How many glasses of lemonade have you had this summer? Or fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast? Maybe a gin and tonic with lime here and there? We love to indulge in citrus (even Nebraska-grown citrus) in the summer because it is thirst quenching and refreshing. Did you know it also creates a pretty sweet complexion?

You’ve heard it since childhood. Drink your orange juice for vitamin C. Yes, citrus contains C. But it is also rich in vitamin B, folic acid, potassium, and calcium. Good for the body, to be sure.

How does this translate to skin care? Lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges are all added to beauty products as oils and extracts. These powerful ingredients are prized for their versatility and fresh scents.

The benefits of citrus skin care are many. These zesties are effective in clearing blemishes and clogged pores, brightening a sallow complexion, and adding glow to any skin type. They also include aromatherapeutic properties which boost the mood and immune system, ease anxiety, and decrease hypertension.

You may have heard that citrus oils are linked to photosensitivity. Citrus ingredients should be limited when spending time in direct sunlight, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of sun-induced rash.

As for the issue surrounding grapefruit seed extract. First off, grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is not the same as grapefruit essential oil (which is a safe and beneficial ingredient extracted from the peel of grapefruits). You will see GSE used as a preservative in some natural brands, replacing parabens or other synthetics. The problem lies in the potential contaminants from the process used to make GSE, including hydrochloric acid and ammonium chloride. Bottom line, GSE is a safer choice than some of the other synthetic preservatives, but not a completely nontoxic ingredient. As always, follow brands and experts you trust.

Speaking of trusted experts, Marissa Waller of BeauTeaBar has lent her favorite citrus skin care picks for EcoSalon! Let’s take a peek.

BeauTeaBar’s Marissa Waller Spills Her Top Citrus Skin Care Picks and Tips

KYPRIS Inflorescent Body Elixir

This product is the ultimate in luxury body products. The fresh fragrances of sweet orange and neroli are so captivating, not to mention they’re deeply nourishing and reparative for sun damaged skin.

Olio E Osso Lip Balms

These adorable little balms contain natural grapefruit essential oil to add the slightest hint of citrus. They come is a variety of colors that create a beautiful sheer wash of color to your lips and cheeks. The “French Melon” is definitely a summer favorite thanks to its vibrant pink coral hue.

Laurel Skin Brighten Mask

This powder mask delivers ultra-high doses of vitamin C derived from natural citrus and fruit ingredients such as sweet orange, lemon, camu camu fruit, and acerola berry. It works wonders for repairing sun damage and fading areas of hyperpigmentation.

Cocovit Orange + Basil Lip Balm

A coconut oil and shea butter based lip balm spiked with a hint of sweet orange and basil for a refreshing lip treat.

Thank you, Marissa! Can’t wait to dig into these citrusy beauties.

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Woman with lemon image via Shutterstock

The post Citrus Skin Care: Peeling Into this Hot Beauty Trend (and Picks from BeauTeaBar’s Marissa Waller!) appeared first on EcoSalon.