pure glow
How to use essential oils for self-care
A Natural Glow Inside & Out
Be empowered with the knowledge you need to enhance your self-care routine with the purity of essential oils and glow from the inside out, naturally.
Rituals with Essential Oils
A few drops of Wild Orange in your shower or a drop of Lemon during your face wash can set the tone for your entire day.
A few drops of nurturing Blue Tansy or emotionally balancing Melissa in your nightly moisturiser can create a calm atmosphere that not only rejuvenates your skin, but can help ease tension and prepare you for a good night’s rest.
Whether you want to embrace both the emotional and visible benefits of essential oils as part of your beauty rituals, want a more natural approach to skincare, haircare and personal care or simply look forward to a relaxing bath every night, essential oils have a natural place in your self-care routine.
What You’ll Learn
In this e-Book, we’ll delve into the benefits of using essential oils for self-care and introduce you to some of our favourite essential oils for skincare, deep diving into how you can safely incorporate certain essential oils into your skincare routine to achieve noticeable, natural results.
And because self-care goes far beyond how we look on the outside, we’ll also take time to explore how to use essential oils in other parts of your routine to treat yourself, naturally.
We’ll provide tips, tricks and recipes on how to get outside and explore the great outdoors joyfully with the help of essential oils, how to bring more movement into your day supported by essential oils and even touch on how to create natural alternatives to commercial perfumes.
And you won’t go away hungry for more. We’ve also thrown in some food and drink recipes featuring essential oils in an effort to really amp up your personal self-care, so you truly glow from the inside out.
The Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Self-Care
Since ancient times, plants have been used to help us look, feel and smell good. Today, essential oils still have vast applications for personal care, including beautifying the skin and hair, cleansing the mouth, improving general hygiene, promoting and supporting exercise, enhancing our food and of course, naturally perfuming our bodies.
Why Should I Use Essential Oils in My Self-Care Routine?
While some people may think using essential oils for personal care would be messy, inconvenient, or no better than commercial personal care products, essential oils provide a pure, non-toxic and joyful way to care for yourself.
Not only do their natural cleansing, soothing, and purifying properties make essential oils ideal for personal care, but they also have added wellness benefits and can significantly improve your mood and emotional wellbeing— just by inhaling them.
And, they can be seamlessly incorporated into your daily routine.
Essential Oils vs. Commercial Personal Care Products
You might be wondering what the benefits of using essential oils for self-care are, when compared to other widely available commercial products.
While there are several important reasons to bypass commercial products and choose essential oils, perhaps the greatest benefit is that along with their inherent power and effectiveness, essential oils are all-natural and safe for your body.
Essential oils are extracted from pure, plantbased sources, which means they don’t contain synthetic fillers or toxins. Many cosmetic and personal care products on the market today contain potentially harmful, unrecognisable ingredients. If you want to feel comfortable and safe, knowing exactly what you’re using on and in your body, it’s wise to choose essential oils over other commercial products.
Essential oils:
• Contain natural ingredients taken from pure sources.
• Are potent and powerful (so you use less product).
• Last longer and are more cost-effective over time.
• Provide a natural way to care for your body, offering peace of mind.
Commercial hygiene products:
• Often contain synthetic or mysterious ingredients, so you don’t know exactly what you’re putting on or in your body.
• Require more product to achieve the desired effect.
• Need to be restocked frequently, so they’re not cost-effective.
Essential Oils and Your Preferences
Many people worldwide make essential oils part of their daily self-care and beauty routines because they can be easily tailored to personal preferences.
A single essential oil can provide a variety of benefits and uses, depending on its chemical profile. Some chemical components make an essential oil effective for cleansing and purification, while other components offer soothing or beautifying properties.
Because each essential oil has a certain combination of chemical constituents, it’s easy to find one to fit your needs. Along with a wide range of natural solutions and chemical
constituents to choose from, several application methods make incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine easy.
Essential oil selection and application methods can be adjusted to accommodate people with sensitive skin, acne prone skin, dry skin or other conditions. When you use essential oils for personal care, you can select specific products and application methods that work with your individual preferences and needs.
Essential Oils and Skincare
Skincare is essential to good personal hygiene, and the natural, potent effects of essential oils can promote clean, smooth, and healthy-looking skin. Many characteristics of essential oils make them perfect for skincare, including cleansing, soothing, and nurturing properties.
Cleansing Properties
Clean skin is one of the most important elements of proper skincare. Some essential oils provide significant cleansing and purifying properties, which can be helpful for promoting clean skin and a clear complexion. As mentioned before, specific chemical constituents in essential oils offer certain health benefits. If an essential oil has cleansing chemical properties that have been approved for topical use, you can use it in your skincare routine to keep your skin clean and pure.
Nurturing Properties
Perhaps the most appealing part of making essential oils part of your skincare is their ability to nourish and nurture the complexion. Depending on the essential oil, you can moisturise the skin, enjoy toning properties, or promote a healthy-looking glow. Some essential oils can even reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by nourishing the skin and promoting an even skin tone. The pure nature of essential oils makes them incredibly useful for nurturing the skin, because their powerful chemical constituents work to provide nourishment in a safe, natural manner.
Soothing Properties
Certain essential oils are chemically programmed with soothing characteristics. These soothing properties are effective for skincare because they can soothe irritated skin and reduce occasional skin irritation or blemishes. The soothing properties can also provide a simple, natural way for those with sensitive skin to promote a healthy complexion. If you have sensitive skin, commercial facial cleansers, toners, or moisturisers may be too harsh for your delicate complexion and might irritate the skin even further. By properly employing essential oils, those with sensitivities can avoid the harsh chemicals or ingredients often found in popular skincare products.
Guidelines for using essential oils on your skin
Essential oils are both safe and effective, but it’s important to apply them correctly to ensure safe usage. Just like any product you put on your skin, you must follow directions, use proper quantities, and adjust if you experience sensitivities. Only use high-quality essential oils that have been approved for topical use and yield the best results.
Here are some guidelines that will help you get the most out of using essential oils for skincare.
Dilution
Because pure essential oils are so potent, it’s often wise to dilute them before applying them to the skin. Dilution is especially important when applying particularly potent products to areas like the face and even more important if you have sensitive skin. You have several ways to dilute essential oils:
• Use a carrier oil with essential oils.
A carrier oil can be an incredible tool for dilution. Dilute one drop of essential oil with three drops of a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil for the face or Fractionated Coconut Oil for the body.
• Combine essential oils with another product.
Another easy way to dilute essential oils for skincare is to combine them with another product. Simply place a dollop of facial cleanser, moisturiser, or lotion in your palm. Add one drop of essential oil to the product and rub your hands together. Apply the combination to your face or skin, according to product instructions.
• Add essential oils to your favourite products for daily use.
Consider adding a few drops of essential oil to your favourite skincare products. By adding a few drops of essential oil to your facial cleanser or lotion, toner, or moisturiser bottle, you won’t have to think about adding essential oils into your skincare routine—they’ll already be part of it!
Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, using essential oils to benefit the complexion and other areas of the skin is still possible. While essential oils are extremely potent, their cleansing and soothing nature makes them amazingly useful for those who struggle with skin sensitivity.
Often, commercial cleansers and lotions can be extremely irritating for people with sensitive skin because the products contain chemicals or harsh ingredients. By taking a natural approach and allowing the gentle yet effective nature of essential oils to cleanse and soothe, those with a history of sensitive skin can easily transform their hygiene routines.
If you have sensitive skin, always dilute essential oils before applying them topically. Use smaller doses to avoid irritating the skin by overpowering it with too much essential oil at a time. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, you should avoid applying essential oils to the inner ears and nose, eyes and skin around the eyes, genitals, and broken or damaged skin.
The following essential oils are considered some of the best for skin because they have cleansing, soothing, and nurturing properties.
• Melissa
• Blue Tansy
• Frankincense
• Helichrysum
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Juniper Berry
• Lavender
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Two of our favourites for skin-soothing and rejuvenation: Melissa & Blue Tansy.
Blue Tansy essential oil
Its vivid sapphire shade is just part of the reason Blue Tansy works wonders on stressed dry, or troubled skin. Part of the chamomile family, the blue tansy flower is the source of this exquisitely pampering essential oil that intensely nurtures dry, sensitive, stripped, blemish prone or simply angry-at-everything skin.
Its hyper-soothing effects come from both the chemical constituent chamazulene and its potent antioxidant activity.
Inhale slowly as you distribute over skin, lulling yourself into the earthy, herbaceous and calming world of Blue Tansy.
Pro Tips
• Add 5 drops to your bottle of daily moisturiser or serum.
• Use as a spot treatment for blemishes.
Extend the Benefits
• Combine with Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into tired muscles after a strenuous workout.
Blue Tansy Face Serum
Ingredients
• 50mL dropper bottle
• 10 drops of Blue Tansy
• 10 drops of Frankincense
• 10 drops of Copaiba
Method
Add essential oils to dropper bottle. Fill bottle with Jojoba Oil or rosehip oil. Apply a small amount to the skin morning and night.
Blue Tansy Skin Cleansing Balm
A great way to remove your make-up at the end of the day and prepare your skin for rest.
Ingredients
• 30g Shea Butter
• 20g Coconut Oil
• 25g Jojoba Oil
• 20g Beeswax pellets
• 10 drops of Lavender
• 6 drops of Blue Tansy
• 4 drops of Tea Tree
Try this Rejuvenating Glow diffuser blend:
1 drops Blue Tansy
2 drops Passion
3 drops Lime
Method
In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, combine the shea butter, coconut oil, Jojoba Oil and beeswax pellets. Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted.
Once melted, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly, but not solidify.
Stir in the Blue Tansy essential oil, along with Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils if using. Mix well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilised jar or container. Let it cool at room temperature until it solidifies.
Application
Take a small amount of the balm and massage it onto dry skin, focusing on areas with makeup or impurities. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe away the balm, along with any dirt, makeup, and impurities. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.
You can follow with a second cleanse. Or follow up with your toner, serum and moisturiser of choice.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Melissa essential oil
A superstar for skin rejuvenation and a stand-out oil for emotional wellbeing, Melissa essential oil is a must-have in your self-care toolbox.
Once in short supply due to worldwide demand, the benefits to both mind and body that Melissa offers inspired dōTERRA to take notice, securing a dedicated crop of Melissa at their distillation facility at Esseterre, in Bulgaria.
Pro Tips
• Known for its benefits to both mind and body, Melissa essential oil makes the perfect ingredient in a refreshing facial mist. Add a few drops to cooled boiled water in a spray bottle and mist face throughout the day.
• Add 2 drops to your skin toner for rejuvenating benefits.
Extend the Benefits
• Add a drop to your thumb and press into the roof of your mouth to help quell emotional distress and anxiety.
• Inhale from the palms of your hands when you feel overwhelmed.
• Diffuse during your yoga or meditation practice to enhance your focus.
• Add a drop to your herbal tea to help unwind after a long day.
Rejuvenating Bath Soak
Ingredients
• 1 cup of Epsom Salts
• ¼ cup of Baking Soda
• 5 drops of Melissa
• 10 drops of dōTERRA Balance®
Method
Add the mixture to a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.
Renew Facial Mist
Ingredients
• 100mL glass spray bottle
• 1/4 cup distilled water (or rose water)
• 1 tbsp witch hazel
• 1 tsp vegetable glycerin
• 3 drops Melissa
• 3 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Lavender
• 1 drops Geranium
Method
In a small spray bottle, combine the distilled water (or rose water), witch hazel, and vegetable glycerin. Add the essential oils to the mixture. Shake well before each use.
Lightly mist your face after cleansing, or throughout the day to refresh and hydrate your skin.
Try this diffuser blend featuring Melissa essential oil to help quell anxiety and settle your emotions:
3 drops Melissa
2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Cedarwood
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Citrus Bloom ® Springtime Blend
Combine the fragrant aroma of citrus peels with fresh cut flowers in this optimistic aromatic combination featuring Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Magnolia essential oils.
Perfect to uplift your mood and nurture positivity, this blend is also a wonderful natural perfume!
Pro Tips
• Diffuse to support emotional wellbeing.
• Mix with a carrier oil and apply to pulse points to nurture mind and body.
Extend the Benefits
• Replace your commercial perfume by wearing as a personal fragrance.
• Roll onto your palms and rub together before taking 3-4 deep breaths when you need to re-set or calm down from big feelings.
Perfume Balm
Ingredients
• 30g beeswax
• 60g Jojoba Oil
• 20 drops Citrus Bloom®
• 14 drops Wild Orange
• 7 drops Sandalwood
• 4 drops Lemon
Method
Add the beeswax and Jojoba Oil to a double boiler on medium heat. Melt slowly, while stirring well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Mix well and pour into container. Apply daily to pulse points, wrists, and neck.
Bloom Body Oil
Ingredients
• 50mL dropper bottle
• 15 drops Citrus Bloom®
• 10 drops Melissa
Method
Add essential oils to dropper bottle. Fill bottle with carrier oil of choice, (Jojoba Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil). Massage onto your body to nourish your skin and uplift your mood.
Try this diffuser blend featuring Citrus Bloom to surround yourself with sweet, floral and grounding aromas:
2 drops Citrus Bloom
2 drops Balance
2 drops Bergamot
Lemon essential oil
Showcasing powerful cleansing and purifying properties, versatile Lemon essential oil makes a welcome addition to your personal range of self-care products, not to mention its myriad of other uses around the home.
Pro Tips
• Add a few drops to a DIY body scrub for a refreshed, healthylooking glow.
• Add a couple of drops to your facial cleanser or toner to tighten skin and help refine pores.
Lemon & Ginger Body Scrub
Ingredients
• 10 drops Lemon
• 5 drops Ginger
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Fractionated Coconut Oil
Method
Mix brown sugar, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Lemon and Ginger essential oils in a small bowl. Stir until ingredients are combined.
Extend the Benefits
• Add a refreshing flavour twist to your favourite desserts or beverages.
• Diffuse 3 to 4 drops in the diffuser to help create a cheerful, positive atmosphere.
• Combine a few drops of Lemon essential oil with olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes.
• Soak a cloth with Lemon essential oil and wipe down your leather furniture to help protect and preserve.
To use, take a small amount and rub onto desired areas for 30 seconds, or until sugar dissolves. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Store in a sealed container.
Try this diffuser blend featuring Lemon essential oil to freshen your home:
3 drops Lemon
2 drops Wild Orange
1 drops Tea Tree
Wild Orange essential oil
Escape to the orange groves of positivity with the wildly energising and uplifting qualities of this motivating essential oil.
Add a sweet, citrus infusion to soaps and shampoos as you balance out the aroma with natural cleansing and purifying power.
Pro Tips
• Add a few drops to your shampoo to help refresh your hair and scalp.
• Add a drop or two to your hand cream for added emotional nurturing and an uplifting, positive aroma.
Extend the Benefits
• Add chopped fruit and ice with a few drops of Wild Orange essential oil and water for a refreshing smoothie.
• Diffuse 3 to 4 drops in the diffuser to help create a cheerful, positive atmosphere.
Try this fresh and citrusy diffuser blend to awaken your senses:
3 drops Wild Orange
2 drops Vanilla
1 drops Tangerine
1 drop Grapefruit
Lemongrass essential oil
The wellness benefits of Lemongrass extend well beyond the kitchen. With natural astringent and cleansing properties, Lemongrass can become a natural part of your self-care routine.
Pro Tips
• Add to your facial toner to help tighten pores.
• Add to a massage oil to support aching muscles.
• Add to handmade soaps or cleansers.
• Create a facial steamer by adding a few drops of Lemongrass essential oil to a hot bowl of water and use a towel to cover your head and trap in the steam.
Lemongrass
Yoga Mat Spray
Ingredients
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel or white vinegar
• 10-15 drops Lemongrass
• 5-10 drops Tea Tree
• 5 drops Lavender
• Spray bottle (250mL or larger)
Extend the Benefits
• Plant spray – Add a couple of drops to water in a spray bottle. Spray on your plants to deter buys like aphids and ants.
• Add a drop of Lemongrass essential oil to soups, teas, and marinades for a fresh, citrusy flavour.
• Add a few drops to a cotton ball and place in the bottom of your rubbish bin to keep it smelling fresh.
Method
Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray yoga mat and leave out to dry. For even better results, dry in the sunshine.
Try this defensive diffuser blend to keep you enjoying your outdoor space:
2 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Tea Tree
2 drops Citronella
Self-Care is about more than beauty and skincare, it’s about taking timeout to do the things you love to do.
Love Low-Tox?
Upgrade your haircare routine with the ultimate in eco-friendly self-care with this cult-classic Dry Shampoo and hang on to
dōTERRA hair ® Dry Shampoo
Eco-Conscious Checkpoints
Plant-Based
Combines beneficial natural ingredients including tapioca starch and fermented aloe vera to absorb oil at the root.
Non-Aerosol
Escape the chemical compounds found in aerosol sprays that are harming both you and the planet with this unique, conscious formulation.
Non-Toxic
Extend the days between washes as you nourish and refresh your scalp naturally with this clean, non-toxic formulation, safe for the whole family.
Australian Made
Reduce environmental cost and enjoy Australia’s high safety and quality standards.
Pro Tips
• Shake bottle before use. Apply to the roots and massage in.
• To get better oil absorption, apply before bedtime. Wake up and brush it out and enjoy beautiful hair.
Extend the Benefits
• To get more volume on clean hair, apply to the roots, massage in. Brush out after a minute.
• To take it to the next level, place a few drops of Balance essential oil in your hands and massage on to your ends. Experience the ultimate in calm self-care.
• If you have very dark hair, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder to the bottle and shake to combine.
Explore the great outdoors
TerraArmour ® Outdoor Blend
Naturally arm yourself with some of nature’s most powerful essential oils in this Outdoor Blend.
Natural Bug Spray
Pro Tip
Keep spiders away by adding a few drops to a spray bottle and applying to window frames and doors.
Ingredients
• 10 drops of TerraArmour®
• 10 drops of Lemongrass
• 6 drops of Peppermint
• Spray bottle (30-50mL)
Try this diffuser blend for a fresh, clean aroma that keeps the bugs at bay:
3 drops TerraArmour®
2 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Bergamot
Method
Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle and top with distilled water. Shake to combine. Spray on clothing and body to deter bugs when outside.
Be motivated to move
dōTERRA Easy Air ® Touch
Breathe Easy Ritual
Apply Easy Air Touch to your neck, chest and under your nose each morning. This helps open up airways and provides a refreshing, invigorating start to your day.
Pair this with deep breathing exercises to enhance lung capacity and clear your respiratory system.
Pre-Exercise Boost
Roll Easy Air Touch on your chest and wrists before a work-out. The blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and other essential oils promotes clearer breathing and improved airflow, helping you perform better during physical activity.
For an extra boost, apply to the back of your neck and shoulders as well.
Fuel your body
ZenGest™ Essential Blend
Digestive Support
Apply ZenGest Touch to your abdomen in a circular motion after meals to help soothe digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or indigestion. The blend of essential oils like Peppermint, Ginger, and Fennel supports healthy digestion and relieves discomfort.
Keep the roller handy during travel or after large meals for quick relief.
Pre-Dining Ritual
Use ZenGest Touch before meals to prepare your digestive system. Apply a small amount to your abdomen and rub in gently. This can help prevent discomfort and support optimal digestion as you eat.
Consider using it before meals that are heavier or rich in spices, as it can help your body process food more efficiently.
BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
• 3-4 drops Lemongrass essential oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional, for an authentic Asian flavour)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• 1 kg chicken thighs or breasts
Method
Prepare the Marinade
• In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce (if using), and chili flakes (if using).
• Add 3-4 drops of Lemongrass essential oil to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
• Mix in the chopped green onions.
Marinate the Chicken
• Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavour.
Cook on the BBQ for next level flavour.
Citrus Zing Mocktail
Ingredients
• 1 drop Wild Orange
• 1 drop Lemon
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange and lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method
In a jug combine the fresh orange juice and lemon juice.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, mix in the honey or agave syrup until well combined.
Add 1 drop each of Wild Orange and Lemon essential oils to the juice mixture. Stir well.
Pour the juice mixture into individual glasses filled with ice. Top each glass with sparkling water or club soda.
Garnish with slices of orange and lemon, and a sprig of fresh mint.
Stir gently before serving, and enjoy the vibrant, citrusy flavours!
