Natural citrus bergamot oil for body and hair beauty: useful properties, contraindications, selection rules, product characteristics, application options. Bergamot oil is an indispensable product for solving many cosmetic problems. It has a wide spectrum of useful effects, which is provided by the richest chemical composition. A pleasant aroma, a beneficial effect on the skin, nails and hair - all this is provided by bergamot oil. This article provides a detailed description of the beneficial properties and lists many beauty recipes.
Description and composition of bergamot oil
Bergamot is a citrus plant that is practically not eaten because its pulp has a bitter taste. Although in the countries of growth there are still dishes that are prepared from it. Because of this, it is the essential oil squeezed from its peel or leaves that is characterized by the greatest value.
The product yield is quite small: to obtain 900 ml of this product, it is necessary to process the peel of about 1 thousand fruits, this is only 1 to 3% of the total mass of raw materials used. According to objective data, the yield of essential oil from the leaves of the plant is even less. They give about 0, 2-0, 3%. At the same time, manual squeezing, in comparison with an automated process, gives the highest quality product.
The aroma of bergamot oil cannot be described in one word. It is quite light and pleasant, spicy and sophisticated. Some sweetness is felt in it and at the same time bitterness and astringency. It is invigorating, positive, refreshing, uplifting and improving concentration.
All useful properties and characteristics are fully justified by the chemical composition of the product, which differs slightly depending on the raw material - leaves or peel.
Ingredients of Bergamot Peel Oil:
- L-linalyl acetate;
- Limonene;
- Citral;
- L-Linalool;
- Terpineol;
- Bergaptol;
- Camphene;
- Nerol;
- Bergapten et al.
Components of bergamot oil squeezed from the leaves:
- Linalool;
- Geraniol;
- Nerol;
- D-a-terpineol;
- Alcohols;
- Citral;
- Limonene;
- Methyl anthranilate;
- Linalyl acetate.
In general, the oil is known to contain over 300 components. We will talk further about what substances provide certain beneficial properties of bergamot.
Useful properties of bergamot oil
Essential oils are actively used in cosmetology, because they all have multiple benefits. Bergamot oil is no exception, because the list of its beneficial properties is even wider than that of some other representatives of similar compounds of natural origin.
Bergamot oil is famous for a large number of medicinal and cosmetic properties, therefore it is very often used not only in perfumery, but also in cosmetology.
The main beneficial properties are as follows:
- Restoration of the fat balance in the skin … This function is entrusted to limonene, which is contained in large quantities in the oil. With its help, the secretion of sebum is normalized, oily sheen is eliminated.
- Antifungal activity … It is provided due to the content of camphene, which is highly effective, not only due to its characteristics, but also due to the fact that microorganisms are not able to develop resistance to it. In this case, bergamot oil can help fight fungal infections of the skin, significantly improving the condition of all skin integuments of the body.
- Antiseptic action … Also provided with camphene, citral, geraniol and several other components. Allows you to use the product to combat various wounds, to treat foci with suppuration. The substance D-a-terpineol carefully protects infected cells from healthy ones, preventing the spread of pathogenic microbes. It is worth remembering that only healthy skin can be beautiful.
- Regenerative properties … The presence of bergamot essential oil in cosmetics provides accelerated cell regeneration even in case of burns. stimulates the formation of epithelium, eliminating existing defects. Peeling on the skin goes away rather quickly, especially if you combine bergamot oil with other beneficial ingredients.
- Stimulating effect on metabolism … Bergapten is responsible for the stimulating metabolic processes. It helps to accelerate the elimination of unnecessary substances and the absorption of vitamins and minerals by cells. Skin color evens out.
- Improving skin elasticity, firmness … The beneficial substances of the described product increase the turgor of the dermis due to the normalization of water-lipid metabolism. The tone of the skin is provided by the internal pressure of each cell and the tension of the cell membranes. So, the resistance of the epidermis to external mechanical damage increases.
Thus, bergamot oil has the following effects:
- Dries the skin and hair, relieves them of oily sheen;
- Helps get rid of acne, irritation, redness, dryness;
- To some extent smoothes fine wrinkles, helps to restore the structure of the skin, narrows pores;
- Protects against pathogens;
- Promotes fast tanning;
- Accelerates the regenerative processes of cells of the epidermis, hair follicles;
- Tones and refreshes the skin;
- Makes hair manageable, smooth and shiny.
In addition, the aroma of bergamot oil contributes to the normalization of the nervous system. It not only relieves depression, but also helps to get rid of insomnia when used correctly. Therefore, the problem of lack of sleep is eliminated, which certainly leads to an improvement in appearance. Full rest, a strong nervous system add freshness and vigor to any image, and this is also a guarantee of beauty.
Contraindications to the use of bergamot oil
Bergamot oil, like any other medicine, should be used only after consulting a specialist. Incorrect and unreasonable use can lead to undesirable consequences, because the product has a number of contraindications.
It is not recommended to use bergamot oil in the following cases:
- Age restrictions … Do not use in children under 12 years of age. Because the child's body is not yet fully formed, manifestations of undesirable effects are possible.
- If you have allergies … Do not forget that citrus fruits are the strongest allergen. Even if there was no propensity for allergic reactions before, some component of the product can cause a negative reaction.
- With high solar activity … It is not advisable to use the oil before prolonged exposure to the sun or in a solarium, because skin may become excessively pigmented or even burned.
- If you have sleep disorders and epilepsy … Bergamot oil is an active aphrodisiac, invigorates, excites the nervous system, can provoke insomnia and an epileptic seizure, even when applied externally.
- During pregnancy and lactation … A number of substances contained in bergamot oil can cause bleeding, uterine contraction, and even miscarriage.
- In the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract … Bergamot essential oil stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, inhibits the growth of beneficial bacteria, which has a peculiar effect on the intestinal flora.
- If you have diabetes … People with this disease should be treated with increased attention to the use of this product, because one of the properties is to lower blood sugar.
It is important to remember that bergamot oil should not be used undiluted because high concentration of substances can provoke problems with blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, redness of the eyes and other unwanted body reactions. It is imperative to carry out tests for sensitivity to the product of each manufacturer.
Rules for choosing bergamot oil
Before purchasing bergamot oil, you should pay attention to several points - decide on the manufacturer, pay attention to the cost, study the composition, find out the expiration date, inspect the material of the bottle, etc.
It is known that Italy is the main producer of bergamot oil. Italian products are in the highest demand for some reason. Firstly, on Italian soil, nature has created the most suitable growing conditions. Here, the fruits have time to fully ripen without any problems, so they are saturated with all the necessary nutrients. Secondly, the number of plantations is large enough to provide a huge harvest of these citrus fruits. Thirdly, many years of experience in caring for these plants made it possible to develop the most correct methods for processing the obtained raw materials. Basically, the oil is pressed manually, which, as mentioned earlier, allows you to get the highest quality bergamot oil, which Italians consider their pride. However, the cost of an Italian-made product is quite high.
In addition to Italy, the bergamot plant is grown in other countries, for example, in America, Syria, Thailand, France, Greece, Argentina, Brazil. They also supply bergamot oil to the market, but as most reviews say, the quality of the product is slightly lower. The prices for the products produced in these countries have a large spread. The price category of the highest quality products - from 600 rubles per bottle of 10 ml.
Natural bergamot oil cannot be cheap because its cost is quite high.
The composition must be indicated on the package. The only correct composition option is 100% natural bergamot oil. The absence of the word "natural" may indicate the presence of impurities of other oils, the cost of which is much lower. From this, of course, the quality of the product suffers, the properties of the mixture change and new contraindications are added, which are not always mentioned in the instructions.
Most natural essential oils have no expiration dates. But bergamot oil and oils of some other citrus fruits still have a shelf life that is limited to 3 years. The preservation of all useful properties during this period from the moment of production is ensured by a dark glass bottle, which protects the product from exposure to sunlight. Therefore, if the bottle is made of transparent glass or even plastic, then the product will be of inadequate quality.
Some characteristics of natural bergamot oil to consider when purchasing:
- Relatively liquid consistency;
- Lack of stringiness;
- Uniform color;
- The transparency of the mixture;
- Lack of oily traces after complete evaporation;
- A slight coloration of the treated surface in a greenish tint is allowed, but only when used in high concentrations;
- Strong invigorating aroma without impurities of synthetic aromas.
Each product package must contain detailed instructions on how to use bergamot oil.
Bergamot oil cosmetic recipes
Bergamot oil has found application in cosmetology in many recipes. And the popularity of this product is growing every day, because its beneficial properties help to solve many cosmetic problems for both women and men. The essential oil is successfully combined with other products, multiplying the benefits of care products several times. It is often combined with rosewood, patchouli, geranium, sage, and eucalyptus ethers. We present to your attention a lot of useful recipes for body, face and hair care.
Bergamot oil for hair
Beautiful flowing and healthy hair is the result of not only good nutrition for the whole body, but also daily care with the help of active natural ingredients, one of which is bergamot oil.
For the beauty and health of hair, we offer several recipes for making cosmetics at home:
- Hair Mask … The following mixture helps against excessive oily hair: 2 yolks mixed with 20 g of oat flour and 50 ml of pure yogurt, enriched with 5 drops of citrus oil. It is necessary to apply to the entire length of dry curls. Then wrap the hair with a plastic bag or put on a special hat, then wrap it with a towel to warm it up. The exposure time is short - up to 8 minutes. After removing the mask with bergamot oil for hair, rinse them with herbal decoction, for example, from nettle and calendula.
- For aromatizing detergents and care products … A blend of rosemary, bergamot, neroli and orange oils is used.
- For a refreshing rinse … This recipe is especially relevant during the hot season. To prepare the rinse, essential oils of pine (1-2 drops), bergamot (3-4 drops) and water (2.5-3 liters) are used. This solution is applied after washing your hair. The best way to use is to dip the hair in a container with a solution for a few seconds. The result is lush, shiny, fresh hair.
- Scented combing … The first thing you need is a wooden comb. A few drops of bergamot oil are randomly applied to it. It is worth combing all the hair for a couple of minutes. After that, the thinnest layer of the product remains on the hair, which nourishes them, smoothes the structure. The hairstyle takes on a pleasant aroma.
- For a cleansing massage of the scalp and hair … The basis of the massage mixture is almond oil. It must be taken in a volume of 10 ml. Additional ingredients - cedar nut oil (1 drop), bergamot oil (3 drops), lemon (3 drops). During the procedure, the mixture should be distributed not only over the scalp, but also over the entire length of the hair. Then the treated part of the head is wrapped in a plastic cap for 30 minutes. If you use a hair dryer to heat up, the effect will increase. After the exposure period has elapsed, the hair is washed in the usual way with shampoo.
- Anti-dandruff mask for oily hair … The base is jojoba oil in a volume of 15 ml. For enrichment, 5 drops of bergamot and sandalwood oils are used. After thorough mixing, you can start applying to the hair. The exposure time is 40-50 minutes. Shampoo is used for rinsing.
- For rinsing … The composition of the solution is 1 glass of water, 5 drops of lavender, rosemary and bergamot oil. After rinsing, the hair is blotted with a towel and left to dry naturally.
- Evening rinse for nutrition and recovery … Composition - water (400 ml), apple cider vinegar (40 ml), as well as 2 drops of bergamot, sage, lavender oil, 3 drops of cypress oil and 1 drop of thyme oil. The rinsing procedure is performed before going to bed, and in the morning the hair is washed in the usual way. The frequency of application is at least once a week. This procedure helps to make the hair not only beautiful and well-groomed, but also manageable.
- Mask to strengthen, nourish and stimulate growth … The basis of such a mask is burdock oil, which is appreciated for its properties that strengthen the hair roots. It can be preheated in a water bath and then enriched with 3 drops of bergamot oil and one egg yolk. The mixture is applied to the curls for 30 minutes or more. You can wash off with burdock shampoo. With the systematic use of such a folk remedy, the hair grows faster, falls out less, becomes smoother, softer, silky and obedient.
Bergamot body oil
The skin is very sensitive to essential oils. Most of them are an important source of nutrients. Versatile skin care can also be provided with bergamot oil.
There are many options for combining the described product with other oils and cosmetics in order to transform a person's appearance. Let's describe the most popular folk recipes:
- Intense tanning product … A commercially available tanning oil is used as a base. It is enriched with bergamot oil to increase skin pigmentation. For 100 ml of base, 3 drops of essential oil are enough. It is worth remembering that high concentration can lead to burns and the formation of age spots.
- Toning body mask … The base is 50 ml of almond oil. Additives: 5 drops of two types of oil - lemon and bergamot, 3 drops of neroli oil and just 1 drop of rosemary oil. This mask can be done before showering or during bath procedures. You need to process all the skin. The exposure time of the mask with bergamot oil for the body is from 5 to 15 minutes.
- Toning shower gel … Every morning for a quick awakening and a boost of energy for the whole day, you use your favorite shower gel, enriched with Citrus bergamia oil. For 200 ml of gel, it is enough to add 5-7 drops of the product.
- Relaxation massage oil … The base is a liquid cream (20 g), for enrichment - 4 drops of bergamot oil. The blended ingredients are used to massage the entire body to relax the nervous system, relieve sleep problems, fight acne and skin inflammation, and fight excessive sweating.
- Bath for fresh feet … For 5-6 liters of water, add 50 g of sea salt, enriched with a useful mixture of essential oils - bergamot (2 drops), fir (3 drops), tea tree (4 drops). The freshness of the legs is ensured for a long time. At the same time, excessive sweating disappears and the risk of contracting a fungal infection is reduced. Calluses and cracks become less frequent problems when taking such baths.
- Refreshing bath … The basis is warm water (a quarter of the depth of the bath). Useful additives - cream or milk (200 ml), enriched with 5-8 drops of bergamot oil. The duration of the bath is no more than 15 minutes.
- Body care product … A mixture of almond (50 ml), lemon (5 drops), rosemary (2 drops) and bergamot (5 drops) oils has a magical effect on the skin. It is applied to cleansed skin after a bath or shower. It not only refreshes, but also replenishes the water balance and the balance of nutrients in the cells.
- Anti-cellulite remedy … For 10-15 g of the base, which can be used as both liquid cream and cosmetic oil, add up to 7 drops of bergamot oil. With this mixture, problem areas are thoroughly massaged. The frequency of the procedures is every 2-3 days. Can be performed in courses of 2 weeks with the same break.
Bergamot oil for face
With the help of bergamot oil, you can significantly transform the face - make the skin taut, smoother and more elastic, improve complexion, get rid of fine wrinkles, acne, redness and flaking.
For this, a variety of folk recipes are used. Let's describe in more detail several options:
- Bergamot cream … The recipe is more than simple. After selecting the necessary cream, add 1-2 drops of bergamot oil to it, mix thoroughly and use it as directed. You can also add other beneficial ingredients to it to increase the beneficial effects. Such mixtures perfectly normalize the condition of the skin.
- Bergamot mask against oily skin … Composition - 15 ml of glycerin, 1-3 g of water, 5 drops of bergamot oil, 5 drops of geranium oil, 3 drops of sandalwood oil. First, the glycerin is diluted with water, then aromatic oils are added. The mask is applied for 15-20 minutes. During the exposure, it is not advisable to talk, smile, the muscles should be relaxed as much as possible.
- Bergamot mask for acne … This mixture is based on grape seed oil. Useful additives are bergamot and thyme oil. For 80 ml of the base, 5 drops of the indicated essential oils are used. The mask is applied for 15 minutes daily until acne disappears.
- Cleanser … In 200 ml of water, sea salt is diluted, on which bergamot oil was previously applied. The resulting solution is used to wash the face after the usual cleaning of the skin.
- Against puffiness and oily skin … A cotton pad is moistened in water at room temperature, then 2-3 drops of oil are applied in a chaotic manner and rubbed over the face. Slightly diluted oil does not irritate the skin, it spreads in a thin layer on the face. Penetrating into the epidermis, it promotes faster excretion of excess fluid and normalization of the sebaceous glands. This option for using bergamot oil for the face helps to even out skin tone, prevent or eliminate acne.
- Against acne … In this case, the agent is applied undiluted, applied with a cotton swab, pointwise, exclusively in places of inflammation.
- Mask against enlarged pores … Ingredients - one egg white (beaten) and 5 drops of the described oil. After mixing until smooth, the mixture is applied to the face and kept for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Finish with a cold rinse.
How to use bergamot oil - watch the video:
[media = https://www.youtube.com/watch? v = BVeW3AaAUWM] After reviewing the entire list of beneficial properties, many will want to purchase this wonderful natural remedy - bergamot oil. This product can be bought in pharmacies, specialized stores, online cosmetics stores. Approach with great responsibility in the choice of such funds, because a poor-quality product will not only fail to bring the desired result, but may also be harmful.
