Essential oils have the ability to penetrate through our skin due to their molecular structure. These molecules are so small they pass effortlessly through our skin. Not all of the essential oil will get into your system and evaporate as soon as it touches our skin. Since carrier oils have a heavier molecular structure some of the essential oil remains on top of your skin mixed with the carrier oil. This provides you with extra benefits. Not only are you getting the essential oils penetrating power but also the oil that remains on the skin surface provides your skin many therapeutic benefits as well.
Molecular Vibration: All molecules vibrate at different frequencies. The lighter the molecule the faster it vibrates. On the other end of the spectrum, the heavier a molecule is the slower it vibrates. Imagine this if you will. You are standing at the edge of a swimming pool. You then dive in head first. The molecular frequency of the water is vibrating at a high speed and allows you to pass through it easily. Now imagine you are standing next to a hundred year old Oak tree. What would happen if you ran head first into it. If you don’t break your neck you’ll give yourself a really bad headache. This is because the molecules of a tree are very heavy and vibrate at a very slow rate.
Essential oils are so light and vibrate at such a high frequency that they have little trouble passing through our skin.
Absorption: Not all of the essential oils are absorbed right away. As a matter of fact, the most absorbable components in most essential oils do not appear in the blood for about twenty minutes. With some of the heavier oils it may take forty to sixty minutes to find their way into the blood stream.
Safe Home Test: Do this on an evening you plan to stay home! Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side all over the bottom of your foot. Put socks on your feet and wait. After about twenty minutes the oil from the garlic will have made it to your blood stream. You will know because you will be able to taste it. From the bottom of your feet to your head in about twenty minutes. That is penetrating power!
X Marks the Spot: The majority of an essential oils healing properties go directly where you need it most. If you apply a pre-workout oil for toning muscles, most of the essential oils will remain within the muscle group you are trying to tone. If you have cramped muscles, most of the oils to calm those muscles will remain in the area they are needed. Essential oils have the ability to take care of infection, relieve bruises and ease cramping muscles.
Rate of Absorption Any time we dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil it slows the rate of absorption. (Essential oils are highly concentrated and need to be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied directly on your skin.) If you are looking for deep penetration, choose a lighter carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or grapeseed. Choosing a heavier carrier oil such as almond or jojoba will hold more of the essential oils on the surface of your skin, making them excellent for skin care.
Controversy: There is some difference of opinion as to what treatments actually work best. Some will say that the healing is from breathing the aroma, Others will argue that the deep penetration by way of massage is what does the healing. I choose not to get caught up in all of that. I happen to enjoy taking in the fine aroma of the essential oils while receiving a warm and loving massage!
Remember, always use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils for optimum results.
Sallie A. Peterson
Sign up for our free newsletter and view our excellent line of therapeutic grade essential oils and quality aromatherapy products at http://www.amberoils.com
