As the sun spreads its golden rays, and the temperature rises, the vivacious energy of summer draws us to take a walk in the sun. Beyond sunglasses and sunscreen, Essential Oils contribute to improving your summer enjoyment. They not only provide a pleasant scent but also many benefits for both your physical as well as mental well-being.
Essential Oils for Summertime
Essential Oils can help you take a more holistic method of staying cool and calm in the summer heat. Let's dive into our top recommendations for summer, their beneficial properties, and how they can be used.
Lavender Essential Oil - A reputed antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, Lavender has properties that help soothe sunburnt skin, ease anxiety and stress, and act an effective natural insect repellent.
Peppermint Essential Oil - High in menthol, Peppermint is cooling and invigorating, ideal for cooling the skin after prolonged sun exposure, relieving headaches and nausea, and improving mental alertness. Peppermint can also act as an insect repellent.
Tea Tree Essential Oil - Praised for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree can ease skin irritation and promote healing of existing bug bites while also repelling them.
Lemongrass Essential Oil - Mosquitos are known to have a natural aversion to the scent of Lemongrass. It also possesses antifungal properties that can prevent harmful fungus and bacteria from developing.
Sandalwood Essential Oil - Sandalwood possesses soothing properties that can cool the skin after a long day in the sun, reducing inflammation.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Known for its benefits to the respiratory system, Eucalyptus helps to clear the airways and relieve congestion. Similar to Lemongrass, Eucalyptus is an effective natural bug repellent.
Carrier Oils for Sun Protection
Did you know that many Carrier Oils possess a small Sun Protection Factor along with an array of other benefits that keep skin looking and feeling healthy? Here's a list of Carrier Oils and their respective SPF factors.
- Coconut Carrier Oil (SPF: 4-5)
- Jojoba Carrier Oil (SPF: 4)
- Avocado Carrier Oil (SPF: 15)
- Raspberry Seed Carrier Oil: (SPF: 28-50)
- Sweet Almond Carrier Oil (SPF: 5)
- Carrot Seed Carrier Oil (SPF: 38-40)
Soothing Summer Skin Spray
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Aloe Vera Gel
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Witch Hazel
- 1/2 Tbsp (7.5 ml) Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 10 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Tea Tree
- 3 drops Frankincense (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) distilled water
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients into a glass spray bottle, then shake well to combine. Spray onto skin when in need of cool relief.
This blend can aid in soothing the skin after sun exposure.
Bug Repellent Spray:
Ingredients:
- 10 drops Lemongrass
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
- 5 drops Peppermint
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons water
Combine in a small glass spray bottle, shake well, and apply to exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Reapply every few hours as needed.