Refreshing, Natural Summer Skin Care with EOs

By Joni Keim

Summer can wreak havoc on our skin; being exposed to sun, wind, water, air conditioning, and sunscreen can leave our skin dehydrated and lacking that radiant glow. Adding essential oils to your summer skincare routine is so beneficial because essential oils can penetrate deep into the layers of our skin due to their small molecular size. Thus when applied with an appropriate carrier, essential oils help to hydrate, nourish and support optimal skin health.

Natural summer skin care moisturizes, protects, and rejuvenates

You’ve heard that oil and water don’t mix, right? Yet, diluting essential oils with water is actually a great way to spread out the oil evenly on your skin so that it penetrates and rehydrates your skin. Just be sure to shake the bottle before each use. Enjoy the following ideas for spritzers, masks, compresses, scrubs, and other skin care ideas that will make your summer more pleasurable.

Water-Based Spritzer

Water-based spritzers are convenient, easy to make, and use. They do not require refrigeration to keep fresh and can be carried in your purse, backpack, or tucked into an office drawer for use throughout the day. Add 15-25 drops of essential oil to a glass 1 oz spritzer bottle; fill with spring or filtered water. Shake and spritz. Avoid getting into eyes.

Some of our favorite essential oils to add to your Summer Skin Care Spritzer

Essential oils extracted from the flowers and fruits of a plant affect the top layer of your skin, the epidermis, and are most effective on acute conditions.

Orange Sweet, Bergamot FCF, Jasmine Dilute, Neroli Dilute, Lavender

Essential oils from leaves and foliage affect the middle layer, the dermis and are best for reducing inflammation as well as balancing and maintaining skin health.

Geranium, Rosemary, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Tea Tree

Essential oils from the roots, resins, and woods provide stability and strength for the subcutis; excellent for chronic conditions as they strengthen the skin from deeper layers.

Sandalwood Blend, Vetiver, Cedarwood Atlas, Frankincense, Myrrh

Hydrating Mask

Mix equal amounts of glycerin and raw honey with 2 drops of essential oil, choose e3 Skin Care Blend, Lavender, Rose, or Carrot Seed. Apply and leave on for 10-15 min.

Glycerin acts as a humectant which means that it draws moisture from the air or deeper layers of the skin; it is good for providing immediate relief for dry and dehydrated skin but unsuitable for long-term use as it will cause dryness.

Raw Honey is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and natural humectant. The enzymes in honey gently dissolve dead skin cells for gentle exfoliation.

Cooling Summer Heat Compress

Cool water compresses are used to relieve inflamed skin while warm water compresses increase circulation which nourishes skin cells. Fill a basin with water (warm or cool depending on use) and add 3-5 drops of essential oil; stir briskly. Lay in a washcloth or small towel, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring, and apply 3 more times; leave the last compress on for 3 minutes.

Essential oil suggestions for summer skin issues:

Dull Skin – Rosemary, Rose Dilute,

Excess perspiration – Rosemary, Cypress, Frankincense

Congested skin – Orange, Rosemary

Inflammation – Lavender, Peppermint

Dry/Itchy – Lavender

Scarring – Neroli, Bruise & Scar Blend,

Sun damage – Lavender, Frankincense

Mature Skin/Wrinkles – Geranium, Frankincense, Palmarosa, Rose, Sandalwood Blend, Skin Care Blend, Vetiver

Summer Smooth Sugar/Salt Body Scrub

spa_salt_scrub

Exfoliating the skin helps to remove dead skin cells, stimulate lymph flow and circulation. Mix 4-8 drops of your favorite essential oils into a cup of salt or sugar and 2 teaspoons of Jojoba, Rose Hip, Fractionated Coconut Oil, or Sweet Almond Oil; set aside.

Essential oils suggestions:

Rose, Frankincense, Lavender, Carrot Seed, Geranium, Female Harmony, or Skin Care Blend

Soak in a warm bath for 8-20 minutes. Dip your hand into the salt/sugar mixture and use to massage your body. Apply in gentle circular motion, avoiding face and other sensitive areas. Rinse with tepid water, your skin will feel soft, silky, and invigorated.

After Shower Moisturizer

Remember to keep skin hydrated by applying an all-natural lotion after showering, before you have dried your skin, to seal in the moisture. e3 offers all-natural scented and unscented lotions that are perfect for after-shower application.

If you’ve enjoyed these natural summer skincare ideas, and would like to learn more about mixing your own blends, make sure you have our free workbook, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils. And if you have specific questions about something we haven’t addressed yet, we invite you to contact us. We love hearing from you!