The effects of essential oils on the skin: Benefit or danger?
The captivating world of essential oils offers a panorama of benefits for physical health and general well-being. These natural extracts, extracted from the heart of plants, are now famous for their therapeutic properties and varied applications in aromatherapy. This article explores the sophisticated extraction methods and multiple benefits of essential oils for our bodies.
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated substance obtained from the aromatic compounds of certain plants. This precious, generally non-greasy liquid can be fluid or viscous, depending on its composition. Derived from just a few hundred of the 4,000 types of plant containing essences, essential oils are the most widely used of all. essential oils are extracted mainly by distillation or cold pressing.
Essential oil extraction methods
Extracting essential oils is a science in itself, involving refined techniques for isolating effective compounds without altering their properties.
- Steam distillation This is the most common method, where the steam passes through the plant material at low pressure, capturing the aromatic molecules before the condensate is recovered and separated from the hydrosol.
- Hydrodistillation Similar to steam distillation, this technique starts with the plants and water heated together, promoting intense extraction.
- Cold expression Used mainly for citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, this process involves mechanically pressing the fruit to extract its essence.
Which essential oils are right for acne-prone skin?
Acne is an inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous follicles, characterized by excessive sebum production and disorders of keratinization, leading to clogged pores. This obstruction favors the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and, under the effect of the Propionibacterium acnes bacterium, these lesions can become inflamed and transform into papules (non-purulent red pimples), pustules (purulent) or nodules (large and painful), affecting the face, neck, chest or back.
Certain essential oils are effective bactericides against the proliferation of P. acnes. These include tea tree is particularly renowned for its purifying properties and features in many of our anti-blemish treatments. Other oils, such as petitgrain bigarade and geranium rosat, are also appreciated for their beneficial effects on acne-prone skin.
Which essential oil is right for anti-aging?
Mature skin is characterized by visible signs of aging such as loss of tone, sagging skin, marked wrinkles and a less radiant complexion. This aging of the skin is often due to a reduction in the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. From the age of 25, the skin begins to lose around 1% of its collagen each year, and this loss accelerates after the menopause due to hormonal changes, reaching up to 30% in the five years following it.
To meet these challenges, immortelle essential oilalso known as Italian Helichrysum essential oil, is often recommended. Rich in neryl acetate, this essential oil promotes collagen production when applied to the skin. It also stimulates blood circulation, improving skin firmness and revitalizing the complexion. The alpha-pinene it contains also contributes to its circulatory and draining properties, essential for revitalized mature skin.
The dangers of essential oils
These powerful plant concentrates can also present risks of allergy, toxicity or photosensitivity. Here's a guide to safely navigating the world of essential oils.
1. Allergy and hypersensitivity risks
Essential oils contain bioactive compounds which, although natural, can be highly allergenic. These include limonene, linalool, geraniol and citrals, present in notable quantities in oils such as dill, lemon and rose geranium. It is crucial to carry out a skin tolerance test before regular use, particularly on the hollow of the elbow or wrist, to avoid potential allergic reactions.
2. Use during pregnancy
The use of essential oils during pregnancy must be undertaken with extreme caution. Some oils, due to their ketone content, present a neurotoxic risk that can induce spasms or nausea, with an increased risk of miscarriage. Essential oils are generally not recommended during the first trimester, and some throughout pregnancy. Active compounds can cross the placental barrier and potentially affect embryonic development.
3. Oils irritants
Some essential oils are irritants, meaning they can cause skin burns. The main molecules responsible for these effects are carvacrol, thymol and aromatic aldehydes, found in oils such as oregano and thyme. Use of these oils requires appropriate dilution with a carrier oil to avoid any risk of skin damage.
4. Photosensitivity
Certain essential oils increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, leading to reactions such as redness or rashes. This is due to the presence of coumarins in oils such as bergamot and lemon. It is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun after applying these oils to prevent photosensitive reactions.
How to choose and use essential oils
To reap the full benefits of essential oils, it's crucial to select pure, high-quality products. Here are a few tips:
- Check the oil's origin and purity, and if possible, opt for certified organic oils.
- Consider the type of extraction, as this can affect the quality of the oil.
- Use as directed by a healthcare professional, especially if swallowed.
Essential oils continue to seduce with their near-magical healing and soothing powers. By better understanding their extraction methods and innumerable benefits, we can integrate them more effectively into our daily health and beauty routines, making the most of what nature has to offer.