DIY BLENDS FOR BUG PROTECTION & SUN CARE
- Top 15 Essential Oils for Summertime
- Fun Summer Blends
- Essential Oils That Keep Bugs Away Naturally
- Natural Skin Protection For Sunseekers
- Essential Oils Side Effects
Summer is associated with the heartening, invigorating and revitalizing scents of blooming plant life, cooling expanses of water, freshly-cut grass, smoky aromas of barbecues and bonfires, sunblock, the earthy scent of sand and soil, juicy fruits – the list continues! Essential Oils with scent profiles that are similarly light, stimulating, reminiscent, and uplifting can inspire the buoyancy that may help us to revel, relax, get moving, undertake a new activity, and recover our joie de vivre during the dog days.
Whether camping, picnicking, gardening, swimming, travelling, or simply lounging indoors, Essential Oils not only help to mentally and physically gear up for, improve, or recuperate from countless summer pleasures, but they also exhibit a wide array of potential health gains that can replenish the strength of our minds, bodies, and spirits and protect us against summertime pests as well as the harsh effects of the elements.
Read on to discover recipes for natural suncare as well as the top restorative Essential Oils that can be incorporated into summer activities to repel insects, support immune function, and keep the body and mind feeling cleansed, comforted, clear, and energized.
TOP 15 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMERTIME
RECOMMENDED OIL | REPUTED BENEFITS |
---|---|
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
LIME ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
ROSE (OTTO & ABSOLUTE) |
|
PALMAROSA ESSENTIAL OIL |
|
Caution: Avoid using Essential Oils with photosensitizing properties when being exposed to the sun, as they make it easier for the skin to become damaged by UV radiation. Examples of photosensitive Essential Oils include:
- All citrus oils (unless Bergaptene-free)
- Angelica Root
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Dill Seed
- Ginger
- Rue
- Tagetes
- Antibacterial cleanser
FUN SUMMER BLENDS
Pink Lemonade
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Spearmint Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Cajeput Essential Oil
Tropical Paradise
- Bergamot Essential Oil
- Cardamom Essential Oil
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Sandalwood Essential Oil
Taking the Scenic Route
- Cypress Essential Oil
- Clary Sage Essential Oil
- Cassia Essential Oil
- Mandarin Essential Oil
Warm Sunshine
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Rose Absolute/Otto
- Patchouli Essential Oil
- Sandalwood Essential Oil
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KEEP BUGS AWAY NATURALLY
For natural Essential Oil blends that can help to protect against bugs – and their bites – try using any combination of the following effective Essential Oils. For enhanced skin safety and an alternative to topical application, these blends may be applied to fabrics or objects rather than the skin.
FLORAL | HERBAL | CAMPHORACEOUS | LEMONY | WOODY |
---|---|---|---|---|
Catnip |
Rosemary |
Cajeput |
Citronella |
Clove |
SUGGESTED RECIPE
Add a total of 100 drops of any preferred Essential Oils to a 60 ml (2 fl. oz) spray bottle filled with water. Cap and shake the bottle well to thoroughly combine all oils. To help prevent the oils from separating from the water, add 2 ml (½ tsp) Vegetable Glycerin. For a simpler blend, add 4-5 drops of a single Essential Oil to a spray bottle filled with ¼ cup of water.
These blends can be sprayed around the house, the patio, or onto cotton balls, which can be placed in corners of preferred rooms or outdoor areas to protect against insects that bite, such as mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and sandflies, as well as against ants, spiders, ticks, moths, earwigs, cockroaches, and other unwanted creepy crawlies.
For topical application, dilute a total of 10 drops of a preferred Essential Oil in ¼ cup or ½ cup of a preferred Carrier Oil and massage the blend into exposed areas of skin.
NATURAL SKIN PROTECTION FOR SUNSEEKERS
The following moisturizing products are known to exhibit natural sun-protective properties – albeit in low amounts – and can be added to lotions and sunscreen formulations to fortify the skin by enhancing its defense against the harsh effects of overexposure to UV radiation:
- Coconut Carrier Oil
- Jojoba Carrier Oil
- Sesame Carrier Oil
- Sunflower Carrier Oil
- Raspberry Seed
- Wheat Germ Carrier Oil
- Olive Carrier Oil
- Sweet Almond Carrier Oil
- Hemp Seed Carrier Oil
- Carrot Seed Essential Oil
- Shea Butter
DIY SUNCARE BLENDS
Create an all-natural homemade sunblock formula with the following recipe:
- In a double boiler, combine and gently heat 2 Tbsp. Shea Butter and 1 cup of a preferred sun-safe Carrier Oil (or 1 cup each of two preferred sun-safe Carrier Oils).
- When all the ingredients have melted together, remove the double boiler from the heat.
- When the blend has cooled slightly, stir in non-nano Zinc Oxide powder. The amount of Zinc Oxide will depend on the desired SPF level (see the SPF/Percentage chart below). To learn more about Zinc Oxide, click here.
- Next, stir in 0.5. ml of liquid Vitamin E and a total of 30 drops of preferred sun-safe Essential Oils.
- Transfer the blend to dark a jar and refrigerate the finished product when not in use.
- Apply this blend to any exposed skin and reapply if it fades with time, water, or perspiration.
Note: The approximate shelf life of this natural sunscreen is 6 months.
SPF RANGE | ZINC OXIDE % OF INGREDIENT WEIGHT |
---|---|
6-11 |
10% Zinc Oxide |
6-11 |
10% Zinc Oxide |
12-19 |
15% Zinc Oxide |
>20 |
20% Zinc Oxide |
FOR AN EVEN FASTER WAY TO MAKE NATURAL SUNSCREEN
- Pick any existing lotion that is free of sun-sensitizing oils.
- Thoroughly stir in Zinc Oxide powder depending on the preferred SPF level.
- Apply the lotion liberally to exposed skin before going out into the sun.
ESSENTIAL OIL SIDE EFFECTS
As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, our Essential Oils are for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using these oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Essential Oils without the medical advice of a physician, as they may have effects on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. These oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.
Those with the following health conditions are especially recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.
Prior to using any Essential Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Essential Oils must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Essential Oils include redness, rash, hives, burning, bleeding disorders, decreased speed of healing, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the products and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.
Due to the ability of photo-sensitizing Essential Oils to intensify the skin’s susceptibility to the harmful effects of the UV radiation in sunlight, it is not recommended to apply them topically (unless they are Bergaptene-free) when the skin will be exposed to sunlight; instead it is suggested that they be diffused or incorporated into air spray blends for safer application.
Read Disclaimer
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Bergamot Organic Essential Oil
USD $4.99 (1/6oz) - $5156.25 (44lbs)
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Thyme Organic Essential Oil
USD $6.99 (1/2oz) - $1060.34 (11lbs)
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Vetiver Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/6oz) - $7101.56 (44lbs)
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Clove Bud Organic Essential Oil
USD $2.99 (1/6oz) - $2187.50 (44lbs)
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Citronella Organic Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $937.50 (44lbs)
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Lavender Organic Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $2016.25 (44lbs)
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Catnip Essential Oil
USD $11.99 (1/6oz) - $894.08 (33.3oz)
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Cypress Organic Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $3006.25 (44lbs)
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Cassia Organic Essential Oil
USD $6.53 (1/2oz) - $136.51 (33.3oz)
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (#3)
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $1250.00 (44lbs)
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (#2)
USD $2.99 (1/6oz) - $2862.81 (44lbs)
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (#1)
USD $2.99 (1/6oz) - $2562.50 (44lbs)
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Cardamom Organic Essential Oil
USD $11.99 (1/6oz) - $850.00 (33.3oz)
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Eucalyptus Organic Essential Oil (Radiata)
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $1156.45 (26.4lbs)
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Palmarosa Organic Essential Oil
USD $15.99 (3.3oz)
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Rose Absolute (Bulgaria)
USD $52.99 (1/6oz) - $5543.86 (33.3oz)
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Clary Sage Organic Essential Oil
USD $6.99 (1/6oz) - $2030.09 (11lbs)
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Geranium Organic Essential Oil
USD $3.99 (1/6oz) - $4218.75 (44lbs)
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Lime Organic Essential Oil
USD $8.99 (1/2oz) - $5156.25 (44lbs)
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Orange Organic Essential Oil (Sweet)
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $937.50 (44lbs)
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Lemon Organic Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/2oz) - $310.34 (11lbs)
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Spearmint Organic Essential Oil
USD $4.99 (1/2oz) - $11253.55 (396lbs)
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Sandalwood Organic Essential Oil
USD $21.99 (1/6oz) - $2363.64 (33.3oz)
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Grapefruit Pink Organic Essential Oil
USD $5.99 (1/6oz) - $427.80 (33.3oz)
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