Stay Cool and Calm this Summer Season with Essential Oils

Can Essential Oils Help Soothe a Sunburn?

Spending time outdoors without proper sun protection can lead to a sunburn. The severity of sunburns can vary, but even mild cases can cause discomfort.

Essential oils are often praised for their potential health benefits, including healing and pain-relieving properties. Due to these properties, you may be interested in using essential oils to soothe a sunburn. However, it\'s important to note that there is a lack of scientific research definitively linking essential oils as an effective treatment for sunburns, and more research is still needed. 

If you choose to use essential oils, it\'s crucial to use them correctly. Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so they should always be diluted before use. You can dilute them with:

Water: This is useful when diffusing essential oils into the air.

Carrier oils: These can dilute the oils for topical application on the skin or for use in a bath (along with water). Good carrier oil options include unscented oils like avocado oil, almond sweet oil, rosehip oil, and jojoba oils. Make sure the oils are safe for topical application before using them on the skin.

Cooling Essential Oils to Help with Hot Summer Weather

There are a lot of essential oils that offer cooling relief, and they’re all great for summertime blends! Here are great options to help you de-stress on the hottest days. 

Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha x Piperita): Known for its cooling sensation, peppermint oil contains menthol, which creates a feeling of well-being by cooling the nerves in the skin and treating sunburn.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil: With its natural menthol content and scent, Eucalyptus globulus oil energizes the skin and rejuvenates it even on the hottest days. 

Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil not only warms and relaxes the skin, but also helps eliminate heat by providing a cooling effect. 

Geranium Essential Oil : Known for its balancing properties, geranium oil helps regulate skin temperature and is an excellent choice for cooling down while supporting balance. 

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has a rich, invigorating aroma that invigorates the mind, elevates the mood, and creates an energizing and cooling atmosphere. It is worth noting that all citrus oils, including orange oil, have cooling properties.

Palmarosa Essential Oil: Palmarosa oil has moisturizing properties that help cool the skin, creating a soothing and moisturizing effect and combating the effects of heat. 

Chamomile Essential Oil: Mild and anti-inflammatory, German Chamomile Oil has a soothing and cooling effect that soothes the skin and reduces discomfort caused by overheating. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood oil hides its cooling properties under its earthy and woody aroma, providing earthy and relaxing properties on hot days. 

Vetiver Essential Oil: Although vetiver oil has a strong, pungent aroma, it helps the skin retain moisture and provides a pleasant feeling by providing comfort from the heat. 

Spearmint Essential Oil: Although peppermint oil is listed, other varieties of mint, such as cornmint and Spearmint oil, provide an equally cooling, invigorating, and energizing effect.

Many essential oils, such as lavender and acerola, also have mild cooling properties, but these may not be as pronounced as peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

Safe and Effective Ways to Use Cooling Essential Oils for Summer Relief

Essential oils are very concentrated and should be diluted before applying the lotion. You can increase the safety of essential oils by using natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. A general rule of thumb is to use 3-5 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.

Body Mist: Add 10-15 drops of your favorite cooling essential oil (like peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon) to a bottle of water. Shake well and spray on your body, face and hair for rapid cooling. 

Cold compress: Add a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or chamomile to a bowl of cold water. Soak a clean washcloth in water, remove excess liquid, and apply the compress to your forehead, back, or anywhere that needs cooling. 

Portable Roller: Fill a 10ml bottle with carrier oil and add 10-15 drops of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus or geranium. Roll the mixture onto pulse points, the back of your neck, or your temples to keep cool anytime, anywhere. 

Cool wet feet: Add 5-10 drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender oil to a bowl of cold water. Soak your feet in water for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and heat. 

Diffuser Blend: Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, or peppermint to your diffuser and enjoy their aroma while helping cool the air in your space. 

Cooling: Place 1-2 teaspoons of non-alcoholic or distilled water, 10-15 drops of essential oil (such as peppermint or eucalyptus), and a pinch of sea salt in a small bottle. Shake well and spray on your face, neck and chest for a quick cooling effect. 

Remember to avoid direct sunlight for a few hours after applying phototoxic citrus oils like lemon or lime. Always do a patch test before using new essential oils, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or specific medical conditions.

Safety Instructions: Please be sure to check each oil\'s product page for personal safety considerations. While chamomile) is generally gentle on the skin, other ingredients, such as menthol-rich peppermint oil, can cause irritation when used topically.  However, at high concentrations, this cold sensation can cause skin discomfort, heat and itching. In other words, it should not be used on the skin without exposure to sunlight. This oil can cause serious damage to the skin when exposed to sunlight (or tanning beds). If you plan to use essential oils, look at Phototoxic citrus essential oils to use with caution are lemon, cold-pressed lime, bergamot, and grapefruit. You’ll find specific safety guidelines on each oil’s product page.

Conclusion, Beating the summer heat is easy with the help of Meraki Essentials\' Pure and natural essential oils. In this article we explore the cooling properties of natural essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender to soothe sunburn and renew skin. Feel free to contact us to learn about the safety of using it, including body sprays, compresses, and aromatherapy blends, while taking important precautions about phototoxic citrus oils. Meraki Essentials offers highly rated quality essential oils carefully crafted to support your health and prepare you for the cold summer months. Discover the rewards and achieve the ultimate in good self-care and mindfulness.

FAQs 

Can essential oils help soothe a sunburn?

There is a lack of scientific research definitively linking essential oils as an effective treatment for sunburns. However, some essential oils like lavender oil and chamomile oil are praised for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief.

How should essential oils be used safely?

Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be ingested. They need to be diluted with a carrier oil or water before use. A general guideline is to use 3-5 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for topical application.

What are some good cooling essential oils for summer?

Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, lemon, palmarosa, chamomile, sandalwood, vetiver, and spearmint essential oils are great options for providing a cooling sensation.

How can I use cooling essential oils for summer relief?

You can make body mists, cold compresses, portable roller bottles, foot soaks, diffuser blends, and cooling spritzers using cooling essential oils mixed with water or carrier oils.

Are there any safety precautions for using citrus essential oils?

Yes, some citrus oils like lemon, lime, bergamot, and grapefruit are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure for a few hours after applying these oils.

Should I do a patch test before using new essential oils?

Yes, it\'s always recommended to do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin, to check for any adverse reactions before using a new essential oil more extensively.

When should I consult a healthcare professional about using essential oils?

If you have any specific medical conditions, concerns, or are unsure about using essential oils safely, it\'s best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.