Oily lifestyle tips for your best summer

There is never a wrong time to use essential oils. Say it with me now (and repeat it until you believe it). This is our mantra here at On Call Essentials because we believe there is no wrong time or place to enjoy the benefits of the oily lifestyle. Summertime is no exception. If anything, summer is the ideal time of year to roll out your essential oils. There is a perfect fit for everything from skincare and haircare to protecting against the pests that like to nibble on you while we are enjoying the great outdoors.

In our last blog, we discussed how there is no wrong place for using essential oils when we delved into the best oily practices for outdoor spaces. This time, we explore the many uses for your essential oils and how to get the most out of them this summer season. Our tips help you squeeze every drop of oily goodness out of your products this summer.

Hair, there, and everywhere

Summer is synonymous with hours spent in the sun, sipping your favorite drinks between dips in the pool. It may feel great to indulge in this kind of summer fun and relaxation but trust me when I say your hair will hate you for it. Why? UVA/UVB rays and chlorine are two of the worst things for your luscious locks. Even the salt water from surfing or splashing about in the ocean can wreak havoc on your hair by drying it out and making it look dull.

All these things work together to damage your cuticles (otherwise known as the outside of your hair strand). When your hair has had enough, it sends you a loud and clear message with dry and brittle strands, broken and split ends, and my all-time favorite – frizziness. It is hard to look like an absolute beach babe when your hair is screaming for help.

Wearing a hat is one of the best things you can do for your hair to protect it from UVA/UVB damage. Rinsing your hair with filtered water after swimming in the pool or ocean also is recommended. If it is too late and you are learning the hard way, essential oils can rescue and relieve summertime damage to your mane.

• Refresh your scalp. Combining the power of German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Radiata essential oils is just the soothing relief your scalp needs. When your scalp is happy, so is your hair. Use one drop of each in your regular shampoo to help remove unwanted buildup. Hair follicles that are free of debris are healthier and can help control the balance of moisture needed by your hair strands to look and feel healthy.
• Tame the frizzies. Frizzy hair can be an issue any time of year due to extreme temperatures and other weather conditions like excessive humidity. Geranium is one of the best all-natural ways to tame your unruly locks and have them turning heads on the beach. Add a drop to your regular hair oil to give it a boost (and to help your hair smell fresh and inviting).

Get your skin in the (summer) game

Let’s face it. Your skin is fussy. One wrong move and it becomes dry and painful or oily and rashy. Summertime is not the time to worry about whether your skin is swimsuit or shorts ready. You want to enjoy your cute summer fashions, not cover up your skin like you are in Antarctica. The right essential oils are just as crucial to your glowing and healthy summer skin as your favorite sunscreen. Here are some tips on how to soothe your skin and keep it looking its best all summer long.

1. Putting your best face forward
   Your face takes a lot of abuse. Between the makeup you wear every day to UVA/UVB rays and salt water, it does not take much for your face to look dull and tired. At the end of the day, you can soothe your delicate facial skin with a hydrating mask made from Helichrysum essential oil. Mix 3 drops of Helichrysum with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and ¼ cup of aloe vera gel for a soothing and rejuvenating mask. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This is one of my go-to solutions for putting my best face forward all summer long.
2. Banishing dry skin
   Your face is not the only place on your body where dry skin can cause itching and discomfort. Any area of your skin exposed to the sun or harsh chemicals in pools can suffer. One of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking and feeling its best after a long day outdoors this summer is to use a nighttime exfoliant. Here is a great recipe for one that maximizes the benefits of Lemon essential oil. Mix the following ingredients: 4 drops of Lemon essential oil, 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Massage into your skin using a circular motion for roughly a minute. Then rinse it off and apply your favorite moisturizer. Using this exfoliant helps you rid yourself of dry skin buildup that can clog your pores.
   
3. Boost your sunscreen
   Sunscreen is a must during the summer months to help protect our skin from the dangers of the big C. Just because it is necessary does not mean we like putting it on. Oftentimes, it is because it does not smell all that great. When you live an oily life, that problem is easy to solve! Just add 2 to 3 drops of Carrot Seed essential oil to your sunscreen to create a wonderful aroma. Young Living also makes a great all-in-one sunscreen lotion that will protect your skin and keep it looking supple. It comes in SPF 10 and SPF 50 versions.

Choosing the best essential oils for the best summer oily lifestyle

If you are new to the oily lifestyle, you may benefit from becoming an On Call Essentials/Young Living member. Not only will you gain access to the best advice and resources, but you also will enjoy discounted pricing on all our products.