Orange oil for the face: properties and use at home, the opinion of cosmetologists

Orange oil is concentrated sun energy contained in a small bottle. Once you uncork it, the tart Mediterranean aroma will burst into gray everyday life, color your life with tropical colors, share the unbridled energy of youth, and infect you with the sparkling joy of eternal summer. Its life-giving power is used in aromatherapy to combat stress, in folk medicine to treat certain diseases, in cooking to add exotic notes to traditional dishes and, of course, in cosmetology to care for young, mature and aging skin.

History and description

The birthplace of the orange is called China and India, where this tree from the Rutaceae family began to be cultivated as early as 2.5 thousand years BC. Around the 15th–16th century, fragrant and healthy fruits appeared in Europe, for which we have to thank sailors. Initially, citrus pulp was used for food. Then they began to make marmalade and Curacao liqueur from the peel. Mentions of the use of orange oil for medicinal purposes date back to the late 17th century (Europe).

The aromatic citrus essential oil is a deep yellow liquid with an orange, reddish or brown tint. It has a characteristic pleasant smell of orange, from the peel of which it is extracted. To obtain concentrated healing liquid, one of 2 methods is used:

1. Cold pressed, when the zest is pressed. Thanks to this, high-quality oil is released, which has all the beneficial qualities of the raw material.
2. Hydrodistillation is a cheaper option. Aromatic ether is obtained using water and steam. At the same time, the quality of the oil deteriorates.

When we talk about orange oil, we most often mean the extract from the zest. One of the most popular and in demand in cosmetology is a product made from the peel of sweet Chinese citrus fruits. It is relatively inexpensive.

From the zest of bitter citrus fruits (oranges) a healthy oily liquid with a characteristic aroma is also obtained, which is called bitter or orange. The peel of red (blood) oranges is also a source of natural ester.

Attention! In the description of its product, the manufacturer must indicate which raw materials were used.

Oil with a pleasant aroma is extracted not only from the zest of orange citrus. There are these types of esters:

• petitgrain - from orange leaves, most often bitter, since the “sweet” analogue is not considered particularly valuable;
• orange blossom is an aromatic liquid extracted from orange flowers. One of the most expensive esters, which is widely used in perfumery;
• Neroli - oil from the flowers of the sweet orange tree. Typically produced in Portugal. Rated lower than the orange blossom variety.

The homeland of the fruit also matters. Citrus fruits from Spain and Guinea are called the best.

Varieties of orange juice

The orange tree belongs to the Rutaceae family. The plant has given the world several varieties of essential oil:

• orange, obtained from the peel of fruits (sweet orange and red);
• neroli, extracted from flowers;
• petitgrain from leaves;
• orange oil from the peel of bitter oranges.

Bitter orange is a close relative of the orange, but its fruits have a specific sourish-bitter taste, and the oil obtained from them has a refined, refined aroma.

Composition and beneficial properties

The natural oily liquid contains many complex compounds. The most famous component is ascorbic acid. Vitamin C performs several functions at once: stimulates collagen production, whitens the skin of the face and body, and acts as an antioxidant. Some other components of the ester obtained from different varieties of orange:

• limonene - has a refreshing, cleansing, antibacterial effect, which is important for women who struggle with acne;
• a-terpineol is a solvent with antimicrobial properties;
• fatty acids - nourish and moisturize the epidermis;
• bergapten - helps in the treatment of skin diseases, participates in the production of melanin, protecting the skin from harmful radiation;
• vitamins of group B, A - are responsible for youth, elasticity of the skin, protect it from aging;
• phellandrene - activates collagen production;
• furfural - regulates the process of sebum separation, reduces the severity of acne, etc.

The ether contains not only useful components. For example, linalool can provoke allergies, which are often caused by citrus fruits.

Indications for use

Orange peel oil is used in aromatherapy and folk medicine. In addition, the ether has a significant effect on the skin of the face:

• restores damaged epidermal cells;
• promotes skin regeneration;
• moisturizes dry dermis;
• improves the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• lightens freckles, age spots;
• heals the skin;
• evens out the complexion and makes it look fresher;
• reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars;
• has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing effect;
• serves as a prophylactic against pimples, blackheads and other purulent formations on the face.

Attention! The oil has a positive effect only when used correctly and regularly.

Where to buy and how to store

Natural oil has small and active molecules. They easily penetrate the skin and provide the therapeutic effect of the drug. Acting in a similar way, low-quality or counterfeit ether can harm the body. Therefore, you need to choose the product very carefully.

Orange essential oil is sold in pharmacies, organic stores and boutiques, and cosmetics stores (all of this, including online). Before purchasing, you have the right to ask for a quality certificate issued by the country of origin of the product. Examine the bottle.

According to international standards, any natural oil must be sold in a darkened glass container with a tight-fitting lid and a dispenser. Volume - from 5 ml. Usually the bottle is also additionally packaged in a cardboard box.

On the label, the manufacturer indicates basic information: the name of the oil, the type of plant that served as the starting material, and the method of obtaining the substance. Do not choose a product identical to natural or a synthetic product. But it shouldn’t always be taken at face value either. The following expert advice will help you verify the reliability of the manufacturer’s data:

1. Examine the contents of the bottle. The correct oily liquid is homogeneous, transparent, without sediment. The ether may become slightly cloudy in the cold, but this is temporary.
2. It is better to buy a product made in countries where citrus fruits are grown in abundance: the USA, Italy, Spain, Mexico, etc.
3. Smell the chosen drug. You should smell the orange and nothing else.
4. Drop a little ether onto a paper napkin. If the product is natural, after it has completely evaporated you will see only a yellow-orange speck on the surface. A colored greasy trace indicates that the preparation contains other components, that is, the oil is diluted or poorly purified. Transparent fat on a paper napkin will indicate the synthetic origin of the product.
5. Add a few drops to your face cream. Due to the low quality ester, the product will separate and become liquid over time. A similar test can be done with shower gel. If, after aromatization, it begins to foam poorly and acquires a cloudy tint, it means that you have chosen a low-quality oil.

There is an opinion that natural ether cannot cost less than 150 rubles for 5–10 ml.

Please note: there is essential oil and there is cosmetic oil. The first is an orange extract in its pure form. This is a concentrate that needs to be diluted with base oil (olive, almond, etc.) or dripped in small doses into finished cosmetics (cream, scrub, etc.), otherwise there is a risk of getting a burn or allergy.

The cosmetic product is already combined with another oily substance and is therefore ready for use. The manufacturer must note exactly which components are included in the product and their proportions. For example, Elpharma cosmetic oil contains only 50% orange ester. There is also the same amount of soy ingredient. The cost of the drug is about 60 rubles per 15-ml bottle.

By the way. If desired, cosmetic oil can also be used not only in its pure form, but also added to cosmetics for the face and body.

One of the popular concentrated essential oils is produced by the company Botanika. There is a mark on the packaging that this is a 100% orange product. Price - 55–60 rubles per 10 ml. Orange ether from the Mirrolla brand is in the same price category. In general, inexpensive oils cost from 35 to 150 rubles (the amount depends on the volume and manufacturer).

If a high price is an indicator and guarantee of quality for you, pay attention, for example, to the following products:

• Vivasan Brazilian sweet orange oil (Switzerland) - 760 rubles per 10 ml;
• Orange essential oil from Now Foods (USA) - 550 rubles per 30 ml;
• Essential oil Red (Blood) orange Blutorange from STYX (Austria) - 1180 rubles for 10 ml, etc.

When in contact with air, the ether oxidizes. This is especially true for citrus substances. Therefore, store the oily liquid in a dark and cool place, be sure to tightly screw the lid on. The maximum period is 2 years, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. A spoiled, old product acquires a sour smell, becomes sticky and dense. Throw away such ether without regret.

The healing effects of orange oil on facial skin

Like the fruit itself, orange essential oil has a number of healing properties for the body.

• Improves immune properties. During colds, it is useful to inhale the orange aroma to resist viruses.
• Antiseptic effect. Disinfects and heals cracks and wounds.
• Promotes healing of scars and scars. This is due to the fact that orange essential oil increases the body’s ability to produce collagen. Helps get rid of papillomas.
• The antibacterial effect of orange oil is useful in the fight against acne.

Read: Orange oil for cellulite and stretch marks: massage, baths, wraps .

How to cook it yourself

If you don't trust store-bought products, try making orange oil at home. Detailed instructions:

1. Choose thick-skinned citrus fruits. You will need 3-4 pcs.
2. Wash them well with soap and hot water to remove dirt and wax. At the end, pour boiling water over it.
3. Remove the peel and chop it.
4. Remember well with a wooden pestle (a metal pestle will intensify oxidation processes, and this is undesirable).
5. Place the crushed peels that have begun to release ether into a glass jar.
6. Fill with any base oil (olive, almond, etc.). The liquid should completely cover the orange peel. Approximate quantity - 200 ml.
7. Cover with a lid and leave to brew in a cool, dark place for 3 days.
8. Warm up for half an hour in a water bath. Open the lid slightly.
9. Cool and strain the ether through cheesecloth or a sieve.
10. Pour into small containers, close tightly and put in the refrigerator.

General recommendations for use

Before applying orange essential oil to your skin, please note these important notes:

1. Clean your face of makeup and impurities and pat dry gently with a towel. But do not use tonic or lotion, as this will leave a film on the skin.
2. For convenience, gather your hair in a ponytail and wear a headband or headband.
3. A tampon twisted from a piece of cotton wool, a sponge, a brush or a brush will help distribute the medicinal mixture. If you are using a non-disposable applicator, wash and dry the instrument thoroughly.
4. Apply the drug with orange ether along the massage lines. Correct directions: from the chin to the temples, from the upper lip to the ears, from the bridge of the nose to the hairline.
5. The best time for a cosmetic procedure is in the evening, before bed. The ether will be quietly absorbed into relaxed skin. If you choose morning or afternoon, apply the mixture at least 2-3 hours before going outside to avoid burns and pigmentation.
6. For the same reason, it is better to use products with natural orange essential oil from November to March, during the period of inactive sun.
7. The frequency of sessions is no more than 1–2 times a week. The course consists of 10 procedures. Then it is recommended to take a break for at least 3 weeks.

Relaxing baths

• Warm aromatic baths provide a relaxing and calming effect. A double effect occurs - warm water relaxes the body, and the beneficial substances of the aromatic oil penetrate the body through the respiratory tract and through the skin.
• Under the influence of an aromatic bath, metabolic processes, blood circulation and the functioning of the lymphatic system are normalized. The skin is toned and rejuvenated, stretch marks are eliminated.
• Baths can be full (lying), sedentary, for arms or legs. A course of full or general baths up to 20 times. Orange ether is mixed with a solvent - sea or kitchen rock salt, honey or milk. For 200 liters of water you will need 10-15 drops of ether. The water temperature for a relaxing bath should be no higher than 40°. Session duration – 20 minutes. Take every 2 days.
• After the procedure, there is no need to rinse, so as not to interfere with the continuation of the therapeutic effect of the oil on the body.
• You should not eat food 2 hours before taking aroma baths. Before starting the procedure, you need to cleanse your skin by taking a shower.
• Aromatic foot baths will help you relax at the end of the day.
• For the best effect, you need to create a calm environment while taking a relaxing bath. You can turn on soothing music and light candles.

Directions for use: recipes

Concentrated orange ether is combined with other oils, dripped into scrubs and creams, tonics and lotions, etc. It is applied precisely to acne and post-acne, but only after an allergy test and consultation with a doctor. Homemade and store-bought masks with a few drops of aromatic citrus liquid have a good effect. Choose a recipe based on your skin type and the problems you need to solve.

Advice. The proportions in which essential oil is mixed with cream, lotion, tonic, gel, balm, shampoo or other cosmetic product differ depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You can add from 3 to 5–6 drops per 10 ml of product or 3–5 drops per 15 ml. Therefore, carefully read the instructions for a specific product.

For dry skin

The following types of masks will help soften and moisturize the epidermis:

1. Oily . Add other esters to 10 ml of avocado oil: 1 drop each of orange and rosewood, twice as much sandalwood. Mix, spread over your face, and after 15–20 minutes, remove the remaining nutrient mixture with warm water.
2. Wheat . Take 2 tbsp. l. sprouted wheat (it needs to be crushed and then measured). Add 5 tbsp there. l. orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed), 3 drops of citrus essential oil and 2 drops of rose oil. Distribute the composition over the skin. Wait until completely dry. Rinse off the residue and moisturize the epidermis with a thin layer of cream.
3. Banana . Turn the ripe yellow fruit into a pulp, combine with 5 drops of orange ether. Keep it on your face for half an hour, then wash it off.

To minimize the severity of wrinkles and improve skin tone , this mixture option is suitable:

• combine raw chicken yolk with citrus oil (you will need 2 drops);
• add 2 tbsp. l. milk and small boiled potatoes, pureed;
• Mix everything and apply warm to your face;
• cover with a towel;
• after 20 minutes, rinse with warm and then cool water.

To nourish and restore dry skin, use other recipes:

1. With avocado oil . You will need 8 ml of this ingredient. Add 3 drops of orange ether to it and massage it over the skin of the face, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
2. With olive oil . To 1 tsp. main component, pour in 5 drops of orange oil. Treat your face, and after half an hour, rinse with warm water.

For oily skin

The following group of recipes will help cleanse and tone the skin, tighten pores, eliminate oily shine, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and restore the texture of the dermis:

1. Almond mask . Lightly salt the chicken protein and beat it. Combine 10 drops of almond oil and 3 drops of orange oil. Mix all ingredients and leave on face for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
2. Composition with white clay . From the previous recipe you will need orange essential oil and beaten egg white. The proportions are the same, no salt needed. Add 1 tbsp. l. white clay and 50 ml grapefruit juice. Apply a homogeneous mixture to your face and neck. After 15 minutes, rinse with cool water, to which you first add a few drops of cucumber juice.
3. Tonic with aromatic oils . Take 7 drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of chamomile essential oil. Add 15 ml of medical alcohol, pour in 0.2 liters of purified water. Place in a dark place. Apply a thin layer to the face daily, shaking first.

For normal skin

smooth out wrinkles and even out skin tone :

• Combine 20 ml of avocado oil with rosewood esters (3 drops), mint and orange (2 drops each) and vanilla (1 drop);
• stir well;
• spread over the skin and leave for half an hour;
• After this, wipe your face with a cotton swab moistened with linden decoction.

To increase the elasticity of the epidermis and improve blood circulation, combine 2 drops of orange ether with mashed chicken yolk. Or take 3 drops of orange oil, 1 tsp. cream and 2 ripe, mashed strawberries. Both types of masks are applied for 15 minutes, then washed off.

For combination skin

Mixed epidermis also needs nutrition and hydration. Use this recipe:

• combine 1 tsp. citrus oil with the same amount of sour cream;
• add 2 tsp. chopped cucumber pulp;
• turn into a homogeneous mixture;
• apply for 20 minutes;
• rinse with warm water.

For sagging skin

This mask will not only give the dermis tone and additional elasticity, but will also cleanse and tighten the pores:

• 1 tbsp. l. dilute black clay with cold green tea to a thick consistency;
• add a teaspoon of grape seed oil;
• add 3 drops of ether from orange and 2 from grapefruit;
• spread over face, rinse after 15 minutes.

For acne

This recipe also requires black clay (12 g), diluted with infused green tea. Pour in 16 drops of pomegranate essential oil and 3 drops of bitter orange oil. Steam your face with calendula decoction, and then apply the mask, excluding the lips and eyelids. After 10-15 minutes, rinse with water and lime juice added to it.

For wrinkles

This mixture will saturate and enrich the skin with vitamins, minerals, moisturize and tone the epidermis:

• measure 18 g of pureed ripe mango pulp (prepare using a blender or food processor);
• add 14 drops of grape ether and 5 of orange;
• distribute the composition in a dense layer over the skin of the face;
• After half an hour, wash it off.

For eyelid skin

While caring for your face, take care of your eyes. A mask of only 2 components will help moisturize the skin of the eyelids and make fine wrinkles less pronounced. Recipe:

• lightly heat 1 tbsp. l. avocado oil;
• pour in 1-2 drops of aromatic citrus essential oil;
• soak cotton pads with a homogeneous mixture;
• place them on your eyelids and leave for 15–30 minutes;
• blot the skin with a napkin or paper towel;
• repeat the procedure daily for a week.

By the way. Unlike other oils (for example, almond oil), orange essential oil is not used for eyebrows and eyelashes.

For lips

The delicate skin of your lips will radiate a natural shine and remain soft and well-groomed if you prepare a fragrant balm:

• place a container with the following ingredients in a water bath: beeswax, coconut, almond and palm oils (take 1 tsp of each);
• stirring, melt, but do not bring to a boil;
• Cool slightly, pour in 1 capsule of vitamins A, E, as well as 4-5 drops of orange ether;
• mix, pour into a suitable container;
• apply as needed.

Inside

External beauty is impossible without good health and health of internal organs. Reasonable intake of orange citrus oil will lower blood pressure, relieve insomnia, stimulate metabolism, and be beneficial for diseases of the stomach, liver, and gall bladder. To do this, add 1 drop of ether to a glass of tea or juice twice a day.

Anticellulite massage

• Massage with honey-essential mixture. It is recommended to do it every other day. The effect occurs after 10 sessions. The thighs are reduced in volume and the appearance of cellulite disappears. 20 drops of citrus oil mixed with 2 tbsp. l. honey The mixture is applied to the problem area. The massage is done from the bottom up by gluing and peeling off the palms. The procedure is slightly painful. When the mixture on the body becomes viscous and white, the massage is over.

• Classic massage for cellulite. It is carried out with anti-cellulite massage oil, which includes citrus essential oil. The techniques of stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration are used. To obtain results, you need to conduct 10 sessions of 20 minutes each.
• Massage against cellulite with “slaps”. Anti-cellulite cream with essential citrus oil added to it is applied to the legs. Using bottom-up movements, stroking and then spanking the problem areas are carried out. Duration – 15 min.
• Massage using an anti-cellulite brush. Apply essential oil diluted with a base, an unscented oil such as coconut or olive oil. Good for massaging the thighs and buttocks area. It is better to use it on steamed skin after a shower. It is performed in a circular motion with a brush from the bottom of the thigh upward.
• Cupping massage for cellulite. Before the procedure, you need to steam the skin in the bathroom and clean it with a scrub. Massage oil enriched with essential oils is applied to the skin. Under the vacuum effect created by the cup, blood supply in the problem area improves. Toxins are released, swelling is relieved, and body contours are improved. Loose skin is tightened and the number of stretch marks is reduced.

Precautionary measures

Every new product must be tested beforehand. And now we are not talking about checking the quality of the purchased product, but about how it will affect your skin. If you have already been diagnosed with an allergy to citrus fruits in any form, cosmetic procedures with oil are also contraindicated. If not, then prepare a mask or other medicinal mixture with orange essential oil, apply a drop to your wrist or elbow.

The skin there is delicate, so if it becomes covered with red spots, begins to itch or peel, it is also prohibited to use the product on the face. To identify a possible reaction, experts recommend waiting about 15–20 minutes.

You cannot distribute concentrated essential oil from a bottle over your face. You risk burning your skin and causing other problems (for example, allergies).

If the test does not reveal individual intolerance to ether, use the recipes in accordance with the basic recommendations. Those with sensitive skin should choose formulations with a minimum amount of orange oil. If you need to urgently go outside soon after application, use sunscreen.

Attention! When applying citrus essential oil to the skin around the eyes, be careful not to get the mixture on the mucous membrane. And before taking the oil internally, be sure to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic wraps

• Hot wrap. A mixture is used that includes warming ingredients such as pepper and mustard. The mixture itself can be heated to a temperature not exceeding 40° before application. The body is wrapped in film over the mixture and wrapped in a blanket. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours, if desired. It is advisable to relax, taking a comfortable position. The action of heat creates a greenhouse effect. As a result, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and toxins and waste are removed from the body. The therapeutic goal is to eliminate stretch marks, get rid of cellulite, and restore skin tone.

  
  Orange oil is widely used in anti-cellulite wraps

• Cold wrap. The treatment mixture does not heat up. No ingredients that warm the skin are used. The mixture can consist of a choice of honey, chocolate, seaweed or cosmetic clay. Cooling agents such as menthol or mint may be added. As a result, skin tone improves, stretch marks are removed, swelling and cellulite are eliminated.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of natural orange essential oil for facial skin:

• normalizes sebaceous balance;
• cleanses and refreshes the epidermis;
• reduces the severity of defects: acne, wrinkles, post-acne, etc.;
• whitens, evens out skin tone;
• suitable for any type of dermis;
• having a pleasant aroma, it has a calming, relaxing effect, inducing good sleep and relaxation;
• sold in many retail outlets (pharmacies and stores);
• It is used sparingly - even with regular use, the bottle lasts a long time.

Disadvantages of Fragrance Oil:

• can cause allergies, burns, pigmentation;
• requires special storage conditions and rules of use;
• needs careful checking, since the risk of stumbling upon a counterfeit product is quite high.

Reviews

Women and girls post a lot of reviews about orange ether. Many people had pleasant impressions from using the product. For example, a girl named Oksana shared her recipe for an effective mask for problem skin.

Natalya combined orange ether and flax extract. The result was not long in coming: the skin became more even. But the woman warns that the oil cannot be applied in its pure form.

The author of the following review, Diana, believes that orange ether does not moisturize the skin. But it will help those who suffer from frequent rashes on the face.

Before using a new product, you must test it. Apparently, the girl who left the following review forgot about an important rule and got a severe allergic reaction.

If you choose and use citrus essential oil according to all the rules, you will be able to minimize the risk of developing undesirable consequences. Orange oil has many benefits and uses, so women often call a small bottle of aromatic liquid an indispensable product for health and beauty.