Essential oils are useful for keeping hair and skin healthy. These oils can help promote hair growth and nourish your skin. There are many top essential oils for hair and skin to choose from. However, here are some important things to know before using them.

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are oils that are extracted from plants. They are also known as volatile oils, as they are made of chemicals that evaporate at normal temperatures. They are referred to as essential as they contain the essence or scent of the plant. They are used in aromatherapy as a treatment to heal certain conditions. These oils play a crucial role in hair and skin care.

Precautions to be taken
Essential oils are toxic if consumed orally, especially in a higher concentration. They can be particularly harmful to children and must be kept away from the reach of children.

Some oils should not be used directly, else it may lead to an allergic reaction. It is advisable to test the oil by placing a few drops on the inside of the elbow and observing for at least 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then it can be safely used. However, it should not be applied to the eye area.

Also, those with skin problems like psoriasis or rosacea should be careful using essential oils. It would be better to consult a doctor before using these oils on the skin.

Diluting with carrier oils
Most essential oils are concentrated and must be diluted before use. They do not mix with water and must be diluted with another oil, which is known as a carrier oil. They are called carrier oils as they carry the oil to the skin. Some of the best oils to use as carrier oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil.

How to use essential oils
Choose one of the top essential oils for hair and skin, dilute with a carrier oil and then apply it to the skin or hair by rubbing gently. Topical application on the skin or scalp is the best way to use these oils. A gentle massage until the oil is absorbed into the skin is recommended. Moreover, leaving it overnight gives best results.

Essential oils can also be used in a bath for skin care and rejuvenation. Simply add five to ten drops of the oil to the bathwater for an aromatherapy effect.

While choosing essential oils, ensure you opt for high-quality products to avoid any side effects. Using some of the top essential oils for hair and skin is a natural and effective way of protecting the skin and keeping hair healthy.