I work with so many lovely oils, it is almost impossible to pick a favourite. However, on a dark winter day I will always choose what I like to call, my sunshine oils. Whether it be zesty lime, soft and fruity mandarin or the zingy tang of may chang, I love my little bottles of distilled sunshine!
I have a lot of love for the citrus family with their bright, juicy fruits that radiate summer, they are the perfect antidote to the heaviness of a winters day.
If you are feeling under the weather, irritable or unhappy – try burning a few drops of orange, lemon or grapefruit in an essential oil burner to release some citrus magic into your living or work space. The citrus oil family have the unique ability to add a drop or two of sunshine into a dark day.
Did you know that fruit oils are usually distilled from the peel or the skin of the fruit? It’s interesting to notice just how good they are at promoting healthy skin for us too. They will help you find your own natural glow and brighten your complexion with their cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Sweet orange is superb for cleansing the skin, helping to lift grime and encouraging a healthy circulation.
Lemon, mandarin, tangerine, grapefruit and bergamot are all used to help brighten congested skin, clear the skin of impurities and relieve breakouts. Fruit oils promote flow and movement wherever stagnation occurs. Whether that congestion manifests itself as tension, a bad mood or poor skin tone, citrus oils can really offer a helping hand.
Sweet Orange: We love to use this oil in our sweet orange cleansing cream and our sweet orange facial scrub to brighten and cleanse the skin.Â
Lemon: Cleansing and healing, add a couple of drops of lemon essential oil to your facial oil blend. Lemon is ideal for oily or acne prone skin and will invigorate a dull complexion.
Mandarin and Tangerine: These fruit oils both promote a healthy skin tone. Add these calming oils to your bathwater with rose or frankincense for a luxurious skin softening soak.
Grapefruit and Bergamot: Perfect for cellulite blends, grapefruit is a welcome addition to any body or massage oil. Add grapefruit oil to your blends to encourage detoxification of the skin.Â
May Chang: Perfect for using in your oil burner, may chang smells absolutely delicious all by itself!Â
I personally love using lemon oil in my facial oil blends – it really helps to keep the skin clear and bright. Try 1-2 drops of lemon oil in a teaspoon of organic rosehip seed oil for an instant facial pick me up. If you’re using citrus oils for skincare, be aware that your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight after using them (I prefer to use them at bedtime to reduce the risk of sensitivity).
Do you have your very own personal sunshine oil? I’d love to hear about it.
Lindsey x
Lindsey Anne Hedges MIFPA
Please note that some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are in any doubt, please contact us as we’re always happy to offer advice. NB. None of the information provided is intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any medical conditions. If you require health advice, please seek the help of a medical professional.