admin The popularity of essential oils in skin care is increasing. These oils seem to offer important skin benefits with minimal side effects. One such essential oil is the eucalyptus oil. The oil comes from the eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia. It is rich in several phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. The oil has important anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties (1).
Here, we discuss the benefits of eucalyptus oil for your skin, how you can use it right, and its potential side effects. Keep reading.
Stylecraze Trivia Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, Eswatini, Spain, and Chile are the primary producers of genuine eucalyptus. China produces 75% of the eucalyptus oil’s world trade.
In This Article
Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin
1. May Help Heal Insect Bites
Eucalyptus oil leaves a cooling sensation to the skin when applied topically. The oil may help reduce the pain and inflammation from an insect bite. It also may produce an antiseptic effect. Cineole, a particular compound in the oil, could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action (2).
Did You Know? The most commonly used type of eucalyptus oil, which is cineole-based, is a colorless liquid with a penetrating woody-sweet and camphoraceous scent. Related: 7 Home Remedies For Bug Bites, Signs, Symptoms, & Risk Factors
2. May Help Treat Scalp Dandruff
The antifungal properties of the oil may work against the formation of dandruff on your scalp. Some research does highlight the oil’s antifungal activity (3). However, whether the oil can also help treat dandruff is yet to be studied and understood.
Related: Different Types Of Dandruff And How To Stop Them
3. May Soothe Sunburns
Anecdotal evidence suggests that eucalyptus oil may help soothe sunburns. The oil may calm the affected region. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce skin redness. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Related: Sun Poisoning Treatment, Types, Symptoms, And Prevention
4. May Help Disinfect Wounds
You may use eucalyptus essential oil for healing wounds on the skin. It may help accelerate the healing process. One rat study suggests that eucalyptus oil may enhance the wound healing activity (4).
These are some of the important benefits of eucalyptus oil for skin. In the upcoming section, we will find out how eucalyptus oil can be used on the skin and its dosage and preparation.
How To Use Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin
It is best to use an essential oil not more than once during a day on your skin.
You can use eucalyptus essential oil for the skin after diluting it. Direct application of eucalyptus oil on the skin can result in irritation since it is quite potent.
You may also add the oil to a diffuser or your shower.
Dosage And Preparation
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a gel or another carrier oil that suits your skin. You may then apply this mixture to your skin.
Though using eucalyptus oil is easy, it may cause certain side effects. Learn more in the next section.
Side Effects Of Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin
If you are wondering if you can apply eucalyptus oil to your skin without diluting it, the answer is no. Like most other essential oils, you may experience a harsh reaction.
Some believe eucalyptus oil may also cause dermatitis on sensitive skin.
Ingesting eucalyptus oil may be toxic. Hence, check with a dermatologist before ingesting or using eucalyptus oil.
Conclusion
The oil extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus plant is used for several purposes. The potential skin benefits of eucalyptus oil could be attributed to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is warranted to further understand the skin benefits of the oil. Make sure you consult a dermatologist before using the oil on your skin. Also ensure you perform a patch test prior to application.
