Summer is a prime season for self-care. Whether you’re soaking up vitamin D by the pool, savoring grilled goodies at the park, or centering yourself in the great outdoors, capture the benefits of sunny days with essential oils by your side.

Check out our essential oil must-haves for summer and learn how to elevate your self-care game this season!

Satisfy your skin

Protecting your skin is a must when the sun’s blazing. Along with making sure to include sunscreen in your skin care routine, face the summer with a healthy, glowing look!

  • After-hours exfoliation with Lemon*: Protect your skin from sun damage with a DIY nighttime exfoliant. Mix 1 tablespoon jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 4 drops Lemon essential oil. Gently apply the scrub to your face and massage in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Rinse and then moisturize.

  • Hydrating face mask with Helichrysum: Glow alongside the sun with a glistening complexion! Mix ¼ cup aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 3 drops Helichrysum essential oil. Apply to your face and wear for at least 10 minutes to get maximum moisture. Rinse and shine!

  • Body balm with Geranium and Grapefruit*: Sun exposure can cause damage to your skin even if you avoid sunburn. Add 3 drops each of Geranium and Grapefruit to your favorite body butter and apply to your skin for a healthy dose of hydration.

  • Dewy skin care with Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood™ and Orange*: Banish dry skin with a super-hydrating skin care routine. Add Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil to your face wash and moisturizer and Orange to your night cream to get in on a natural glow.

  • Stellar-smelling sunscreen with Carrot Seed: Give sun protection a sensational scent by adding 2-3 drops of Carrot Seed essential oil to your sunscreen.

Lemon essential oil

YL tip: When using essential oils in the summer, exercise caution with oils that can make you more sensitive to the sun’s rays. To avoid a negative reaction, stay out of the sun for at least 12 hours after application. View our photosensitivity guide to learn how to safely use these oils.

Tame your mane

Bright sun, salty water, pool chemicals: what do these things have in common? They can all attack your hair. Treat your tresses to mitigate the damage that can come from your summer activities.

  • Scalp treatment with German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Radiata: Show your scalp some love before you show off your mermaid hair! Add 1 drop each of German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Radiata essential oils to your shampoo. Rub into your scalp to eliminate unwanted buildup with a cooling sensation.

  • DIY mermaid hair spray with Rosemary, Lavender, and Cedarwood: Bring on the beachy vibes without skimping on the nourishing ingredients with this DIY hair spray.

  • Serum that smooths the frizzies with Geranium: Combat the humidity and tackle tangly tresses when you add 1 drop of Geranium to your go-to hair oil.

Lavender essential oil

Chill out in the summer heat

Need some time to cool off after soaking up the sun? Choose any of these icy oils so you can take part in your favorite summer activities without melting away.

  • Icy roll-on with Peppermint: Roll on brisk, invigorating Peppermint essential oil to cool down after a hot afternoon. Take an empty 15 ml essential oil bottle, fill it halfway with Peppermint oil and halfway with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex, and add an AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment to create a refreshing roll-on.

  • Frozen towels with Eucalyptus: Whether you’re playing sports or sitting on the sidelines, protect yourself from getting overheated with an ice-cold towel. Add 5-8 total drops of Eucalyptus Blue, Eucalyptus Radiata, and/or Eucalyptus Globulus to a damp washcloth or hand towel. Pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes, then wear it around your neck.

How to use Peppermint oil

Venture through the great outdoors

Plan a staycation and explore Mother Nature’s wonders from your own backyard. Summer is a prime time to get outside and reconnect with the earth.

  • Outdoor wipe-down with Citronella, Lemongrass, and Lime: Get your outdoor furniture summer ready. In an 8-ounce bottle, combine 10 drops each of Citronella and Lemongrass, plus 5 drops each of Lime and Spearmint. Fill the bottle to the top with water, spray furniture, and then wipe down.

  • Post-hike massage with Eucalyptus Globulus and Cypress: After exploring nature with friends, soothe tired muscles with this peppy DIY massage oil. Combine V-6 with 4 drops each of Eucalyptus Globulus and Cypress and massage on desired area. You’ll love the added bonus of a forest-fresh aroma!

Citronella essential oil

Take in the summer scents

Summer aromas like vibrant citrus, fragrant florals, and green herbs are crave worthy any time of year. If you’re stuck inside during the day, invite the scent of summer indoors with these diffuser blends.

Sun-Kissed diffuser blend: Breathe in the aroma of Orange and Lemongrass boosted by the invigorating, sharp scent of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Blue.

sun kissed diffuser blend

Beach Bonfire diffuser blend: Feel like you’re enjoying a crackling fire by the salty seaside. Diffuse this blend of sweet Cedarwood, herbaceous Rosemary, heavenly Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, and citrusy Citronella.

beach bonfire diffuser blend

Summer Fling diffuser blend: Summer love happens so fast. This sweet and romantic combo of Lime, Spearmint, Lavender, and Grapefruit will give you all the middle school butterflies.

summer fling diffuser blend

For more essential oil favorites for summer, check out 7 camping essentials for your summer adventure and DIY summer blends on The Lavender Life!

Which essential oils do you use during summertime?

Tell us in the comments!

*Indicates photosensitivity