Why You Shouldn't Use Essential oils on Eczema?
Ulyana Michailov 
Discussing the negative impact of essential oils on skin with eczema.
Why you should not use Lavender essential oil on eczema skins?
In fact why should you not use any essential oils on eczema prone skin types?
Essential oils contain active compounds and volatile constituents that can be highly potent and potentially irritating to the skin when applied neat.
In recent years, it has become popular to use essential oils for a wide range of purposes, including domestic cleaning, cosmetics, fragrance, medicinal use, and culinary flavors. It seems that no matter the problem, there is an essential oil that can fix it.
Whilst there is no argument that EO’s are medicinal and therapeutic, as historically essential oils have been revered by humanity for various reasons. A more thoughtful approach should be considered for treating eczema. For your skin to benefit from products that contain essential oils it has to be in the right condition otherwise the following is likely to happen.
1. Skin Irritation
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be irritating to sensitive skin types, especially if applied directly. Eczema already makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation, and the strong compounds in essential oils might trigger a flare-up, leading to redness, itching, or further damage to the skin barrier.
2. Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to specific essential oils. Even if you're not allergic, some oils can cause a reaction in sensitive individuals, leading to worsening of eczema symptoms like itching, swelling, or rash.
3. Potential for Drying
Eczema-prone skin tends to be dry and inflamed. Some essential oils, particularly those like peppermint or eucalyptus, have a drying or cooling effect that can further dehydrate the skin, making eczema worse over time. Citrus oils can be corrosive, which is why they’re often used in cleaning products.
4. Disruption of the Skin's Natural Barrier
Eczema damages the skin's natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants. Some essential oils may affect this barrier even more, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and heal properly.
5. Photosensitivity
Certain essential oils (like citrus oils, e.g., bergamot or lemon) can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can lead to an increased risk of sunburn or skin damage, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Safer Alternatives:
For eczema, it's generally safer to use fragrance-free and gentle moisturizers that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
This website is dedicated to teaching parents how to help treat their child’s eczema naturally using nutrition and naturopathic principles.
If you are ready to consider treating the root cause of your child’s eczema using naturopathic methods book in your virtual appointment here.
Otherwise, consider getting your child’s free skin report to learn more.
