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Are you wondering about the benefits of bergamot essential oil for the skin?

Bergamot has been around for centuries and has been used in a variety of self-care products.

Today, this ingredient is found in many personal care products and is widely used in numerous high-end skincare and cosmetic products worldwide.

Unfortunately, many of those OTC skincare products and cosmetics also have synthetic components that could pose possible health risks.

When you make your own diy skincare products you eliminate those risks.

Bergamot is the perfect choice for your creams and lotions.

The Bergamot oil has an aroma that’s both uplifting and soothing with the scent of fresh oranges and flowers. 

It’s both natural (and effective) and has been shown to promote healthy and glowing skin.

Let’s take a close look at this oil.

What is Bergamot Essential Oil?

Bergamot oil comes from the bergamot orange ((citrus bergamia) and is a member of the citrus fruit family.

The oil from the fruit is cold pressed (mechanically squeezed) from the rinds of the bergamot orange which has a sweet and citrusy scent.

You may already be familiar with the aroma of bergamot. This essential oil gives Earl Grey Tea its distinctive tangy aroma and taste. 

The bergamot tree flourishes in warm climates and is primarily sourced from the Reggio di Calabria province in Italy. The trees love the warm climate and thrive in the acidic soil and fresh sea air.

The main component of bergamot essential oil is d-limonene which is found in all citrus oils and considered a good pick-me-up and boost for your day.

However, bergamot essential oil also contains linalool and linalyl acetate. 

These two components have calming and soothing qualities which have been shown to help manage depression, anxiety, and sadness. 

The combination of these three components together makes bergamot unique and makes the aroma both uplifting and calming. It’s a great oil to turn to when you’re dealing with stress. 

When used in skincare the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties have been shown to calm redness and reduce inflammation. The oil can also help normalize oil production and tighten pores. 

If you happen to be suffering from oily skin associated with menopause you’ll want to consider bergamot oil in your natural skincare products.

Plus, research has shown the anti-oxidant qualities of the oil may help you reduce signs of aging and help you have younger-looking skin.

But a word of caution. 

This essential oil is highly phototoxic. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight at least 12 hours after use to avoid skin irritation and inflammation. 

So you’ll want to use products made with bergamot essential oil at bedtime.

Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits and Uses for Skin

1. Foot Soak:  Pamper your feet. Add a few drops of bergamot essential oil to warm water and soak your feet for twenty minutes. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the comfort of your own home.

2. Skin Cleanser:  Add 1-2 drops to your favorite bedtime cleanser to take advantage of the purifying effects of bergamot essential oil.

3. Acne Treatment: Use diluted bergamot oil as a spot treatment before bed to help control pimples, cysts, and blackheads. 

4. Body Butter: Massage body butter infused with bergamot essential oil to help calm tired muscles after a long day. 

5. Sleep Aid: Dilute bergamot essential oil in a roller bottle and roll the oil across the bottom of your feet. The oil is easily absorbed and will help contribute to a good night’s sleep.

6. Bath Time:  Run a warm bath before bed and add a few drops of bergamot essential oil. The soothing effects of the aroma will help you relax and unwind after a long day.

7. Scalp Treatment: Add 1-2 drops of bergamot essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil. Massage gently onto your scalp before bed to encourage healthy, shiny hair and help manage scalp redness or irritation. Shampoo as usual the next morning.

Bergamot Essential Oil Recipes for Skincare

Bedtime Body Butter

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Shea Butter
• ¼ cup Coconut Oil
• ¼ cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 2 - 3 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
• Double Boiler
• Hand Mixer
• Airtight Glass Storage Container

Instructions:

1. Melt the Shea Butter and Coconut Oil in a doubler boiler. You may also place a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Once the Shea Butter and the Coconut Oil are fully melted, remove them from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Add the Sweet Almond Oil and the Bergamot Essential Oil.
4. Transfer the mixture to a clean, dry bowl and place in the refrigerator for approximately 20-30 minutes. The mixture should start to solidify but not become hard. 
5. Use your hand mixer to whip your body butter until it becomes fluffy and resembles whipped cream.
6. Store your body butter in an airtight glass container away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

* Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin to be sure you don’t have any sensitivities to your DIY body butter.

Antiaging Bedtime Face Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp (1 ounce) of carrier oil (jojoba oil, argan oil, or sweet almond oil)
• 1 Tbsp Shea Butter
• 1 Tbsp Cocoa Butter
• ½ Tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
• Double Boiler 
• Airtight Glass Storage Container

Directions:

1. Melt the Shea Butter and Coconut Butter in a doubler boiler. You may also place a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of water and bring it to a boil. 
2. Once the Shea Butter and Coconut Butter are fully melted, remove them from the heat and allow to cool. 
3. While the mixture is still liquid add the carrier oil of your choice, Vitamin E Oil, and essential oils. Mix together gently.
4. Transfer your Bergamot Anti-Aging Cream into a clean, airtight glass jar or container. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature. The cream will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Cover and store away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. 

* Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin to be sure you don’t have any sensitivities to your DIY body butter

Important to Note …

Be mindful when adding bergamot essential oil to your natural skincare and beauty products.

The best (and safest) dilution ratio for bergamot essential oil is 0.4%.

This means you can use 2 drops of bergamot essential oil to 30 ml (one ounce) of carrier oil. 

If you add additional drops of bergamot essential oil and create a stronger blend you could run the risk of skin irritation and redness.

Enjoy the Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil for Your Skin

Don’t wait. Start planning today to make your own nighttime skincare products with bergamot essential oil

Imagine how wonderful you’ll feel when you apply these products to your skin. Think how fabulous the silky cool creams will feel in your hands.

And don’t forget the soothing aroma of the bergamot oil which will help you unwind before bed.

Choose either the body butter or antiaging cream and gather your ingredients together. It’s not hard. It’s simply a matter of taking that first step.