During the summer months, your skin is often exposed to the elements more than usual, particularly if you take a vacation to the beach or the mountains. Although it feels good to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, unless properly protected, the effects of the exposure can have lasting effects. Here are three quick and easy aromatherapy recipes that you might like to try this summer.

Cooling Aromatherapy Spray for Summer Sun

A hot day in the sun can leave you hot and bothered. Try to stay cool throughout the day with this easy-to-make aromatherapy spray.

What You Will Need:

• 2 oz distilled water
• 6 drops of spearmint (Mentha spicata) essential oil
• 12 drops of expressed sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
• 2 oz spray bottle
• label

1. Fill the empty spray bottle with distilled water.
2. Add the stated amount of essential oils.
3. Shake the bottle vigorously before each use.
4. Label the bottle with the contents and the date that you made it.
5. Store appropriately.

Directions for Use:

• Spray a small amount of the aromatherapy blend onto the skin (avoiding direct contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas of the body) as needed.

Cautions for Use:

• Intended for adult use only.
• Stop use immediately if sensitivity occurs.
• Consult a certified aromatherapist for further advice.

Calming After Sun Aromatherapy Lotion

Despite your best efforts, sometimes there is no avoiding the fact that your skin will become sore and/or sensitive after a day in the sun. Try a soothing and calming aromatherapy lotion to help.

What You Will Need:

• 4 oz unscented, white lotion base*
• 18 drops Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil
• 20 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
• 10 drops helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium) essential oil
• 4 oz jar
• label

How to Make:

1. Fill the empty jar with the unscented, white lotion base.
2. Add the stated amount of essential oils.
3. Stir the essential oils into the lotion with a glass rod or spoon.
4. Label the jar with the contents and the date that you made it.
5. Store appropriately.

Directions for Use:

• Apply a small amount of the lotion to sore and/or sensitive skin as needed. Do not apply to broken skin.

Cautions for Use:

• Intended for adult use only.
• Stop use immediately if sensitivity occurs.
• Consult a certified aromatherapist for further advice.

Soothing Massage Oil for Dry Skin

Summer sun has a habit of drying out even the most “normal” skin type. Moisturizing daily can help – especially with a beneficial massage oil. Try the following recipe to soothe dry skin.

What You Will Need:

• 2 oz apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) oil
• 5 drops of rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil*
• 10 drops of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil
• 9 drops of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) essential oil
• 2 oz bottle
• label

*Use rose essential oil, not rose absolute.

How to Make:

1. Fill the empty bottle with the apricot kernel oil.
2. Add the stated amount of essential oils.
3. Shake the bottle vigorously to blend together the ingredients.
4. Label the bottle with the contents and the date that you made it.
5. Store appropriately.

Directions for Use:

• Apply a small amount of the oil blend to the face (avoiding the eye area) and body daily.

Cautions for Use:

• Intended for adult use only.
• Stop use immediately if sensitivity occurs.
• Consult a certified aromatherapist for further advice.
  
  

Aromatherapy Recipes for Summer

The aromatherapy recipes provided in this post are just an example of three easy aromatherapy products to make for summer. If you have a specific health condition, are pregnant, elderly, a child or a baby, or you are taking specific medication (prescribed or over-the-counter), seek further advice before using aromatherapy products. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.

References:

• Falsetto, Sharon, 2014, Authentic Aromatherapy, US: Skyhorse Publishing
• Lawless, Julia, 1995, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons
• Price, Len, 1999, Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage, UK: Riverhead Publishing