, and dilution.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Chapter one

Why Use Essential

Oils Topically?

In the world of essential oils,

topical use refers to the direct
application of an essential oil to
the skin or body. But why use
essential oils topically?

While aromatic use allows you to enjoy

essential oils through the air and internal use
involves consuming essential oils, topical
use is a simple way to experience the power
of essential oils and provide significant
benefits for the skin and body. When applied
correctly, essential oils can be extremely
beneficial for the skin, soothing for the body,
effective for massage, and enjoyed in a
variety of everyday ways.

Topical use is unique because

it allows you to target specific
areas to achieve a desired
effect. Along with targeted
benefits, topical application also
provides overall support. Once
you see how easy and effective
topical application is, you can
instantly enhance your essential
oil experience.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Historical Cases of Topical Use

Using essential oils and natural plant components topically isn’t a new trend. It’s a practice that’s
already been done for centuries. Ancient cultures throughout the world saw the value of using plants,
plant extracts, and essential oils to soothe the skin and body, produce cooling and warming effects,
beautify the skin, and much more.

Ancient Egyptians used Australian aborigines used In Biblical times, cassia

frankincense for perfumes the leaves of the melaleuca was used on the skin as a
and salves to soothe the skin. tree for centuries. They’d crush warming oil.
the leaves and apply them to
the skin for a cooling effect.

People of ancient Rome During the Middle Ages,

frequently used lavender clary sage was often used
for its relaxing aroma, for to soothe the skin.
bathing, and as a perfume.

The practice of harnessing plants for topical benefits is still in use today.
With pure essential oils, you can discover dozens of benefits for the
body—just as civilizations have done for centuries.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Benefits of Essential Oils Benefits of Topical Use

for Skin for the Entire Body
Because they offer powerful cleansing and purifying Along with impressive benefits for the skin, the
properties, essential oils have long been used to chemical components in essential oils make them
soothe, maintain, and improve the skin. Essential oils useful for the entire body. Some essential oils have
are effective for reducing the appearance of skin calming properties that soothe your skin. Other
imperfections, soothing irritated skin, cleansing oily essential oils are known for their warming or cooling
skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a properties, which can be helpful for calming the skin.
healthy complexion, reducing the appearance of Certain essential oils can even promote feelings of
blemishes, and a lot more. clear airways when applied to the chest and neck
area, while others are recognized for their ability to
Unlike many skin care products, essential oils comfort tired muscles and joints.
provide a pure, natural, and safe way to care for
your skin. While the natural chemical components As mentioned before, one of the advantages of
found in essential oils are helpful for the skin, they using essential oils topically is your ability to target a
don’t include toxins or fillers that are often found in specific area of the body. Topical application allows
commercial cleansers, toners, and lotions. for specific, targeted usage, which means you can
select a specific essential oil based on its known
On top of the safe, pure nature of essential oils, it’s benefits, and then apply it to a precise area to achieve
also easy to accommodate sensitive or delicate skin an effect you want.
by diluting essential oils before use. Those with
particularly sensitive skin often have a hard time Now that you understand the vast
finding a skin care solution that won’t irritate. Not only
do essential oils leave out the parabens and toxins benefits of topical use, we’ll dive
often found in skin care products on today’s market, into how essential oils deliver
but they can also be diluted to accommodate people
benefits when used topically.
with particularly sensitive skin. Anyone who worries
about skin irritations and sensitivity can still reap the
cleansing, purifying benefits of essential oils for the skin.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Chapter two

How It
Works
We know skin plays a
vital role in protecting
the body and keeping it
healthy. Understanding
what an important and
powerful organ the
skin is helps us to see
how we can use topical
application of essential
oils to influence health.

Essential oils are a lipid-soluble

substance, which means they
penetrate the skin easily. Topical
application is an effective way to use
essential oils because once they’ve
been absorbed into the skin, they’ll
remain in the applied area, giving
you benefits in a localized area.

Each essential oil has a unique

chemical profile that determines
the benefits it provides. Certain
essential oils have topical warming
properties, while others have
chemical components that make
them topically calming, soothing,
or cooling. When an essential oil is
applied topically and absorbed into
the skin, you begin to experience
the benefits of a specific essential
oil’s chemical properties.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

For example, let’s say you apply Tea Tree to Not only does topical use allow you to reap the
your skin. The unique chemical profile of Tea benefits of essential oils for the skin and body,
Tree essential oil includes components that but you simultaneously get to enjoy the aromatic
are known to be cleansing. This means when benefits of any essential oil being applied. You
you apply Tea Tree topically, those chemical see, after applying an essential oil topically, its
components go to work, allowing you to aroma will linger on the skin, and you can breathe
experience the skin-cleansing benefits of in that aroma for up to a few hours. Even if you’re
the essential oil. using an essential oil for its topical benefits, you’ll
also experience a unique aroma as it sits on your
Or say you put Sandalwood on your skin. skin and you breathe it in.
Sandalwood includes chemical components
known for being soothing. So after applying With a better understanding of how topical use of
Sandalwood to the skin, you’ll experience the essential oils can impact the body, you’re ready
essential oil’s soothing benefits, including its to learn about proper safety practices to help you
ability to soothe occasional blemishes or skin maximize your essential oil experience.
irritations.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Chapter three

Safety
Understanding safety precautions
is necessary with any topical
product you plan to put on your
skin. You’d never go to your
bathroom cabinet, grab a random
bottle, and start washing yourself
with it—you’d read the label
and instructions first. The same
goes for essential oils. Pure,
unadulterated oils are safe to
apply to your skin, but just like
any product, there are important
rules and safety precautions to
be aware of. With a better grasp
of safe topical use, your essential
oil experience will be both
effective and enjoyable.

Dilution Carrier Oils

When it comes to safe topical use of essential oils, A carrier oil is just what it sounds like—an oil that
dilution is one of the most important principles to literally carries essential oils to the desired area
understand. Some worry that diluting an essential oil on the skin. Carrier oils are incredibly useful for
before applying takes away from its benefits; however, dilution. When you dilute an essential oil with a
dilution actually makes for better absorption into the carrier oil, it dilutes the potency of the oil; however,
skin, extending the benefits even longer. By diluting it also increases absorption into the skin, which
an essential oil with a carrier oil, you slow the rate of ultimately allows you to maximize the benefits the
evaporation, enhance absorption into the skin, and essential oil has to offer.
protect sensitive or delicate skin. Dilution doesn’t take
away from the essential oil experience, but rather allows
for more effective topical experience.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Ideally, a carrier oil should be a pure vegetable

oil so it can easily dilute an essential oil without
Dilution Guidelines
damaging its delicate chemical profile. If an
dōTERRA provides skin sensitivity descriptors on
essential oil’s chemical makeup is altered or
each essential oil to help users avoid sensitivity
damaged in any way, its efficacy is reduced, and
issues by practicing safe use. Each product
you won’t reap the desired benefits.
includes one of three classification labels: “N” for
neat, “D” for dilute, or “S” for sensitive. These labels
The following carrier oils are commonly
can help you determine how to safely apply an
used to dilute essential oils: essential oil topically.
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Walnut oil
• Macadamia nut oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Linseed oil
• Sunflower oil Neat: Essential oils in this classification
can be applied without dilution. These
• Olive oil
essential oils tend to have a mild chemistry
In most cases, carrier oils contain chemical and low risk when it comes to sensitivity.
components that oxidize over time. As you shop
for carrier oils, you may find some have been
fractionated, or gone through the process of
fractionation. During the process of fractionation,
the shorter length fatty acid chains are separated
out to give the oil a longer shelf life.
Dilute: This category refers to essential oils
dōTERRA offers Fractionated Coconut Oil, which that should always be diluted with a carrier
is an example of a carrier oil with a long shelf life. oil before topical application. These essential
Because it’s derived from coconut, it has a non- oils have a stronger, more potent chemistry
greasy, lightweight feel when used as a carrier oil that can be safely enjoyed after dilution.
on the skin.

Sensitive: These essential oils should

always be diluted before using on young
or sensitive skin. Pay attention to this label
if you have sensitive skin or if you plan to
use essential oils with your children.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Application Tips Dosage

While essential oils vary in chemical components, One key part of using essential oils safely is observing
potency, and aroma, there are some areas of the skin proper dosage suggestions. Whether you’re using
that are extremely sensitive and should always be an essential oil aromatically, topically, or internally,
avoided, no matter what kind of essential oil you’re ensuring you use the correct amount will allow you to
using. The eyes and the skin around the eyes, the remain within the limits of safe usage.
inner ears, and injured, broken, or damaged skin
should always be avoided. With topical use, there’s always a risk for skin irritation
or sensitivity, especially when you consider that
It’s important to remember that essential oils can linger each essential oil has a different chemical profile and
on the fingers and hands following topical application. each person has different skin sensitivity levels, skin
After topically applying, avoid rubbing or touching conditions, and preferences. Remember, an essential
your face and eyes, as these areas can be sensitive oil dose depends on your age, size, health status, and
to essential oils. You might also wash your hands with personal skin sensitivity. If you have specific concerns
soap and water after applying essential oils topically to about your skin, it’s a good idea to consult with your
help avoid contact with sensitive areas. physician before using essential oils topically.

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 it as necessary to achieve a desired
benefit. Because essential oils are so potent, it’s advised
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.

 
Start with Repeat every
one to two four to six
drops hours
and increase as necessary. as needed.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Sensitivity Test
Because each of us has different sensitivities, health
concerns, skin conditions, and preferences, it’s
possible for an essential oil to cause a sensitivity
response. Children or those with sensitive skin should
take extra safety precautions when using essential oils
topically.

When applying an essential oil for the first time,

consider conducting a sensitivity test to see how your
body and skin react to its chemical structure. You can
do this by applying a small dab of the essential oil
to an inconspicuous area of the skin. Check the area
each hour for a few hours to make sure no sensitivity
or irritation has occurred. If you’re using a strong
essential oil for a sensitivity test, be sure to combine it
with a carrier oil before topical application.

Sun Sensitivity
It’s important that you know some essential oils,
particularly citrus oils, can cause sensitivity when
exposed to sun or ultraviolet light after topical
application. Because citrus oils have photosensitive
compounds, exposure to sunlight, UV light, or
sunlamps at least 12 hours after application can cause
sensitivity on the skin. Essential oils that pose a risk for
sun sensitivity typically include a warning or caution,
so carefully read essential oil labels before using
topically.

Many people wonder if essential oils are safe to use

on the skin and body. The answer is absolutely! Just
like any other product on your bedside table or in your
bathroom cabinet, when used as intended, essential
oils are designed to help you, not hurt you. Equipped
with the best safety tips, you’re ready to start using
essential oils topically!

In the next chapter, we’ll go over some ideas to help

you get started.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Chapter four

Ideas for Topical

Application
Now that you’ve learned about
dilution, sensitivity, and dosage,
it’s time to discuss how to actually
apply essential oils topically! The
previous chapter discussed a few
sensitive areas to avoid during
topical use. Now let’s talk about
some of the best areas to apply
essential oils so you can reap their
topical benefits.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Face
You can add essential oils to your daily skin care
regimen to improve the skin and maintain a clear
complexion. To incorporate essential oils to your
routine, simply add a few drops to your facial
cleanser, moisturizer, or body lotion. You can also
dilute essential oils with Fractionated Coconut Oil
and apply them directly to your face.

Some of the best essential oils here include Tea

Tree, Sandalwood, Lavender, Helichrysum,
Jasmine, and Frankincense.

Temples, forehead, base

of the skull, and neck
Applying essential oils to any of these areas
will allow you to enjoy their soothing effects
on the skin. If you tend to hold a lot of tension
in your neck, work long days behind a desk,
or just need to unwind after a tense day,
consider massaging soothing and relaxing
essential oils to any of these areas.

Abdomen
While using essential oils internally can help
relieve digestive discomfort* or promote healthy
digestive function,* you can also apply them
topically to the abdomen to experience soothing
properties. Massage essential oils into the
abdomen and enjoy their aromas.

Consider applying DigestZen® Digestive Blend or

DigestZen Touch for this.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Arms, legs, and back

Massaging essential oils onto the arms, wrists, legs,
and back after a workout or any sort of strenuous
physical activity allows you to harness their soothing
powers. Many essential oils have cooling and warming
properties, which make for a relaxing massage after
exerting yourself.

Cypress, Frankincense, Wintergreen, and Peppermint

are especially helpful when it comes to topical relaxing
comfort. You can also try using Deep Blue® Soothing Blend
to help your arms, legs, or back when you need it most.

Chest
The cooling and invigorating properties of essential
oils can promote feelings of clear breathing when
applied topically to the chest. Plus, this type of topical
application allows you to simultaneously enjoy the
aromatic benefits of the essential oils as you breathe in.

The best essential oils for topical application on

the chest—known for promoting feelings of clear
breathing—include Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and
dōTERRA Breathe® Respiratory Blend.

Bottoms of the feet

The bottoms of the feet are an ideal place to apply
because the feet readily absorb the essential oils.
When trying an essential oil for the first time or
when using with children, the bottoms of the feet
are a good starting place, as the skin is thick and
less prone to sensitivity.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Using Essential Oils in a Massage

If you want to make topical usage to Soothe the Muscles
a part of your daily routine, here
Next, let’s go over ways to use essential oils to soothe the
are some more ideas to help you
muscles. Essential oils with soothing, warming, or cooling
experience the everyday power of
properties (or any combination of such properties) are
essential oils. As always, remember effective for massaging the muscles, especially after physical
to pay attention to any precautions or activity, a long day on your feet, or when you need extra
specific instructions before applying, comfort. When you massage pure and potent essential oils
including the classification of each into targeted areas, your body will feel the natural, powerful
oil: neat, dilute, or sensitive. comfort they have to offer.

Here are a few essential oils and methods you can use to
soothe your muscles:
Using Essential Oils
• Apply dōTERRA Balance® to the temples and back of
for Personal Care the neck as part of a relaxing massage.

Throughout this eBook, we’ve talked extensively about the • Massage Wintergreen into the hands, back, and legs for
benefits essential oils hold for the skin. This is why millions of a warming and soothing sensation after exercise.
people worldwide choose to use essential oils in their personal • Add essential oils like Clove, Cassia, or Ginger to a
care routines to improve the look or feel of their skin. lotion and apply to the muscles for a warming massage.
Cinnamon Bark can be diluted and applied to help
Here are just a few ways you can incorporate essential oils
soothe your joints.
into your personal care routine:
• Massage Deep Blue® or Deep Blue Rub into the knees
• Apply Bergamot to the skin while showering to and feet after exercising.
experience a calming aroma and skin-purifying
• After a day of outdoor activity, apply Frankincense to
benefits.
the hands and feet for a warming and soothing effect.
• Add Frankincense to your daily moisturizer to reduce
• Prior to a long run, use Cypress on the feet and legs.
the appearance of skin imperfections and rejuvenate
the skin.

• After too much time in the sun, add Lavender to

unscented lotion and apply it to the skin for soothing
comfort.

• Apply Helichrysum to the face to reduce the

appearance of wrinkles and promote a glowing,
youthful complexion.

• Add Grapefruit to your nightly facial routine. (Make

sure to avoid sun exposure and UV lights for at least 12
hours after application.)

• Rub Tea Tree on your fingernails and toenails after a

shower to keep them looking clean and healthy.

• Apply Lavender or Sandalwood to the skin after shaving

to help prevent skin irritation.

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Topical Use of Essential Oils

Conclusion

One Drop Away

Now that we’ve discussed some of
the ways topical use can change
daily life, it’s easier to see why so
many people rely on these gifts of
the earth.
Whether you want glowing skin, soothed muscles after
exercise, or natural alternatives to commercial products
you’re used to, topical use of essential oils can be a
powerful avenue for changing the way you feel every day.

With accurate knowledge of the best ways to apply

essential oils and how to use them safely, you’re just one
drop away from changing your day. The next time you
could use soothing comfort or serious support, reach for
a bottle and see how quickly things can change for the
better.

Want to learn more? Continue your essential oil journey

by visiting doterra.com today!

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