Repairing Your Sun-Damaged Skin with Essential Oils

Sun-damaged skin is a total summer bummer. Despite our best efforts, there are times when we either find ourselves without sunscreen, or we have not reapplied it soon enough to avoid sunburn. If you find yourself with sun-damaged skin, here are a few essential oils to help get your skin feeling healthy and rejuvenated again.

The Problem
Overexposure to the sun can result in immediate changes to the skin like: redness, swelling, blisters, or itchiness. It can also take a toll on the body by causing other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, headaches, and fever. Over time, if your skin has not been properly protected from the sun, you can get sun and age spots or additional wrinkles. Why? The sun takes a toll on the collagen and elasticity of your skin causing marks and lines to deepen.  

The Solution
The very first thing you need to do is to hydrate. When your skin has been overexposed to the sun, your body will pull moisture from other places to attempt its self-heal process. Be sure to drink the daily recommended amount of fluids for your body type.  

The 411 on Essential Oils
It’s important to remember that not all essential oils are the same. Look for oils that are organic and state 100% pure essential oil on the bottle. Otherwise, you may end up with synthetic oils that just don’t do the job right.

Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is a great choice when you are sunburned because of its anti-inflammatory agents. What makes it even better, is its ability to help regenerate cells. When your skin is on fire, Lavender oil will help calm down your skin while promoting healthy regrowth.  

For an extra soothing treat, add drops of Lavender oil to your oatmeal bath and wait for the itchiness to slowly fade away.

Myrrh Oil
Save for Christmas season, Myrrh oil doesn’t get a lot of hype. This unsung hero is a powerhouse, though. It is known for everything from boosting your immune system to preventing premature aging. Because of its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and stimulant properties, it will help get the blood circulating through your body to help you heal faster and keep those wrinkles at bay.

Ylang Ylang Oil
Another wonderful essential oil for sun-damaged skin has to be Ylang Ylang. Ylang Ylang is another anti-inflammatory, which will help with redness and itching. Additionally, because of its antioxidant components, it helps to smooth blotches, lines, and wrinkles, making it a secret weapon against aging. 

Sun damage is not a joke. When you’re young, it is hard to imagine a day when the elasticity of your skin droops, skin sags, and new wrinkles seem to pop up overnight. While, we should all embrace our new looks as we age, and love the skin we’re in, we also need to take care of ourselves and our skin to avoid other dangers.

If you have questions about which essential oils are best for your sun damaged skin, or how to blend a few together to make the right combination for you, contact us!

3 Essential Oils to Thwart Seasonal Allergies

It’s a beautiful scene all around us, lawns are turning green, bare trees are starting to fill in, flowers are blooming, it’s what we’ve been waiting for all winter. Brilliant color has finally returned to cheer us as the days grow longer and we enjoy warm evenings and fresh air. The only slight snag is the yellow film of pollen that dusts our outdoor furniture or the sounds of ah-ah-choo followed by the honking of someone blowing his nose.

Unfortunately, seasonal allergies often accompany the sights and sounds of spring. Don’t be discouraged, though, here are three essential oils to help you thwart nasty allergies and get back to basking in the glorious sun-filled spring day that awaits you.

1. Tea Tree Oil aka Melaleuca Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a magnificent essential oil that will boost your immunity while speeding up the healing process. It acts as an expectorant, providing relief for a cough and congestion. It is also antibacterial so it will kill mold and bacteria that live in your home. Tea Tree Oil blends well, so you can pair it with your favorite oils and diffuse it or use it during an at-home massage. It is known for treating skin irritations that develop from seasonal allergies. Using a cotton ball, you can gently rub the Tea Tree Oil on rashes or hives.

NOTE: Tea Tree Oil should NOT be ingested. This oil should only be used topically or when properly diffused.

2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil is a natural energizer that can be used to boost your immunity and energy level. Because it contains menthol, this essential oil is excellent for treating respiratory issues associated with asthma, congestion, coughing, scratchy throats, and blocked sinuses. It is an expectorant that can be applied to the chest through a cold rub. Additionally, the menthol in Peppermint Oil gives a cooling sensation to the skin relieving pain associated with rashes.

3. Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is a household favorite because it is incredibly versatile. This powerhouse oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and a natural calming agent. While it is busy helping to boost your immunity and treat respiratory issues, it will also relax you and aid in your sleep disturbances. Allergy sufferers often complain of headaches and pressure. Lavender Oil helps to calm and relax you. It can be applied to your temples with gentle circular rubbing, diffused as you work or sleep, or dropped into a bath allowing you to breathe deeply.

Essential Oils are a natural alternative to medication. They are known to reduce pain and inflammation, boost immune systems, and block allergens that lurk in your home or office. If you would like more ideas on thwarting seasonal allergies or need help using essential oils, contact us!