Among the different ways to care for skin affected by cellulite, essential oils remain a popular option. These natural ingredients can be used to create home skincare rituals, adding a pleasant fragrance to massage routines focused on the appearance of orange-peel skin. One essential oil in particular caught our attention: cypress essential oil. What is an essential oil, what are the characteristics of cypress, how can it be used in a massage oil, bath salts or a body scrub, and which skincare products can it be combined with? Let’s take a closer look at this aromatic ingredient gifted by Mother Nature!
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid plant essence, obtained by distillation (steam or dry) of the volatile aromatic compounds of a plant. These aromatic compounds can be found in the leaves or flowers of the plant, as well as in its buds, roots or even its bark. They form a complex blend of different chemical molecules. This unique combination gives each essential oil its own fragrance and character. Some essential oils are appreciated for their invigorating scent, others for their soothing notes, some for their freshness and others for their softness… Essential oils can therefore find a place in everyday wellbeing rituals. Of course, this means:
- Respecting usage guidelines – correct quantities, used with a carrier (for example a carrier oil for topical application, a porous material for diffusion…).
- Using the right essential oil blends for the intended use – because not all oils can be combined!
- Avoiding essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding – as their chemical molecules are far from harmless, especially for the foetus or very young child.
- Never taking essential oils orally: if in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
What are the properties of cypress essential oil?
When it comes to cypress essential oil, one clarification is worth making upfront: the common reference is to the evergreen cypress rather than the blue cypress. The characteristics of the two plants are different, and it is the former that interests us here.
Cypress essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leafy twigs of the tree. It takes approximately 5 kg of these twigs to produce 50 ml of EO. It is a popular and affordable essential oil (the tree being widely available), appreciated for several reasons:
- Used in massage, particularly on the legs, it makes the moment more enjoyable thanks to its woody, resinous fragrance. It can be used alongside other plants for your leg-care routine.
- If you have questions about heavy legs, it is best to understand the possible causes and ask your doctor for advice. Cypress oil remains above all a fragrant ingredient for your personal rituals.
- Diluted in a carrier oil, it can add a woody fragrance to a gentle tummy massage, creating a relaxing moment.
- Its woody, amber scent is appreciated for creating a cosy, relaxing atmosphere.
It should nevertheless be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The same applies if you have a hormone-dependent cancer (breast, uterus, endometrium or ovary), a history of “female” cancers, or if you are undergoing hormone therapy. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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How to use cypress essential oil in an orange-peel skin routine?
The main appeal of cypress essential oil in a routine dedicated to cellulite is its woody fragrance, which can make a massage ritual more enjoyable. Cellulite, or superficial lipodystrophy, is a very common phenomenon linked to many factors, including hormones, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle and lifestyle habits. It appears as a dimpled texture, sometimes accompanied by a puffier appearance around the thighs. Applied to the skin after being diluted in a carrier oil and incorporated into a massage ritual, cypress essential oil adds a woody note to the experience. Regular massage is an important part of a skincare routine focused on the appearance of orange-peel skin. Cypress essential oil can be included in this routine whatever the type of cellulite, whether water-based cellulite or other types of cellulite. It can also be combined with one or two other EOs chosen according to their fragrance. To find out what lipolysis means, see our dedicated article.
Here are a few DIY home-care recipes for areas with an orange-peel appearance, using cypress essential oil.
1- Massage oil with cypress essential oil
A first, very simple recipe that requires only:
- 30 drops of cypress essential oil
- 30 drops of rock samphire essential oil (immortelle)
- 50 ml of a natural vegetable oil – such as jojoba, for fast absorption and a dry-touch finish, or hemp, if you prefer a slightly richer texture.
Simply blend all the ingredients together and apply this massage oil (by hand or with a cupping tool) every day to areas where the orange-peel appearance is more noticeable: thighs, buttocks, knees…
2- Cypress bath salts
If you’re more of a “pleasure and care all-in-one” type, you can make feel-good bath salts using 2 EOs. To do so, mix together:
- 5 drops of cypress essential oil
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 100 g of coarse salt (Epsom salt is highly recommended!)
- 2 tbsp of natural vegetable oil of your choice
Mix the ingredients together and leave to rest for a few days. You will then have fragrant bath salts ready to add to your bath whenever you like. The cypress will add its woody note, while the grapefruit will bring a fresh, sparkling touch.
3- Body Scrub with cypress EO
One final way to incorporate cypress oil into your orange-peel skincare ritual is to make your own body scrub at home. For this, you will need:
- 10 drops of cypress EO
- 1 handful of fine sugar
- 1 handful of coffee grounds
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil of your choice (again, entirely up to you!), to bind everything together.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, just before showering, massage the areas where dimples are visible with this exfoliant, using small circular movements and smoothing strokes (always moving from the bottom upwards). After massaging, rinse thoroughly. You can use this scrub 2 to 3 times a week. Once again, the idea is to combine the massage movement, the fresh fragrance of cypress and caffeine, a key ingredient in cosmetic products, to pamper areas where dimples are particularly noticeable.
What other care can you combine with cypress essential oil?
These natural recipes using cypress essential oil can be combined with additional support, such as our Pack Maxi Anti-Cellulite: 6 products and 2 coaching sessions to support you for 21 days as part of your orange-peel skincare routine.
- You can alternate your cypress-based massage oil with our oils: our Massage Oil and our Shower Oil.
- For a comfortable massage, our Cupping Cup and Orange Peel Massager are useful accessories.
- You can also vary your routine by alternating your cypress body scrub with our Cellulite Scrub.
- A caffeine-enriched cream is always a welcome addition to your bathroom routine, to care for areas where the orange-peel appearance is visible. Our night cream is designed for this purpose!
- Finally, two coaching sessions can support you in your routine dedicated to orange-peel skin.
This way, you can give yourself the best possible chance of pampering your skin and caring for its smoother appearance with beautiful skin. And remember: when it comes to cellulite, skincare is only one part of the routine – staying active and eating a balanced diet matter too.
Related articles
- Essential oils: are they safe during pregnancy?
- Essential Oils and Cellulite: Uses and Precautions
- Reflexology for cellulite: does it really work?
- Cellulite: Foods To Avoid
Useful categories: Plants, Anti-Cellulite Solutions.
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