Saying that oils go through the skin is a myth that needs to be exposed. Just because some books have said that oils go through the skin does not make it so. There is no scientific evidence that oils are absorbed through the skin and then into the bloodstream. Dermatologists who have done similar experiments also show that oils do not go through the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants not let them in.
Medical patches use specially designed synthetic compounds to go through the skin.
It has been shown that those oils that do have penetrative affects are also those that are likely to be sensitisers or irritants thereby showing that the skin is working in stopping contaminents getting through the skin. Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant way to relax and receive the therapeutic effects. Take care with plastic baths as some oils may cause staining. All essential oils are antiseptic and evaporate easily, so they make very good air-fresheners. There are many vaporisers on the market, from the simple bowl of water on the radiator with a few drops of oil on the surface, to vaporiser light bulb rings and specially made vaporiser bowls which sit above candle holders.