Skin barrier function: effect of age, race and inflammatory disease

Dermal application, for the majority of aromatherapists, provides the principal route for essential oil administration. Many therapists are made aware during their training of factors inherent to individuals that can effect the permeation of essential oils. Such factors include age, anatomical site, hydration of the stratum corneum and damage to the stratum corneum. The pharmacological significance of the amounts of essential oil absorbed continues to be disputed but reports of topically induced adverse reactions to essential oils and fragrances are increasingly reported. This paper seeks to provide a detailed review of the effects of age, race and disease on the barrier function of the skin and endeavours to encourage both appropriate usage and further exploration of the therapeutic topical application of essential oils in these different population subsets.