The essential oil of Atlas cedar is recognized for its numerous virtues, notably possessing anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Discover the different ways to use this essential oil on the skin, as well as on the hair, in the following sections.
What are the different uses of Atlas Cedar essential oil?
Summary
Published on November 14, 2024, updated on November 14, 2024, by Marie, Scientific Editor — 6 min of reading
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What is the use of Atlas Cedar essential oil on the skin?
The Atlas Cedar essential oil is an intriguing ingredient for formulating skincare products. Indeed, this oil, originating from the Atlas mountains of North Africa, possesses anti-inflammatory, healing, and antibacterial properties, derived from its rich biochemical composition. Its various effects make it beneficial for reducing redness, accelerating the healing of minor wounds, and also caring for oily skin. Indeed, in addition to its antibacterial action, the Atlas Cedar essential oil would exert a lipolytic action, helping to limit hyperseborrhea.
How is Atlas Cedar essential oil used on the skin?
Like most essential oils, the one derived from Atlas cedar should never be used undiluted. It is generally recommended to dilute it to 10% in a vegetable oil, chosen according to your skin type. Therefore, to prepare 15 mL of solution, you need to mix 1.5 mL of Atlas cedar essential oil and 13.5 mL of vegetable oil. For example, dry skin types can dilute the essential oil in avocado oil or apricot oil, known for their nourishing and hydrating properties. For oily or acne-prone skin, a light vegetable oil, such as jojoba oil or argan oil, is preferable.
Even though it is generally well-tolerated, Atlas Cedar essential oil can sometimes cause mild skin irritations. To prevent these reactions, it is recommended to perform a skin test before any use by applying a small amount of essential oil to a small area of skin, such as the crook of the elbow for example. If you do not observe any redness, swelling or itching after 48 hours, it means that your skin tolerates the Atlas Cedar essential oil well.
As a precautionary principle, the use of Atlas cedar essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.
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The use of Atlas Cedar essential oil on hair.
Beyond its skin applications, the Atlas cedar essential oil can also be used for hair care. It is particularly valued for its soothing benefits, which help combat scalp irritations and itchiness. The Atlas cedar essential oil is also believed to have a purifying effect, similar to the one it has on the skin, which could potentially delay the point at which hair becomes greasy. However, it should be noted that scientific evidence on this matter is still limited. Lastly, the Atlas cedar essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are beneficial in fighting against the formation of dandruff.
How is Atlas Cedar essential oil used on hair?
Just as with the face or body, it is preferable not to use Atlas cedar essential oil in its pure form on the scalp. It is better to perform a 10% dilution to prevent irritations. For hair use, it is generally recommended to dilute the essential oil in vegetable oils with a dry finish, such as jojoba oil or hazelnut oil, so as not to weigh down or grease the hair. After dilution, apply this mixture to your scalp and gently massage to facilitate its penetration. You can then leave it on for thirty minutes to an hour before washing your hair.
Tip : You can also use hair care products containing Atlas Cedar essential oil, like our dandruff shampoo.
Can Atlas Cedar essential oil be ingested?
The ingestion of Atlas cedar essential oil is strictly contraindicated and, in fact, provides no cosmetic benefits. Indeed, its biochemical composition makes it toxic, even lethal, when ingested. This danger comes from the sesquiterpenic ketones it contains, compounds that can cause a neurotoxic effect by affecting the nervous system and leading to spasms or even convulsions. Furthermore, oral intake of Atlas cedar essential oil could cause severe irritations in the respiratory tract and lead to breathing difficulties.
In the event of accidental ingestion of Atlas Cedar essential oil, immediately contact a poison control center or a physician.
Sources
CHAOUCH A. & al. Analysis of moroccan atlas cedarwood oil (Cedrus atlantica Manetti). Journal of Essential Oil Research (2004).
GHANMI M. & al. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential of Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood oil). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants (2016).
BOUHRIM M. & al. Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex carrière essential oil alleviates pain and inflammation with no toxicity in rodent. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (2022).
