Aromatherapy Oils for People with Sensitive Skin

I've had eczema, skin-allergies, hives and unexplained rashes since I was a teenager. I get a rash if I'm near grass pollen. I get a rash if I touch hay. I get a rash if the weather is cold. I get a rash when it's hot. I get a rash if you look at me the wrong way. Nevertheless, I have a passion for natural healing and aromatherapy. Generally, experts recommend against aromatherapy for people with very sensitive skin.

However, if you choose aromatherapy oils wisely, your sensitive skin is unlikely to react. To keep your skin healthy and free of hives, eczema and acne, stay far away from oils that you are allergic to. Also avoid oils containing phenols, such as cinnamon, hyssop and clove oil.

Here are some generally safe aromatherapy essential oils for people with very sensitive skin.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil is a great essential oil for use in aromatherapy, especially if you have both sensitive skin and a predisposition toward anxiety. Chamomile in aromatherapy helps to ease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. Its sweet fragrance is similar to honey, apples or hay, and it is generally very mild to sensitive skin. Provided you are not allergic, you are unlikely to experience a rash from chamomile-- even if your skin is extremely sensitive.

The exception? If your skin problems relate primarily to allergies, chamomile oil might not be for you. Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family, which is notorious for its many allergenic species. Daisy, daffodil, echinacea and sunflower are also in this family. Before using chamomile, dap a small amount on your thigh. If you have no skin reaction within half an hour, it's safe to say that you're not allergic.

Lavender

Another great relaxing essential oil, lavender is generally appropriate for people with very sensitive skin. Lavender oil is recommended as a topical treatment for several skin conditions, including hair loss, mild burns, acne, eczema and mild wounds. It smells delightful and may help to improve your mood and overall quality of life. Try massaging a small amount of lavender oil onto a rash, mild burn or a tender area. To lift your spirits, chase away a headache or facilitate relaxation, massage a little lavender onto the back of your neck.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a vitual panacea for skin conditions. It may help to treat skin conditions ranging from athlete's foot and ringworm to scabies and cold sores. Tea tree oil is an appropriate essential oil for people with very sensitive skin-- in fact, it may actually help to treat the problems associated with sensitive skin! In general, tea tree oil is soothing rather than irritating. Nevertheless, a very small minority of people might have a reaction to it. If you have a reaction to tea tree or any other essential oil, shy away from it for the time being. If you'd like, you can try again later by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil.