With balancing, calming and uplifting properties, Bergamot Essential Oil is among the most popular citrus oils used for aromatherapy. But did you know it is also widely regarded as beneficial for skin and used naturally for skincare?
So, what are the Bergamot Essential Oil skin benefits? In this article,we’ll look at Bergamotin detail and how to use this popular essential oil daily to minimise irritation or as part of your daily skincare routine.
What Is Bergamot Essential Oil?
Derived from cold-pressing the rind of the Citrus Bergamiabotanical, Bergamot Essential Oil is a refreshing essence that perfectly balances citrusy-sweet fruits and florals.
For years, Bergamot Essential Oil has been used in aromatherapy, with multiple properties said to help calm nervous tension, improve sleep, boost immunity and fight infections.
Yet its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties are also thought by many to benefit the skin, calming countless conditions and skin flares to make them manageable. Some even say it does away with skin imperfections altogether.
It’s no wonder Bergamot is one of the most popular oils available!
What are the Skin Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil?
Cleansing the Skin
Bergamot Essential Oil possesses antibacterial, antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Together, these are said to help cleanse and tone the skin naturally, fighting and preventing the growth of bacteria.
Fighting Acne
The analgesic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Bergamot Essential Oil are thought to work effectively to prevent pimples, acne and blackheads. What’s more, as Bergamot Essential Oil is a Cicatrizant, it also fights off any scars left behind by acne.
Calming Irritated Skin
Minor skin irritations can sometimes persist and become more irritable if left untreated. According to some users, the calming properties of Bergamot Essential Oilcan help calm dermatitis-type skin irritations and inflammation before they worsen.
Improving Serious Skin Conditions
Some people who suffer with serious skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis believe the multiple health properties of Bergamot Essential Oil help reduce the symptoms and help ease itching or pain.
Combatting Signs of Ageing
The antioxidant properties in Bergamot Essential Oil promote cell renewal and rejuvenation. This benefits skin health, potentially reducing age spots and wrinkles.
Minimising Growths
Thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, Bergamot has been known to tackle many growths, such as abscesses,boils and cold sores, reducing symptoms and severity.
Reducing Body Odour
The citrusy aroma in Bergamot oil leaves a natural-smelling odour behind, making it an effective deodorant. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, helping to disinfect the body and rid it from odour-causing bacteria.
Repelling Insects
The wonderfully sweet and citrusy aroma of Bergamot Essential Oil is much-loved by people – but not by bugs and insects, who thanks to its limonene content, are no fan of Bergamot and make a bee-line to escape it.
Encouraging Sleep
We all know how time spent sleeping helps repair the body. Bergamot Essential Oil contains a combination of ‘Linalool’, a chemical compound known to act as a sedative, as well as its main constituent‘Limonene’, which is known to have a serotonin-boosting effect. These properties make Bergamot Essential Oil a popular aid for facilitating sleep – which indirectly benefits the skin.
Popular Ways to use Bergamot Essential Oil for Skincare
Here are some popular ways to enjoy the various skin benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil.
Bergamot Essential Oil as a Body Wash
To enjoy the many skin benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil, add 2-5 drops to your regular body wash. *Clarification needed – see notes in email. When used for showering or bathing, the steam will also help facilitate the oils’ refreshing aroma.
Bergamot Essential Oil as a Spot Treatment
To help combat a pimple breakout, add a few drops of Bergamot Essential Oil into a glass roller bottle and top up with a carrier oil,apply it directly to the affected area and leave to soak in.
Bergamot Essential Oil as a Topical Application
To use Bergamot oil topically for skin irritations, as an insect repellent or deodorant, dilute a few drops into a carrier oil and apply to the skin using one of the below methods.
- Add a few drops of Bergamot to a carrier oil of your choice, like Jojoba Oil, at a 2-4% dilution.
- Use the same method for facial application at a 1-2% dilution.
In a Diffuser
For those wanting to experience the calming benefits Bergamot Essential Oil offers the mind, add a few drops with some water to your aromatherapy diffuser. Or, for a restful sleep, pop the diffuser by your bedside for 30 minutes before bed.
Considerations When Using Bergamot Essential Oil on the Skin
Bergamot Essential Oil is a strong compound which requires extra care when considering quantities for use. Applying to the skin at full strength can result in stinging or inflammation. Take note of suggested dilution quantities when using Bergamot for skin care.
Bergamot contains chemical compounds that may have a phototoxic effect on the skin, making it sensitive when exposed to sunlight. We advise staying out of the sun when using Bergamot on your skin. It is also recommended you perform a skin patch test before using Bergamot Essential Oil as part of your skincare routine to check for reactions.
Bergamot Essential Oil is highly concentrated and can cause serious harm if ingested. We recommend storing Bergamot Essential Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
Always look for Bergamot oil with the Latin name Citrus Bergamia on the label and ‘100% pure Essential Oil’ for authenticity, stored in a dark glass bottle to prevent sunlight damage.
As you can see, Bergamot skin benefits are abundant, helping to sooth, ease, heal and prevent all kinds of skin ailments.
To enjoy the skin benefits of Bergamot Oil, always buy from a reputable supplier.