Most people have a mental checklist of items to pack when they head to the beach: sunscreen, towel, snacks, big, floppy hat, and so on. While essential oils may not be the first thing you think of when packing for a day in the sand and surf, they can instantly improve your whole oceanfront experience. Whether you’re using lavender to relax, peppermint to soothe sunburn, or grapefruit to re-energize for another wave-riding session, at day’s end, you’ll be happy you brought some essential oils along for all your beach activities!
How to Use Essential Oils at the Beach
Since taking a diffuser to the beach isn’t really an option, use essential oils in one of these ways instead:
- Simply Inhale: The ocean already smells amazing, but a little extra aromatherapy never hurt anyone. A few whiffs of peppermint will boost mental clarity, so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the moment. A couple deep inhales of lavender will ease any residual anxiety you brought with you, and help you fully relax. Aromatherapy is also a great option for citrus oils, because these should not be applied to the skin since they make you more sensitive to UV exposure and sunburn.
- Add essential oils to a carrier oil and apply: Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with jojoba, meadowfoam seed, flaxseed, or fractionated coconut oil, and apply liberally. The carrier oil will make the scent last longer, and it will also luxuriously moisturize your skin, which can feel nice after the drying effects of sun, sand, and salt.
Best Essential Oils For the Beach
Take any essential oil that will help you relax, but here are some of our favorites for a day at the beach.
Lavender: Lavender essential oil is known for its ability to soothe stress and anxiety, ease tension, and improve sleep quality. Since we think that a day at the beach should be relaxing, lavender is kind of a no-brainer. Inhaling lavender directly from the bottle does wonders for a frazzled mind, and it also calms and uplifts when sprayed on towels, beach chairs, and bodies!
Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil can work wonders on sunburnt skin. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, not to mention its high menthol content, mean that peppermint essential oil cools the skin and reduces pain seconds after application. Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with coconut oil and aloe vera for ultimate sunburn relief. Or, if your mind is feeling a little muddled after hours in the sun, a quick whiff or two of peppermint will boost your mental clarity and refocus your mind and body.
Tea Tree: For many of us, a walk along the shore is an essential component of a day at the beach. Of course, with this often comes minor cuts and scrapes from stepping on shells, driftwood, or beach pebbles. Tea tree essential oil is ideal for treating all manner of small abrasions, cuts, and bites. Treat the affected area with diluted oil and then cover with a bandage. Tea tree’s powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties will prevent infection and speed healing. If you want to be extra prepared, you can make a homemade salve with olive oil, beeswax, and tea tree oil.
Lemon: Lemon essential oil can be sprayed on beach chairs and towels to keep them smelling fresh. Lemon oil’s antimicrobial properties will also prevent fungus and bacteria from taking hold in damp towels. Lemon oil is also a powerful energizer, and a few whiffs will help you recharge if you’re feeling a little lazy or sun-dazed. Note that lemon oil should not be applied to the skin if you are planning to sunbathe, as it will make you overly sensitive to UV light.
Grapefruit: Similar to lemon oil, grapefruit essential oil can instantly elevate your mood and boost your energy when inhaled. While we don’t necessarily think there is anything wrong with napping at the beach, grapefruit essential oil can fight fatigue if you need to tend to children or engage in some other task that requires you to stay awake. Also similar to lemon oil, grapefruit oil will keep your towels and beach chairs fresh and fungus-free. Like other citrus oils, grapefruit oil should not be applied directly to your skin, but also like other citrus oils, grapefruit oil smells like summer in a bottle, and can usher you into a beachy frame of mind in no time.
Use Essential Oils to Bring the Beach to You
When you head to the beach this summer, bring Pureomeo essential oils with you! PureomEO™ sources the highest-quality ingredients available from eco-friendly and small-scale farms, distilleries, and producers. All of our products contain only all-natural, plant-based ingredients with no animal products, preservatives, or synthetics. Every batch of PureomEO™ Essential Oil is lab tested and analyzed for quality assurance.
Order online or stop by our North Loop shop today, and pick up the health and wellness products you need to keep you enjoying the beach all summer long! We also have a selection of stunning antiques, local pottery, jewelry, and unique gifts.
Surf’s Up!