Are night serums all they’re hyped up to be? Some argue that there are serums that specifically help skin during the day, while some do their best work at night. Some people also believe that night serums are a marketing ploy, arguing that you can be economical and efficient by using the same skin care products during the day and night. 

Although it may be more affordable to buy just one thing, your skin often dictates which products you need to use. That is especially true if you suffer from dark spots, acne scars, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation. In some cases, a vitamin C serum will help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. That said, vitamin C is very powerful and can increase skin sensitivity if you go out in the sun. You may experience sunburn or general skin irritation. That’s why vitamin C serums are meant for nighttime use. Continue reading to learn a little more about how the ingredients in this dark spot remover benefit your skin. 

Grapeseed Oil

This oil is highly beneficial for people with acne-prone skin. The skin easily absorbs this oil, so it doesn’t feel like you have a heavy, oily layer on the skin’s surface after application. Grapeseed oil is an excellent carrier oil for the DIY dark spot remover in this article, but you can use another carrier oil of your choosing. Sweet almond oil or jojoba oil are two great carrier oils that are beneficial for all skin types. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil has a woody aroma and can provide the skin with a refreshing boost of hydration. It works as a powerful emollient and can help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Sandalwood essential oil may also help you achieve smoother, healthy-looking skin. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a great product that may help treat dark spots, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation. It contains Hesperidin, a flavonoid derived from citrus fruits that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hesperidin may help reduce melanin production in the skin, which can help it appear lighter in tone. Lemon essential oil is photosensitive, so only apply it to the skin at night to prevent irritation or sunburn. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

This essential oil has soothing and beautifying properties that may help rejuvenate the skin. Because it helps promote youthful, radiant-looking skin, frankincense essential oil is commonly added to anti-aging skin care products. It may also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars. 

DIY Dark Spot Remover

Ingredients:

• 12 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Amber glass dropper bottle

Instructions:

• Unscrew the cap on the dropper bottle and add all of the essential oils. Make sure the glass is amber or dark because UV-protected glass helps the contents retain their health properties. 
• Fill the remainder of the dropper bottle with grapeseed oil, but be sure to leave some room so it doesn’t overflow when you put the dropper top in. 
• Screw on the top and shake to combine. That’s it!
• Before use, make sure that you wash your face thoroughly and pat the skin dry with a facial towel. 
• Add about 3 drops of the dark spot remover to clean and dry hands. Rub hands together to evenly distribute and then massage into the face until absorbed.

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Heading to the beach, pool, or lake this summer? What would a day by the water be without a little color? The goal is not to turn into a lobster; rather, it should be to get a subtle kiss from the sun in the form of a tan.

Spending a lot of time in the sun can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper measures to protect your skin. You can continue to apply sunscreen (preferably a safe mineral version) and spend trade off between sun exposure and time in the shade. Should you want to absorb some free vitamin D and tan, you may want to use a tanning oil. 

How Does Tanning Oil Work?

Essentially, a tanning oil helps to accelerate the process of tanning when you are out in the sun. Tanning oils attract more UV rays to help you achieve a deeper tan by allowing your skin to absorb them at an increased rate. When you apply a thin layer of tanning oil to the skin, you lower the skin’s refractive index. The result is a nice looking tan, but how healthy is this process for your skin? 

Most tanning oils lack SPF protection, even if you use natural oils, including coconut oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Most tanning oils have 15 SPF or less, but that is not enough to protect your skin from UV rays. Without proper SPF protection, the skin is not protected from sun exposure. Tanning is inherently “not great” for your skin, but you can tan smartly. If you want to tan, try to use an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every couple hours. Don’t forget to find shade so you aren’t in the sun for too long. 

A quick note: tanning is ultimately caused by an increase of melanin pigment formation. That only results from damage to the skin from harmful UV rays. Just keep that in mind when you decide to tan. 

Sun Protective Natural Ingredients

It is very important to understand that natural oils do not offer the same sun protection as natural oils. A 2021 study found that raspberry seed oil sits around 2.6 SPF, while carrot seed, coconut and wheat germ oils range from 0 to 2.8 SPF. A previous study from 2010 looked at the SPF of carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils ranged from 2 to 8 SPF, while essential oils ranged from 1 to 7 SPF. Olive oil and peppermint essential oil scored the highest. The only downside is that the study wasn’t conducted on human skin.

Even though the DIY tanning oil recipe in this article is not the same as regular sunscreen, it is healthier than a store bought tanning oil. This tanning oil contains olive oil, which has oleic acid and supports clearer skin. It also helps repair sun damage and may soothe dry skin. Plus, olive oil has high levels of squalene, which protects skin cells from aging. 

This tanning oil also contains avocado oil, which helps increase collagen production. Avocado oil is also rich in UV-protectant carotenoids, which offer mild protection from sun damage. Carrot seed oil offers vitamin A and vitamin E protection, which help fight off UV rays. Finally, raspberry seed oil is rich in antioxidants and doesn’t leave a greasy film after application. 

DIY Tanning Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil
• 1/2 teaspoon carrot seed oil
• 10 drops sandalwood essential oil (optional)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon bronze mica powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients, including the optional ones if using, to an amber glass bottle and shake well to combine. If you have a bottle with a pump or pop top, that is ideal. 
• Use as needed for mild sun exposure to help get a golden tan without burning the skin. 
• As a reminder, this is not a replacement for sunscreen and should not be used as such.

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An ideal sleep environment is dark, cool, and quiet. No light, noise, or sweltering heat should disturb the body. What about aromas, though? This is one area that many people do not explore. In reality, your sleep can benefit from activating your sense of smell before bedtime. Specific essential oils exhibit abilities to promote relaxation and contribute to a better night’s sleep, according to sleep researchers. 

In general, essential oils exhibit many different health properties. People can reap their benefits via topical application (so long as they are diluted in a carrier oil) or inhalation of their aroma via a diffuser. They may help to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, promote clearer skin, calm anxiety, or help you relax and sleep better. Essential oils are fragrant and aromatherapy uses these scents to promote state changes in the body. According to research, inhaling certain scents can signal the brain that it’s time to relax.

If you choose to incorporate essential oils into your bedtime routine, you can add them to a diffuser or place a few drops under your pillow. If you shower or take a bath before bed, add some drops to the shower floor or bathwater. Since diffusers can be too intense for some, consider mixing essential oils with water for a quick under pillow mist. You can even mist your entire bed! Let us know if the following essential oils help you fall asleep by commenting below. 

Bergamot

If you drink Earl Grey tea, you are somewhat familiar with bergamot’s aroma. It’s bright, citrusy, and exhibits powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to several studies, inhaling bergamot essential oil’s aroma may slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure, preparing the body for sleep. It is similar to lavender and ylang ylang essential oils in that regard. Aromatherapists often use bergamot essential oil to promote stress reduction, which is beneficial for a better night’s sleep.

Lavender

There may be more research about lavender essential oil’s ability to promote relaxation and sleep than any other essential oil on this list. Scientists identified that linalool, a floral and spicy terpene, in lavender may offer neuroprotective benefits via serotonin receptors in the brain. An additional body of research found that lavender may help improve sleep quality, especially for postmenopausal women. It may help reduce stress and anxiousness, making it an an excellent essential oil for nighttime relaxation.

Vetiver

It’s important to note that vetiver oil’s scent is not for everyone. The aroma isn’t as pleasing as the other oils on this list, but vetiver’s scent does help calm the mind in a powerful way. Vetiver oil’s aroma helps slow your thoughts, putting the mind in a relaxed state. If you find that you continually dwell on the day’s events, diffuse vetiver oil into the air before you go to bed. It may surprise you how quickly your concerns melt away.

Chamomile

A lot of people enjoy a cup of chamomile tea at night because it helps promote relaxation. Inhaling chamomile essential oil’s scent has similar effects. The floral aroma promotes a sense of calm, helping to quiet the mind and get the body ready for sleep. Studies show that the apple-tinged scent of Roman chamomile is especially beneficial for reducing anxiety levels. A 2017 randomized control trial confirmed that chamomile extract was able to improve sleep quality in 60 elderly patients. 

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil exhibits a rich woody aroma that is very effective at promoting deep rest. Researchers attribute this ability to the mood-balancing properties. That’s why sandalwood essential oil stands out from the rest of the oils on this list. It may not chase away troubling thoughts, but it does balance emotions, which can help put the body in a more restful state. You may also find that inhaling the earthy scent reduces bedtime restlessness and headaches. 

Vanilla

Pure vanilla oil is different from vanilla extract, which you commonly see in baking recipes. Vanilla oil offers a pleasant aroma that brings about feel good hormones in the brain. It may also help relieve tension, calming the mind and helping you fall asleep faster. In fact, inhaling vanilla oil’s scent may help you stay asleep longer. Studies found that vanilla oil also exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory, relaxant, and antioxidant properties.

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You can’t go anywhere without hearing about essential oils these days. They are a buzzword in the beauty community, but the reality is that they have been a staple in traditional medicine for thousands of years. After diluting essential oils in a carrier oil, you can apply them to the skin to soothe itching from eczema or even fade dark spots. 

According to several studies, certain essential oils have the ability to decrease stubborn hyperpigmentation. The way they do this is via cellular regeneration. The Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City found that essential oils remove the buildup of dead skin cells. By allowing a new fresh layer of cells to take their place, essential oils help the skin appear lighter, brighter, and healthier. 

Why Do Age Spots Develop?

Various factors contribute to the development of age spots. The sun’s UV rays, pregnancy (applicable for women), poor diet, and natural aging contribute to age spots, and they typically only occur in people over the age of 40. In regards to diet, people who don’t consume enough selenium can see an increase in the development of age spots. It’s also possible for people with low potassium levels to develop more age spots. Potassium aids with optimal growth development of healthy bodily tissues. 

The sun’s UV rays, especially during midday, can be intense for the skin. The higher the UV index, the easier it is to get burnt and damage the skin. To protect the skin from UV rays, the body produces melanin. As a result, brown spots naturally appear in certain areas. Over time, these dark spots can get worse if left unaddressed. Fortunately, many essential oils can help to naturally light the skin. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

In aromatherapy, sandalwood is known for improving mental clarity, and it has an aphrodisiac effect on some people. It’s also a rich source of antioxidants, which fight age-related skin damage. The antiseptic and astringent properties help to clean pores and reduce inflammation from mild irritation. These same properties also help reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin. In fact, many anti-aging skin care products contain sandalwood for this reason.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Once upon a time, people referred to frankincense oil as “liquid gold.” Frankincense essential oil works to encourage cell turnover and improve skin elasticity. Unlike traditional retinol, frankincense oil helps with cellular regeneration without causing dryness or damage. According to certain studies, frankincense essential oil may also reduce the appearance of liver spots and stretch marks. It may even curb the development of wrinkles!

Lemon Essential Oil

If you want to even out skin tone, start incorporating lemon essential oil into your skin care routine. It exhibits natural bleaching effects that help to lighten dark spots on the skin. Because citrus oils are phototoxic, the skin can become very sensitive or irritated after application. That is why you must dilute lemon oil in a carrier oil and spot test before applying liberally. Lastly, do not apply lemon essential oil and then go out in the sun, otherwise you may experience darker skin.

DIY Serum For Age Spots

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce pomegranate seed oil
• 1/2 ounce apricot kernel oil
• 8 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to an amber glass bottle in the order that they are listed. Shake gently to combine. 
• As a suggestion, it’s best if your amber glass bottle has a dropper top. This makes application much easier. 
• Massage a small amount of this oil mixture on the affected areas in the morning and at night to help get rid of age spots. 

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A switch is often necessary to improve your health. This can translate to a dietary shift that improves your health, an exercise shift that leads to bigger gains, or a skin care shift that enhances the appearance of your skin. In the case of the latter, the shift to natural skin care recipes can elevate your skin from dull and dry to hydrated and revived. 

When it comes to shaving, there are many techniques to achieve a perfectly close shave. Some people have no rhyme or reason to the way they slick the hair away, while others have a procedure dialed in. However you shave is entirely up to you, and so is your post-shave routine. Let us make one little suggestion, though: use the natural aftershave in this article if you want silky smooth skin. 

What Does Aftershave Do?

Aftershave is considered to be any type of oil, gel, liquid, or lotion that you put on the skin after shaving. Many people consider the application of aftershave to be a ritual, but how it affects the skin is different for everyone. Chemical aftershaves can cause irritation, while aftershaves with natural ingredients can reduce itching or swelling, establish smoother skin, or reduce the appearance of razor bumps. The right aftershave can even promote regrowth of skin tissue or prevent hair follicle inflammation. The aftershave in this article soothes the skin because of the following ingredients.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Can we be frank about this essential oil? Don’t be incensed about that question! Bad jokes aside, frankincense essential oil is beneficial for both skin care and aromatherapy. Spruce up your skin to liven it up and make it feel rejuvenated with frankincense essential oil. Post-shave skin can be dry, but frankincense oil can leave it feeling fresh and hydrated. 

Witch Hazel

Before you use witch hazel, consider reading the potential side effects and which skin types are more prone to reactions. Witch hazel is an excellent ingredient that may help reduce inflammation or ease irritation on the skin. When it comes to burns or sensitive skin, which is common after shaving, which hazel works to helps to soothe the skin and provide a cooling relief. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil contains a group of fat-soluble vitamins that have powerful antioxidant effects. You can mix this oil with other ingredients, but you can also apply it directly to the skin. This oil works to moisturize dry or flaky skin, and it also helps to reduce itching, which is common after shaving. If you are prone to razor burn or razor bumps, vitamin E oil can help calm the inflammation and help you avoid potential scarring. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Besides having an enchanting aroma, sandalwood essential oil has incredible hydrating properties. It actually replenishes the epidermis with moisture because it is an emollient, meaning it penetrates the skin deeply to help it retain moisture. Sandalwood essential oil also helps renew complexion, and can even help reduce irritation or inflammation.

DIY Aftershave

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce witch hazel
• 1/2 teaspoon almond oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 8 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to an empty two-ounce bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. 
• Screw on the lid and shake vigorously to combine the ingredients. It’s now ready to use.
• Make sure to shake it up before each use. Place a small amount in the center of your palm, rub your hands together, and apply to freshly shaven skin. 

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Don’t you hate it when a guy walks by and leaves behind a trail of pungent chemicals that seem to singe your nostril hairs? The correct and only answer to that question is: yes. Don’t get caught up in fancy glass bottles and cologne commercials with famous actors. Take control of your scent by making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils.

If you want to smell like a woodsy lumberjack who just finished building a log cabin, use essential oils. If you want to smell like freshly cut cedar, freedom, and crisp pine needles, use essential oils. Don’t be ashamed if you want your cologne to smell like frosty mornings or the salty ocean air. Own the scent you desire and wear it with confidence.

Manly Essential Oils

Peppermint Essential Oil

The minty aroma of peppermint essential oil is not only enchanting, but also beneficial for calming the mind and relieving fatigue. In addition to smelling minty fresh, you’ll also help promote mental clarity and decongest your sinuses.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil gives off a woodsy aroma, and it’ll make whoever’s around you feel cozy and safe, as though they are snuggling by a warm fire. It’s a sweeter oil that has been used for thousands of years, especially in spiritual and religious traditions. Sandalwood helps to improve memory, reduce stress, and stimulate concentration.

Lemon Essential Oil

The beautiful refreshing scent of lemon essential oil will have you smelling like you just emerged from harvesting fruit in a citrus orchard.  The citrus tang of lemon essential oil blends well with numerous essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Lemon essential oil is also great for uplifting spirits and decongesting sinuses!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Used both medicinally and cosmetically, eucalyptus essential oil emits an earthy aroma to accentuate your rugged side. It has an herbaceous essence, so you’ll smell fresh and clean as well. Eucalyptus essential oil helps to clear the sinuses and is beneficial for the respiratory system.

DIY Men’s Essential Oil Cologne Recipes

DIY All Natural Men’s Cologne

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously to combine.
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Screw the top back on and shake well.
• When ready to use, spray away and start smelling great.

If this essential oil blend isn’t for you, here are some other great DIY men’s essential oil cologne recipes.

LumberJack Blend

• 8 drops rosemary essential oil
• 20 drops Northern Lights black spruce essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

Forest Blend

• 12 drops juniper essential oil
• 12 drops cypress essential oil
• 12 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Mr. Minty Blend

• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• 10 drops vetiver essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

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