Summer Skin Care With Essential Oils

Citrus essential oils are a great way to bring a summery, fresh scent into your home. But they are also used in skin care products. From moisturizers and body scrubs to face masks and even bug repellent, essential oils have a variety of applications when it comes to skin care. But before you go ahead and start mixing up your own homemade concoctions, there’s something important you need to know about essential oil safety.

Essential Oil Safety Basics
Because essential oils are so concentrated, it’s important to understand the basics of using them safely. In general, citrus essential oils (like lemon, lime, orange, mandarin, and grapefruit) are considered phototoxic—meaning that if applied directly to the skin in large quantities and exposed to sunlight or UV rays, they can cause a burning sensation on the skin as well as an increased risk for sunburns or other types of skin damage.

When working with citrus essential oils in your skincare products such as lotions or face masks, always use calculated amounts using IFRA dermal limits. Additionally, if you plan on using a product containing citrus essential oils outdoors on warm days or near direct sunlight, consider wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves or hats and avoid extended periods of exposure. It’s also important to remember that although citrus essential oils have many benefits when used properly in skin care products they may not be suitable for everyone. Those with sensitive skin should always perform a patch test before applying any new product containing essential oils directly to their skin. Lastly, because some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients, it’s best practice to look for products that feature clear ingredient lists.

Citrus essential oils make great additions to skincare recipes that can be tailored specifically for your needs. However, keep in mind that these powerful compounds require extra caution when being used topically due their phototoxic properties. By following the basic rules of safety outlined here—including wearing protective clothing while outdoors and avoiding prolonged exposure—you can enjoy all the wonderful benefits of adding citrus scents into your skincare routine without any harm coming your way!