Attune Aroma

When most people hear the term aromatherapy, their minds often and understandably assume that inhalation is the only way to benefit from essential oils.  I get asked quite a bit how it is possible for essential oils and their properties to be absorbed into the skin – our largest organ.  While it is true that one of the main function of the skin is to protect our system, it is permeable as well.

The outermost surface of the skin (Stratum corneum) is both hydrophilic and lipophilic.  Something that is highly fat-soluable will have trouble getting through the watery parts, while something that is water-soluable will be unable to pass through the lipid friendly regions.  This is the beauty of essential oils!  They have water and fat-soluabilities, with fat-solubility being in greater proportion.  This, along with their low molecular weight (under 500), makes them ideally suited for their properties to pass through the skin.

Once the essential oils have been absorbed, the epidermis gradually releases their molecules to the dermis and from the dermis they enter the blood capillaries.  The therapeutic components are then carried away into the system.

Massaging diluted essential oils into the skin has been shown to effect the rate of absorption.   Unlike sweating, which is an active process, the passing of molecule inwards through the skin is passive.   This means that substances which can enter the body through the skin will do so if they are in contact with the skin for more than a few minutes.  It makes sense then, that a massage therapy session with essential oils added to the oil or simply applying diluted essential oils to the area that hurts/is congested/etc.  has become a popular way to administer the therapeutic properties of the oils.  A study documented in Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety explains how concentrations of lavender oil components were detected in the blood stream after only 20 minutes of massage application.

Water and a rise in temperature also effect the rate of absorption.  Taking a hot bath hydrates the stratum corneum as well as increases the amount of blood circulating in the dermis.  Both of these factors enhance the absorption of essential oils into the system while the warmth of the water causes the essential oils to evaporate, offering up their aromas to us via inhalation!  It’s the best of both worlds!

Some essential oils, such as Niaouli, are actual skin penetration enhancers and can helps with transdermal delivery of therapeutic components much like, for example, the nicotine patch does.  Making a blend with an essential oil that has this characteristic can also effect the rate of absorption.

I make a lot of blends specifically made for skin absorption and offer the addition of essential oils to all of my massage therapy, reiki and foot reflexology clients.   If your holistic bodyworker offers this option try upgrading during your next session.  There is little doubt in my mind you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner!