Grapefruit oil is usually known for its medicinal uses, especially for its ability to improve the lymphatic system and as a healthy weight loss aid. Of course, grapefruit oil can find a home in the kitchen but it can also be used in bath and body care products. It’s no secret that many over the counter products today contain chemicals that are less than ideal for our skin and hair. Grapefruit oil gives you the power to make some of your own at home treatments that not only save you money but also keep you free from man made fragrances and chemicals. Here are some suggestions and techniques regarding home usage of grapefruit oil for cosmetic needs.
Skin Benefits Of Grapefruit Essential Oil
Anti Aging Benefits
Many essential oils can help to reverse the physical effects of aging, including grapefruit oil. Mix it with a bit of distilled water and use nightly as a facial toner. You can also mix the oil with a bit of almond oil to make a penetrating face cream that can help to add a youthful glow to your skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Mix a couple drops of the oil into an existing eye cream and carefully apply to affected areas, taking care not to get the solution into your eyes. If there are any signs of irritation, stop use immediately.
Angular Chelitis
Angular chelitis is a common infection that occurs in the corners of the mouth. It often happens as seasons change and the air becomes drier or more humid. It causes the skin to crack and become red and irritated. Because grapefruit oil is full of vitamin C and other antioxidants, it can boost the body’s natural immune defense and begin to rid the body of the infection. To treat angular chelitis, mix grapefruit oil with an equal amount of a carrier oil and rub into the infected area twice a day until it has cleared.
Acne
If you suffer from acne, you understand how bothersome pimples and bumps can be. Some medications are expensive or cause side effects that are just as troublesome as the acne itself. Most citrus essential oils are a great alternative to over the counter acne treatments. These oils are effective yet have very few side effects. Grapefruit oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it a great candidate for an acne fighter. To make an acne fighting cream, mix a few drops of grapefruit oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage into your face, concentrating on problem areas, after washing the face with a mild soap and patting dry. There is a bit of an adjustment period when using an oil based cream to fight acne but your skin should adjust in a few days and begin to clear almost immediately.
Cellulite
Many essential oils can help with the appearance of cellulite on different areas of the body through massage therapy. This therapy will increase blood circulation that will flush out toxins and help the skin repair itself from the inside out. If an essential oil acts as a diuretic, which grapefruit oil does, it can help you with any cellulite that may be bothersome. Mix the grapefruit oil in a 1:3 ratio with a carrier oil and massage into problem areas in a circular motion up to 3 times a day until desired results are achieved.
Cuts/Wounds
Grapefruit oil inhibits microbial growth. If applied after being diluted to cuts and wounds, septic and fungal infections can be avoided. When applying essential oils to prevent infection, dilute 15 drops of grapefruit oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil. Do not apply the mixture to a bleeding wound. Instead, stop the bleeding and allow the wound to rest for a bit. After the wound has been properly cleaned, it is safe to apply the oil. Start with small amounts to prevent further irritation.
Hair Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil
Dandruff
Dandruff is simply the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp but in some individuals the amount of dandruff that is released is embarrassing and problematic. Other side effects of dandruff include dry and itchy skin. While there are many causes of dandruff, a yeast-like fungus may be the reason for your flakes. There is no cure for dandruff but grapefruit oil may be able to lessen the amount of dead skin cells to a more normal level. If your dandruff is caused by a fungus, grapefruit oil may be able to eliminate the infection. If your dandruff is caused by dry skin, grapefruit oil can help to remoisturize the scalp and balance out oil secretions. To use grapefruit oil, add a few drops to your existing shampoo or make your own shampoo or scalp treatment. These solutions should be applied at night so that there is no risk for reactions with sunlight.
Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss can cripple your self esteem. If certain treatments are out of your budget or are simply not working, try grapefruit oil. It can remoisturize dry and brittle hair, which can prevent more hair loss from occuring. It can also balance sebum secretions which may be blocking new hair growth. Simply mix a few drops of grapefruit oil with enough coconut or jojoba oil to cover the scalp and allow it to sit for at least half an hour. Rinse the mixture out of your hair and shampoo as normal to get any stubborn oil out. Grapefruit oil can also be mixed with a bit of aloe vera and water. This creates a natural hair detangler that will prevent you from pulling out any hair while you brush it.
Balances Oily Scalp
If the oil glands on your scalp are producing more than they should, the result can be oily hair that looks greasy and dirty, even after washing. Many citrus essential oils, including grapefruit, act as a grease magnet and can be used on your hair to stop the grease problem for good. As the grapefruit oil removes any present oil build-up, it will also regular the production of oil, helping hair from becoming greasy in the first place.
