Lemon essential oil is known for its intense and citrus aroma that gives an immediate sense of well-being . However, this is not only used in aromatherapy as it also has many other properties.
Read on to find out the benefits it gives to the mind and body, how it can be used and how to choose it.
Historical notes on lemon
The history of the lemon dates back thousands of years and has played a significant role in the culture and economy of various civilizations throughout time.
The origins of the lemon date back to regions of southwestern Asia, but it is believed that it was introduced to the Mediterranean basin through Persia and the Middle East. In fact, the ancient Greeks called the lemon " Media apple " because it came from Media, a country near Persia.
The lemon was not only known by the Greeks, but also by the ancient Romans as confirmed by the excavations of Pompeii in which the remains of the "house of the orchard" came to light. In fact, this had several frescoes on the walls depicting lemon trees.
From this discovery and from historical documents, it can be assumed that the lemon was transplanted and acclimatized in Campania already in the first century AD , more precisely, in the Sorrento area from 1500 AD.
In 2000, the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recognition was obtained, which protects the unique natural heritage of the Sorrento Lemon.
How is Lemon essential oil produced?
The Sorrento Lemon essential oil present in “Luce di Sorrento” cosmetics is extracted through a slow steam distillation process for more than six hours .
In this process the water vapor/essence mixture is condensed in a coil cooled by a water recirculation and returned to the liquid state. In this final result the essential oil settles on the surface because it has a lower density than water and can be separated from it.
Another method used to produce Lemon essential oil is cold pressing . In this case the peels of the fruit are chopped, ground and cold pressed to extract the essential oil contained. The problem with this method is a very low yield.
Composition of lemon EO
But what makes Lemon essential oil so well known for its beneficial properties and its characteristic aroma? Surely its complex combination of natural chemical compounds. Here are some:
▪️ Limonene : is the predominant component in lemon essential oil, making up approximately 65-75% of its composition.
▪️ β-Pinene : Provides antimicrobial properties and can help relax muscles and improve breathing.
▪️ γ-Terpinene : contributes to the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of lemon essential oil.
▪️ Linalool : It is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
▪️ Citral : responsible for the antibacterial properties of this essential oil.
▪️ Terpinen-4-ol : gives lemon antibacterial and antifungal properties.
▪️ Myrcene : known for its relaxing and sedative properties.
Lemon Essential Oil: 8 Benefits
The properties that characterize Lemon essential oil lead it to be used in various contexts, including aromatherapy, neurocosmetics , personal hygiene and for household cleaning. But let's see in detail its main 10 benefits in detail.
#1 Purifying for oily skin
Lemon essential oil is a natural antibacterial that fights skin impurities . This is why Luce di Sorrento cosmetics are also suitable for skincare for oily skin. In fact, its astringent, antibacterial and antioxidant properties can help control excessive sebum production, clean pores and reduce the appearance of shine on the skin.
#2 Anti-aging
This essential oil is recognized as a natural antioxidant , meaning it protects the skin from free radical damage that can contribute to premature skin aging. Therefore, it fights wrinkles and signs of aging on the skin.
#3 Soothing for sensitive skin
Creams containing Lemon essential oil are also suitable for sensitive skin as it combats redness and helps decongest irritated skin . This is why our cosmetics are particularly suitable for dermatitis and eczema.
#4 Brightening
Lemon essential oil is known to have skin-brightening properties and can be used to help improve skin tone andeliminate dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
#5 Healing
Being a natural healing agent , it is an excellent ally in the case of acne-prone skin because at the same time it purifies the skin and helps tissue regeneration.
#6 Energizing and toning
This essential oil is recommended against varicose veins, cellulite, edema, swelling of the legs and ankles, fragile capillaries because it helps microcirculation and strengthens blood vessels .
#7 Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
Lemon essential oil applied topically has an anti-inflammatory action in case of muscle and joint pain. It is also used diluted in water to gargle in case of a sore throat.
#8 Calming
In aromatherapy, this essential oil provides calm and relaxation , helping to reduce stress , anxiety and improve mood. It is also often used in the evening to promote night sleep .
Uses and Applications of Lemon Essential Oil
Essential oils have multiple properties and for this reason they can be applied and used in different fields.
Cosmetic use
Lemon essential oil , due to its soothing, purifying and antiaging properties, is a great ally in the field of neurocosmetics . Luce di Sorrento cosmetics, containing Sorrento lemon EO, are ideal for all skin types, from oily skin to sensitive skin and even menopausal skin.
Each of our neurocosmetics is designed to naturally restore the skin's hydrolipidic film while respecting its pH in order to take care of it and at the same time give a feeling of relaxation thanks to the scent of the essential oil.
Applications in aromatherapy and massage
One of the most popular uses of this essential oil is aromatherapy and massage application.
How is it used in these cases?
▪️ Add a few drops to your bath water to relax muscles and relieve stress.
▪️ 15 drops in 250ml of almond oil for relaxing and toning massages.
▪️ Diffusing the scent in the bedroom a few hours before going to sleep to promote sleep.
▪️ Diffusing the scent in the home for a sense of well-being and calm.
Precautions and warnings
Sorrento Lemon essential oil extracted through a slow steam distillation process is NOT photosensitive and is naturally free of furocoumarins.
These characteristics make it ideal for cosmetics that come into contact with the skin and can also be used as a flavouring in the kitchen for foods and drinks.
How to choose a high quality Lemon essential oil?
To be able to choose a quality lemon essential oil, you can pay attention to some aspects:
▪️ Purity : The product label should state “100% pure essential oil” with no additional ingredients listed.
▪️ Origin : Opt for essential oils produced from plants sourced from sustainable and high-quality cultivation.
▪️ Extraction method : prefer essential oils extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing.
▪️ Packaging : Essential oil should be packaged in dark glass bottles, preferably amber or blue, which protect the product from light and degradation.
▪️ Label information : Check that the label provides detailed information about the source plant, botanical name, extraction method, production date, and instructions for use.
▪️ Price : Beware of essential oils that are too cheap, as they may be counterfeit or low quality. A pure, high-quality essential oil requires a lot of plants to produce and will therefore cost more.
Luce di Sorrento Cosmetics with Sorrento Lemon essential oil
Luce di Sorrento cosmetics contain Sorrento lemon essential oil extracted through steam distillation for over 6 hours to extract the purest molecules with a double action: brightness on the skin and a relaxing effect on the mind.
The Sorrento Lemon stands out qualitatively from other lemons thanks to its unique characteristics such as the high concentration of essential oil in the peel and its sweet scent with hints of vanilla. The cultivation techniques used in the Sorrento Peninsula allow the quality of the lemon to be enhanced and an essential oil of the highest quality to be obtained.
The Sorrento Lemon is present in the innovative LemonLux® complex, a precious elixir based on Sorrento Lemon Essential Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Sorrento Peninsula and in the innovative active ingredient LemonLight® extracted from its peel.
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