Grapefruit is undeniably one of nature’s most versatile food offerings. While we know that consuming grapefruit can help regulate blood pressure, promote heart health, and even boost the immune system, a product manufactured from the peel of the fruit can contribute greatly to your skin’s health as well as your general well-being. Commonly used in aromatherapy, grapefruit essential oil can, when used correctly, give your existing skin care ritual a significant boost, rendering your skin healthier and more radiant-looking than ever before.
What’s the deal with grapefruit essential oil?
Grapefruit essential oil is a citrus-scented orange-tinted oil that is extracted from the peel of the grapefruit through a process known as cold-pressing. When inhaled, the oil can cure everything from hangovers to headaches while also reducing mental fatigue and even depression. Apart from being a superb source of vitamins A & C, grapefruit is also extremely rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants which all function together to help treat everything from wrinkles and age spots, to acne and pigmentation issues.
How can grapefruit essential oil benefit my skin?
Grapefruit essential oil can contribute significantly to your skin’s health by treating and preventing a multitude of conditions such as acne. It is due to its potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties that the oil has been included in the product ranges of popular beauty brands including Kiehl’s, Neutrogena, and Ole Henriksen. By disinfecting the skin and eliminating acne-causing bacteria, grapefruit essential can help eradicate acne while contributing to an overall clearer complexion.
For a simple acne treatment, simply mix one to two drops of essential oil with half a teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil and apply it to the affected areas. If you don’t want to purchase a toner that contains grapefruit essential oil, you can make your own by mixing together half a cup of distilled water with one teaspoon of witch hazel and 3 drops of essential oil.
Give dry, flaky skin the boot
After being trapped in long pants and sweaters all winter you are bound to be in desperate need of a good exfoliation. You can make your own fragrant and effective body scrub by mixing together a cup of salt scrub with a tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil, two tablespoons of raw honey, 10 drops of geranium and bergamot essential oils and 15 drops of grapefruit essential oils. Use your homemade scrub in liberal amounts to get get rid of unsightly dry skin, pimples, and uneven skin tone.
Other benefits of grapefruit essential oil
Apart from contributing towards a radiant-looking skin, grapefruit essential oil can also be used to render your hair beautifully soft and lustrous. You can either add 10 drops of essential oil directly to your current shampoo or, alternatively, make your own by mixing a quarter cup of liquid castile soap with half a teaspoon of glycerine, two teaspoons of jojoba oil, half a cup of distilled water and ten drops of oil together in a suitable bottle. You can even turn to grapefruit oil when your muscles are aching, creating a soothing rub with 10 drops of essential oil and half a cup of jojoba oil.
Important things to remember
When incorporating grapefruit essential oil into your beauty regime it is important to remember a few safety precautions. When first using the oil, do a sensitivity test on a small patch of skin first. Mix a single drop of oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (such as olive or coconut) and apply it to your inner wrist. If no adverse effect is noted within an hour you should be good to go. Grapefruit essential oil is extremely photo-sensitive which means it should not be applied prior to your skin being exposed to sunlight.
Instead, apply as needed at night or make sure that the parts of your skin that you applied the oil to is properly covered while venturing outside. Even if you don’t have acne you can still make use of a grapefruit oil-based facial toner that will remove the excess oil from your skin, giving it a glowing yet oil-free appearance
Next time you are looking for an addition to your skin care range that will address your oily skin, unclog your pores, and leave you looking positively radiant, seek out products that contain grapefruit essential oil. Alternatively, by keeping a bottle of quality essential oil on hand you can effortlessly create your own scrubs, toners, and moisturizers that will leave you looking and feeling glorious.
