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Best Place to Apply Essential Oils

Have you ever wondered where to apply your essential oils? The outer layer of our skin is called the epidermis and is composed of four layers (there are five layers on the palms and soles of feet). Most of the physical, chemical and immunological barrier functions of the epidermis are localized to the corneocyte layer. Corneocytes are essentially dead cells, and generally speaking, they are not susceptible to viral attacks, although inconspicuous microabrasions may allow a pathway of permeability. Corneocytes absorb and store water for skin flexibility and hydration.

Different ethnic groups and parts of our body have varying amounts of corneocyte layers, so when considering the optimum place to apply essential oils, consider the information on the Corneocyte Layer chart, where you'll see that the face has the fewest layers and the palms and soles of feet the most.

Consider your need. If you have an aching knee, then apply your oil on that location for the best results. If you are addressing a sickness and want immune support, then choose an area noted for good absorption that is also a reasonable place to apply your immune-supporting oil/blend. For example, in our home that is usually the torso. For respiratory issues, we apply the oil to our inner thighs. "Essential oils absorbed into the abdominal veins [eg. as a suppository or applied on inner thighs] bypass the liver. They are fed directly into the heart-lung circulatory system without first being subjected to biotransformation by the liver detoxification enzyme system. Consequently, they reach the lower bronchial capillaries in their original lipophilic and volatile state, still capable of eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and dissolving and expectorating mucus" (The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, p. 137, by Kurt Schnaubelt).

In addition to choosing an optimum place to apply essential oils, it's also helpful to know that your carrier choice may enhance/optimize absorption as well.

The "Best" Absorption Choices (in order of "best"):

1. Gels (such as Aloe Vera)
2. Water-based Lotion
3. Oil-based Creams
4. Carrier Oils

The following chart may help you combine oils in such a way to enhance the possibility of better absorption. Also notice that using aloe vera gel to dilute your oils will provide better absorption than using carrier oils.