Essential oils: help or risk for the skin?

Essential oils: help or risk for the skin?

Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular in natural skin care, as they promise a gentle and effective alternative to synthetic products. But what is their effectiveness and safety? Hidden behind the fragrant mist of essential oils lie complex chemical compositions and biological mechanisms that need to be understood in order to fully exploit their potential. This article takes you on a scientific journey through the fascinating world of essential oils. We examine their ingredients and effects on the skin in detail, evaluate the potential risks and side effects based on evidence-based studies and ultimately offer expert recommendations and safe application practices. Are essential oils actually helpful for the skin or do they pose unknown risks? Dive into the depths of research with us in order to be able to answer this question in a well-founded manner.

The Science Behind Essential Oils: A Detailed Look at Ingredients and How They Work

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation, cold pressing or chemical extraction. They are composed of a variety of chemical compounds that reflect the specific aromas and therapeutic properties of the plants. The main ingredients include terpenes, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes and ketones. These compounds interact with the human body at various levels, particularly through the olfactory system and the skin.

The effects of essential oils can be divided into two main categories: pharmacological and psychological. Pharmacological effects occur when the chemical components of the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and interact with the physiological processes in the body. For example, some essential oils, such as lavender, have proven relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. Psychological effects are triggered by the perception of smell, which influences the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for emotions and memory.

The interaction of the oils with the skin and nose results in a number of therapeutic and psychological effects. For example, studies show that inhaling essential oils such as lavender can increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety. Research also shows that certain oils have antimicrobial effects and can be used as natural preservatives or in the treatment of skin diseases.

However, it is crucial to pay attention to the concentration and method of application of essential oils, as their potent potency can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Safe use is recommended by diluting the essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil and then conducting a skin tolerance test.

The scientific research of essential oils is challenging due to their complex composition and the variability of natural raw materials. Nevertheless, current research provides valuable insight into the potential health benefits and uses of these natural extracts.

Potential risks and side effects of essential oils on the skin: An evidence-based review

Essential oils, highly concentrated extracts from plants, are widely used in skin care for their potential therapeutic properties. However, despite their natural origin, they can cause skin reactions ranging from mild to severe. The tolerability and safety of essential oils depends on several factors, including the concentration of the oil, method of use, and individual skin sensitivity.

• Kontaktdermatitis: Eines der häufigsten Probleme bei der topischen Anwendung ätherischer Öle ist die Kontaktdermatitis, eine Art von Hautreizung. Sie manifestiert sich durch Symptome wie Rötungen, Juckreiz und manchmal Blasenbildung. Bestimmte Öle, wie Bergamotte und Zimt, sind aufgrund ihrer spezifischen chemischen Zusammensetzung bekannt dafür, häufiger Irritationen zu verursachen.
• Photosensibilität: Einige ätherische Öle, insbesondere Zitrusöle, können die Haut lichtempfindlicher machen, was zu einer schnelleren Verbrennung oder Verfärbung unter Sonneneinfluss führen kann. Dieser Zustand ist als phototoxische Reaktion bekannt.
• Allergische Reaktionen: Obwohl seltener, können einige Menschen allergische Reaktionen auf bestimmte ätherische Öle erleiden. Diese Reaktionen können von Hautausschlägen bis hin zu schwereren Symptomen wie Atembeschwerden reichen, insbesondere bei Personen mit bestehenden Allergien oder Asthma.

Properly diluting essential oils before applying them to the skin is crucial to minimizing risks. Undiluted essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin problems if they come into direct contact.

Before using a new essential oil, it is recommended that you perform a patch test to determine your individual skin reaction. Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil to facilitate absorption through the skin and reduce risks of irritation. A professional healthcare provider or certified aromatherapist can provide additional safety information and customized advice on using essential oils.

Recommendations and safe use practices for essential oils in skin care: expert advice and guidelines

Using essential oils in skin care can provide therapeutic benefits when used correctly. To minimize risks and optimize effectiveness, it is critical to follow established safety guidelines. Experts recommend always diluting essential oils in a carrier substance to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions. The recommended dilution rate varies depending on the oil type, application area and individual skin sensitivity, but is usually between 1% and 5%.

• Verdünnungsrichtlinien: Eine 2%ige Verdünnung, was 12 Tropfen ätherischem Öl auf 30ml Trägeröl entspricht, wird als sicher für die meisten Anwendungen bei Erwachsenen angesehen.
• Trägeröle: Geeignete Trägeröle umfassen Jojobaöl, Süßmandelöl und Kokosöl. Diese Öle fördern nicht nur eine sichere Anwendung, sondern bieten auch eigene Hautpflegevorteile.
• Patch-Test: Vor der flächendeckenden Anwendung sollte ein Patch-Test durchgeführt werden, um mögliche allergische Reaktionen zu identifizieren.

Essential oils should not be used in their pure form, especially on sensitive skin or those with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers are also among the groups for whom special caution is required and where the use of certain oils should be avoided or only carried out after consultation with a specialist.

It is also important to purchase high-quality essential oils from trustworthy manufacturers. Quality can vary widely, and low-quality products or those containing synthetic additives may increase the risk of side effects. A trustworthy source will usually provide detailed information about the origin, production process and purity of the oil.

Finally, it should be noted that scientific research into the specific effects of various essential oils on the skin is still ongoing. Therefore, a conservative approach to dosage and product selection is recommended, including consultation with professionals if there is uncertainty or specific health concerns.

In summary, essential oils are both fascinating and complex substances whose influence on skin care cannot be assessed as purely positive or negative. The scientific evidence we have discussed underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of the ingredients and how they work, as well as the potential risks and side effects that may accompany their use. Given the diversity and potency of essential oils, individual and conscious use proves to be the key to minimizing risks and maximizing benefits. Expert recommendations and safe usage practices play a critical role in finding a balance between the healing properties and potential dangers of essential oils. In the hope that this article has provided a deeper understanding of the complex nature of essential oils and their use in skin care, it ultimately remains up to each individual to make informed decisions to promote skin health and wellness.

Sources and further literature

References

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). „PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6989, Tea Tree Oil“. Zugriff auf: PubChem.
• Ätherische Öle in der Dermatologie, Studie von Ali, B.; Al-Wabel, N.A.; Shams, S.; Ahamad, A.; Khan, S.A.; Anwar, F., veröffentlicht in „Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery“, 2015.
• Sicherheitsbewertung von ätherischen Ölen: Ein praktischer Leitfaden für die Dermatologie, Buchkapitel von Tisserand, R. und Young, R., in „Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals“, 2. Auflage, 2014.

Studies

• Wirkung von Lavendelöl auf die Heilung von Brandwunden: Eine systematische Review, Meta-Analyse von Malhotra, S.; Singh, A. P., publiziert in „Burns“, 2017.
• Evaluation der antimikrobiellen Aktivitäten von ätherischen Ölen gegen Hautpathogene, Forschungsartikel von Hammer, K.A.; Carson, C.F.; Riley, T.V., erschienen in „Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy“, 1999.

Further reading

• „Ätherische Öle: Wissenschaft, Technologie und Anwendungen“ von Baser, K.H.C.; Buchbauer, G., erschienen im Springer-Verlag, 2010. Ein umfassendes Buch, das die chemischen Eigenschaften, die pharmakologischen Wirkungen und die therapeutischen Anwendungen von ätherischen Ölen behandelt.
• Die Toxizität ätherischer Öle: eine kritische Übersicht der Literatur, veröffentlich in „Food and Chemical Toxicology“, 2018, von Tisserand, R.; Young, R. Dieser Artikel bietet eine detaillierte Bewertung der Sicherheitsaspekte und toxischen Risiken, die mit der Anwendung von ätherischen Ölen verbunden sind.
• „Der Einsatz von Aromatherapie in der Pflege: Ein evidenzbasierter Ansatz“ von Buckle, J., publiziert bei Churchill Livingstone, 2015. Ein praktischer Leitfaden für Pflegepersonal und Therapeuten, der sich mit der Anwendung und den Vorsichtsmaßnahmen von ätherischen Ölen in der klinischen Praxis auseinandersetzt.