While trying to make the perfect citrus scent that was neither too bold or too sweet, I stumbled upon an essential oil that has added an intoxicating aroma to my homemade perfume. Of course, since I quickly developed an addiction to the smell of sweet orange essential oil, I needed to do some investigation. If I could get my skincare products to smell that good, then my natural scent would be off the hook — and, obviously, that's the dream. I knew that oranges were loaded with vitamin C and I already was a huge fan of orange peel to ditch the zombie-like bags that showed up under my eyes in the mornings.
Orange essential oil is derived from the oils of orange peel, which means all the healing powers that oranges have are going to be even more potent in an essential oil. I've definitely spent a good 15 minutes rubbing the peels of oranges under my eyes, trying to extract the oil directly onto my skin. Sure, it works, but a dry orange can add extra time to this natural remedy for bags under the eyes, and using a diluted essential oil is a quicker way to get the same results. Since orange essential oil has hella benefits for skin and hair, I'm pretty stoked to add the yummy-smelling stuff to every aspect of my natural beauty routine.
Orange essential oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory which makes it an ideal ingredient in your skin and hair routine. This oil isn't just for acne-prone skin though: It's been shown to increase the ability to absorb vitamin C, collagen production, and blood flow, all of which are essential for anti-aging. Using skin products with sweet essential oil overtime can smooth wrinkles and decrease the gravity of those not so fine lines.
This essential oil is light enough for those with sensitive skin to use and experience little to no irritation, but as with any new product you are applying directly on your skin, use a test patch on the inside of your arm to make sure you don't have a reaction. Now, a few of the many recipes you can make with sweet orange essential oil.
1. Body Scrub
To exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate your skin, make a body scrub with sea salt (or raw sugar) as your base. Next, add in apricot seed oil and five to six drops of sweet orange essential oil. Apricot seed oil has a very subtle apricot scent and goes wonderfully with orange. Next add lemon essential oil or fresh lemon juice. This step is optional, but it's especially great if you're hoping to lighten the appearance of scars.
2. Anti-Aging Exfoliate
If you're sick of overpaying for anti-aging face masks, then you'll be happy to know that the contents of your kitchen cabinets may hold all the answers. I take coffee grinds (after I have brewed coffee because they are already damp and soft enough for my face) and add sweet orange essential oil and a teaspoon of raw honey. This is an excellent way to get rid of bags under your eyes or any puffiness in your face. Unlike some aging serums, this recipe works immediately for most people. Use this exfoliate once a week to rejuvenate dull skin.
3. Hydrating Lip Balm
For a great lip balm that'll keep your lips smooth and kissable, blend equal parts of cocoa and mango butter together and add in a few drops of sweet orange essential oil. Store your container in a sealable tin or plastic container to take with you on the go. Not only will this homemade lip balm keep your lips from getting cracked and bloody, it smells and tastes delicious!
Image: Annouk, Zenspa1/Flickr; Giphy
