This citrus fruit is great for your skin

If you think I’m talking about a lemon or an orange think again!

This fragrant citrus fruit that could be mistaken for a lime is known as Bergamot. That name may ring a bell as it is used as a popular beauty, perfume and aromatherapy staple. This unique fruit as delicious as it sounds  cannot be eaten. Although the peels are used to give earl grey tea those distinct citrusy floral notes.

 

Why you should use bergamot oil

Originally rooted to Southeast Asia, bergamot was more widely cultivated in the southern part of Italy. Bergamot essential oil was named after the city of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where it was originally traded.  In Italian traditional herbal medicine, bergamot is used for reducing fever, fighting parasitic diseases and relieving sore throat. I’m sure you can already connect the dots on this one 🙂

It’s a bitter, sweet, spicy oil that can ease all types of skin woes making it all things to all skin if you know how to use it!  The essential oil is pressed from the rind or peel of the fruit and is commonly used to reduce stress through aromatherapy.

This citrus fruit is not only great for your mood but it’s great for your skin. For me the number one reason to start using this citrus fruit is to  get rid of excess oil and to prevent and heal acne. If only I heard of this in my teen years , talk about bitter-sweet !

Bergamot essential oil is the ultimate before and after acne treatment and here’s why.

Skin benefits

Gets rid of oil

The main cause of acne is when our pores become extremely clogged with oil you don’t need and we know that baseline skin care involves cleansing, toning and hydrating. Bergamot can work it’s magic as it’s a super antibacterial & astringent, meaning it will sort out that oils and prevent further clogging and germs. To simply translate, fewer pimples on the way !

Heals

Although if you are already licking your wounds then the best way forward would be for bergamot to take over and calm your skin as it is an anti-inflammatory & analgesic of note. This citrus fruit is great for your skin as it  treats the pain, redness and scars that acne bestows upon us so generously.

Acne aside it is just a superhero at healing all kinds of skin wounds. From bites to cuts to burns it goes to work and alleviates the pain and soothe irritation.

Before you start using

A word of caution on this fruit. If you have overly sensitive skin it would be wise to stay away and don’t use, not even a drop. Another precaution is to avoid sunlight for a while after using because bergamot will make your skin sensitive to sunlight. I know you hear this time and time again but wear sunblock whenever possible, even on cloudy days.

Bergamot is one of those essential oils when used with other meds that increase sensitivity to sunlight and may cause not only sunburn but blisters and worst case cancer. I’m not trying to scare anyone but just wear the sunblock please!

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Some ideas for “the lab”

It brings me such joy to create and customize recipes to suit my needs and I’m sure it will do the same for you!

Tone it down!

The best way to free your skin from unwanted oil and to shrink pores is to revert to baseline ritual step 2, i.e . Toning.

Being an awesome astringent, bergamot essential oils can be added to existing toners or you can make your own. I would add it to micellar water to do a great pre-cleanse and to shrink the pores. But here is a great recipe:

You will need :

• 3 tbsp. Of aloe vera juice or gel
• 3 chamomile tea bags
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tsp. Of witch-hazel
• 10 drops bergamot oil

Start by boiling the water and brew the chamomile tea let it stand till room temperature. Mix the bergamot/ aloe and witch hazel separately and once the tea is at the right temperature include in this mixture. It’s good to store in a glass jar that seals properly. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks 🙂

Remember that when you tone your skin try to soak the cotton pad in the mixture and dab onto your skin. The idea is not for the cotton pad to soak up the toner on your skin but rather to moisten your skin leaving it damp afterward. I would actually recommend spritzing your toner onto your face instead of using the cotton in this way more product gets onto your skin and less waste to dispose of for the environment:)

Scrub it up!

Not only do you get rid of dead skin cells and improve circulation when you exfoliate ( love that word).  But you get the boost needed in this recipe from bergamot that will fight the acne causing bacteria and the stress relief that is much-needed!

You will need:

• ½ cup of sweet almond, olive, coconut, wheatgerm or jojoba oil ( any of your favorite carriers)
• 1 cup sugar
• 10–15 drops bergamot essential oil
• Mix bergamot essential oils and the carrier oils and then combine with the sugar.
• Mix well and store in a glass jar that has a tight lid

This scrub is great for the face and body and can be used once a week to leave you looking glowing and youthful:)

Zap it out!

We now know all about the antibacterial and analgesic benefits to your skin so when you want to zap those spots this recipe takes action instantly. You can either make a gel by using organic aloe vera gel, or you can make a facial oil with a skin-nourishing carrier oil—like or wheatgerm / chia seed or jojoba.

Such a pleasure to know you have clean healing alternatives for your face that is free from all the chemicals found in some store-bought solutions.

You will need:

• 30ml organic aloe vera juice / gel
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• Mix well and store in a dark glass bottle

For an added boost of healing  ,mix in 3 drops of frankincense oil to this spot busting solution. Using this daily on those nasty painful pimples is like  zapping it away!

More tips

• When using bergamot keep in mind it may cause irritation on sensitive skin.
• Stick to a ratio of 2% dilution which is 10 drops to every 30ml of carrier oil or water when mixing up your customized recipes.
• It is photo toxic which just means increases sensitivity to sunlight so please take precautions and wear sunscreen and try to avoid direct sun immediately after applying for about 6 hours.
• You can add to your normal cleansers and moisturizers using the ratios mentioned above.
• To sooth and calm your body and mind relax in a steamed bath and add 5 drops of bergamot and 5 drops of lavender.
• It’s a sultry fragrance to burn in your home or diffuse whatever is your choice, you will feel de-stressed with the aroma permeating especially if you have a home office 🙂

This citrus fruit is great for your skin

Bergamot fruit is the limy orange you can’t eat but your skin will definitely be lapping up. It works it’s magic to alleviate acne & oil prone skin. It’s uses are endless but especially for your skin it will leave it unclogged and blemish free. If you don’t have time to make your own potion then hop online and try out these amazing organic bergamot products.

Time for my earl grey tea!

Leave a comment or question below, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this citrus fruit.

LOVE YOUR SKIN NATURALLY