Do you know what Distilled Lime Essential Oil is? You may have heard the term "distilled lime" and not known exactly what it was or how it differs from lime essential oil. This post will help clear it up!
Lime essential oil (Citrus aurantifolia) is a favorite citrus oil that calms and clears the mind. It has such a bright and stimulating aroma that has amazing cleansing properties. Some other favorite properties of lime include anti-depressant, emotionally cleansing, and digestive aid.
Distilled Lime Essential Oil
Distilled lime oil (aka steam distilled lime oil) just means that the method used to obtain the essential oil was through a steam distillation process. Why does this matter?
Steam distilled lime oil is not photo-toxic.
Majority of the citrus essential oils are obtained using cold pressed extraction from the rind of the fruit, and that is true about lime essential oil too.
When produced using the cold pressed method (aka expressed), the lime essential oil is phototoxic.
Phototoxicity
Phototoxic essential oils, when used topically on skin, can cause skin damage if that skin is then exposed to sun light (or tanning beds). This is because certain natural essential oil constituents react when exposed to UV light. This kind of phototoxic damage to the skin can be permanent, which is a scary thought.
To keep usage safe with expressed lime when using topically, it should be diluted to 0.7% or less - That's about 4.2 drops of Expressed Lime Oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil.
The great thing about distilled lime is that when obtained through the steam distillation method, the constituent that causes phototoxicity is not present...that is why steam distilled lime essential oil is not phototoxic.
This is great news because that means distilled lime can be applied topically without concern about sun exposure!!
Read More on Summer Essential Oils
What are the Benefits of Distilled Lime Essential Oil?
Distilled lime oil is often used in aromatherapy for its uplifting scent that promotes feelings of happiness. There are many benefits of distilled lime essential oil, including:
- Calming the mind: The citrusy scent of the oil can help to calm the mind and ease stress.
- Boosting energy: The oil can help to boost energy levels and promote a feeling of happiness.
- Easing anxiety: The oil can help to ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
In addition, lime essential oil is a fabulous skincare option, keep reading to learn more about natural skincare with lime oil.
Lime Essential Oil for Skin Care
Lime essential oil is a great natural ingredient for skincare. Not only will it brighten and revitalize your skin, but it will also help to reduce signs of aging by fighting free radicals.
Be sure to only use steam distilled lime for your skincare needs so you can avoid sun sensitivity from the oil.
It has a high content of vitamin C which helps fight wrinkles, improve elasticity, and produce collagen. Lime essential oil has antibacterial properties which make it perfect for acne prone skin, as well as dry, flaky patches of skin.
How to Use Steam Distilled Lime Oil for Skin
Here are some ways to use lime essential oil for skincare:
- In skincare routine: Add one drop into your facial cleanser before washing skin or moisturizer before applying.
- In a massage: The oil can be added to a massage oil or lotion and used to massage the skin. Apply on the skin as needed, mix with coconut oil for diluting and for extra benefits.
- In a bath: The oil can be added to a bathtub filled with water and used to soak in. Add a few drops into your bath water to detoxify the body while you relax and rejuvenate yourself. Learn more about bathing safely with essential oils.
- In a diffuser: The oil can be diffused to enjoy its overall wellness benefits. Inhale from the bottle or by way of a diffuser can assist with stress reduction which can help your skin too!
The scent of lime is also quite refreshing and uplifting, making it the perfect thing to apply before bedtime or in the morning to start your day off on a positive note!
What does distilled lime essential oil smell like?
This is a question that many people ask when they are considering the purchase of a steam distilled lime essential oil. Distilled lime essential oil has an energizing and refreshing scent. It has a fresh, zesty lime aroma, more tart than sweet and a little sharper than cold pressed lime oil.
Where to Buy Distilled Lime Essential Oil?
When it comes to buying lime essential oil, look at the label to see if it states that it is steam distilled. If it is steam distilled, this should be noted on the label. Again, if you will be applying lime essential oil to your skin, this is the best type of lime oil to buy to avoid sun sensitivity:
Lime Blends Well With
The scent of this oil is said to be uplifting, invigorating, and refreshing. Some people also say it smells like a key lime pie or a sweet tart. Lime essential oil can add such a lovely freshness to your DIY Essential Oil Recipes, there are many essential oils that lime oil blends well with:
- Bergamot
- Cardamom
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Coriander Seed
- Jasmine Absolute
- Lavandin
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
- Mandarin
- May Chang
- Neroli
- Sweet Orange
- Petitgrain
- Grapefruit
- Rose Absolute
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla Oleoresin
- Ylang Ylang
Lime Energy Roller Blend |
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Give this easy recipe a try next time you need some extra energy in your life! Here is a favorite all natural energy roller blend made with distilled lime:
Directions: Add essential oil drops to roller bottle, fill the rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Place rollerball on, roll bottle between palms of hands to blend together. To use, roll on forearms and wrists, take a few deep breaths to inhale the aroma. 3% dilution. |
Lime Essential Oil: Steam Distilled vs Cold Pressed
Here is a simple breakdown on the difference between the steam distilled method and the cold pressed method.
Steam distillation method for essential oils
Steam distillation is a method of extracting essential oils from plant material. The plant material is heated until it produces steam. The steam is then directed through a pipe into a chamber where it meets cold water. This causes the steam to turn into droplets, which contain the essential oil. The essential oil is then separated from the water and collected.
Cold pressed method for essential oils
The cold-pressed method of extraction is a technique used to extract essential oils from plant materials. The plant material is placed in a press and subjected to a moderate amount of pressure. The essential oil is then squeezed out of the plant material.
Conclusion on Using Steam Distilled Lime Oil
In summary, Steam Distilled Lime Oil, unlike Cold Pressed Lime Oil, is not phototoxic. It is the best type to buy if you will be applying it to your skin. If you are mainly using for aromatic purposes then cold pressed lime is just fine.
Lime essential oil is a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. It's perfect for those who are looking for an all natural skincare product that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
This oil is known for its cleansing and purifying properties, and is often used in aromatherapy to boost energy and morale. It can also be used to help relieve stress and anxiety. It has a citrusy, tangy scent that is refreshing and uplifting.
Just be safe and ensure that you are using steam distilled lime on your skin if you will be in the sun. Being informed about this topic is the best way to avoid any negative effects from using lime essential oil.
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