Summer is here, which is cause for celebration if you enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Sunshine, swimming and outdoor entertaining are hallmarks of the season, but along with them come insect bites and stings, sunburn and dryness. Keeping your skin protected during the summer involves more than just slapping on some sunscreen and drinking a lot of water—you might consider using essential oils as part of your summertime skin care routine, too.
Many essential oils have proven health benefits beyond moisturizing the skin and smelling good. Here are a few of our favorites to add to your natural health and beauty product collection in Humble, TX:
- Chamomile: Chamomile can help soothe sunburn and bug bites. Add a few drops to your favorite unscented lotion or add it to a spray to scent your skin, bedclothes and more. The sweet floral scent is light and appealing, although if you have an allergy to ragweed, this may not be the best choice.
- Tea tree: Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial oil, which can be used as an antiseptic on cuts, scrapes and insect bites. The herbal, woody scent is soothing and acts as a natural insect repellant. Consult the directions on the bottle to determine whether it can be applied directly to skin.
- Lavender: Lavender is famous for its soothing, relaxing properties—it can increase blood flow and generate a sense of calm, which is why it’s so popular in spas and health stores around the world. It’s also great for reducing the buildup of sebum in our pores, which is exacerbated by the sweating we experience in the summer. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your skin care routine to fight off sweat-related acne.
- Sandalwood: Sandalwood is hydrating, so when you use a few drops of this earthy, woody essential oil in your body and face lotion, you can help combat the sticky feeling that sweat and humidity tend to produce.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is not only good for digestion and calming the mind, it’s downright refreshing when you use it in a body spray. Dilute peppermint oil with purified water, then spray on your skin for post-sun cooling action. Alternatively, you can dilute peppermint oil with sweet almond or another carrier oil to make a refreshing roller bottle to apply to the neck, temples, wrists and other places where you need to cool down. Since peppermint can burn, make sure you follow the instructions to dilute for topical use.
Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways, from proven medical uses to simply smelling and feeling great. No matter which type you use and why, always test to make sure you’re not allergic, and never ingest without speaking to a medical doctor first.
If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils and other natural health and beauty products in Humble, TX, stop by A Gift of Health today. Our well-versed staff members can help you select a product that’s right for you.