Essential oils are a great household item that can fit into many uses, including skincare. However, due to their concentrated formula, they should never be used directly on the skin. So when there is an unplanned essential oil spill on the skin, you have to take it off immediately.
While the benefits of essential oil on the skin is numerous, it can be difficult to remove from the skin.
And when you are not sure what can work to neutralize it, waiting for a solution can increase irritation, redness, or any other side effects, depending on how sensitive your skin is.
This article takes a look at what will get essential oil off your skin as fast and safely as possible. Don’t worry, you won’t have to get any special items; they are all within reach at home.
How to get essential oil off the skin
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the best household items that can help to neutralize many things, including stains and smells. Naturally, it can help get rid of essential oil.
Moreover, you already have it sitting in your home for things like this, so put it to good use.
How to use:
- Mix baking soda and water to form a thick paste
- Apply the soda to the affected area of your skin
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water
The soda absorbs the essential oil and soothes the skin. Additionally, it doesn’t leave a dry finish but moisturize or oil the affected area after rinsing off the soda mix.
2. Carrier oils
Carrier oils are normally used to dilute essential oils because they contain fatty oils that break down the concentration and effects of essential oils, but they do not reduce their quality or essence.
You can get essential oil off the skin by using a handy carrier oil to neutralize the effect of the oil on the skin. Simply add a carrier oil to a cotton pad or ball and gently massage the skin area the essential oil sloped on. The carrier oil used will balance the essential oil and soothe the skin.
Carrier oils you can use include: coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and others.
3. Use rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is something you have sitting in your home somewhere too. You can use the oil to get essential oil off the skin because rubbing alcohol has ethanol, which has a canceling effect on other compounds.
It has a neutralizing effect on chemicals and particles. Therefore, it can break down the molecules of essential oils, easily peeling them off the skin.
Furthermore, it has a drying effect, which neutralizes anything on a surface. To use rubbing alcohol, apply on a cotton pad or ball, then rub on the affected area of the skin.
Be sure to moisturize your skin after because alcohol has a drying effect. This also includes zapping the skin’s natural oil. To avoid dry or scaly skin, improve the moisture balance of your skin.
4. Soap and water solution
This is a classic for getting any greasy liquid from a surface. Soaps contain molecules that can neutralize and break oil’s compounds. But because they have harsh chemicals, it’s best to soften them with water.
A soap and water solution will also neutralize essential oils mixed with carrier oils. You can use a washcloth or your hands to massage the area affected.
As you gently massage or scrub, you feel a soothing relief thanks to the water. After using the solution, rinse off with clean water. This process removes lingering residues or oil on your skin.
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe the skin. You can apply aloe vera to the affected area if you feel itching or redness.
To use:
- Rinse of the affected area of the skin
- Dry with a towel
- Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area
- Leave it to soothe your skin
- You can rinse off after a few minutes or wait for the irritation to stop before rinsing off.
6. White vinegar
White vinegar also contains molecules that can neutralize oil on the skin. It works best for diluted essential oils or to offset the smell of the essential oil on the skin.
To use, simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then apply on the sensitive or affected areas with a cotton ball. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off with soapy water, then clean water to get the vinegar smell out.
7. Baby oil
If you do not have a carrier oil sitting at home, baby oil is an alternative you can use to get essential oil off the skin.
Some baby oils contain mineral oil or other compounds that would not only ease the skin but can also neutralize the essential oil.
To use, simply dab your soaked cotton ball on your affected skin, and leave it for about five minutes before rinsing it off with water to remove residues.
8. Salt-water solution
You can also use a salt-water solution to remove essential oil off the skin. This is a great solution when you feel skin irritation and itchiness. The solution effectively removes oils because it has mineral content. You can use Epsom salt-water solution for this.
Apply the solution to the affected area, then rinse off after 15 minutes with water.
FAQs
Why are essential oils dangerous for the skin?
Essential oils contain concentrated compounds of a particular part of a plant. These are particularly harsh on the skin and can lead to reactions such as itchiness, redness, inflammation, irritation, and contact dermatitis, among others.
That’s why it must be diluted with a fatty acid that would cushion the effects of the oil on the skin.
Can essential oil used for aromatherapy affect the skin?
If used properly, it would not.
Unless there is a spill, you are allergic, or the oil is used wrongly, aroma therapeutic oils should not have any effect on your skin.
If you notice discomfort with any essential oil in your aromatherapy session, discontinue use immediately and neutralize the smell with fragrances or home sprays.
How should you get essential oil off your hair?
Use shampoo.
If you want to get rid of essential oil applied to your hair, wash your hair with shampoo because it also neutralizes oils and residues in your strands.
Conclusion
Essential oils are great household items that help with various things, particularly skincare and aromatherapy. However, they are not to be directly applied to the skin.
If this happens and you experience side effects, wash off with soap and water. If that does not do it, apply a baking soda mix, rubbing alcohol, or apply carrier oil to the skin. They should soothe the skin immediately before it turns into a burn.
And whenever you use your oil, always be careful not to let it spill. This is the best way to care for yourself and your home to avoid mishaps.
Thanks for reading.
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