Mandarin Oil - What are the benefits of Mandarin Oil & why to avoid it during sunbathing?

Mandarin oil is one of the most commonly used aromatherapy essential oils. It is a member of the Rutaceae family and is extracted from the plant Citrus reticulate. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat various diseases through the use of concentrated herbal oils, and Mandarin oil is one of the most widely used of these oils. It is also known as European mandarin, tangerine, naartjie, and true mandarin. The fruit is basically yellowy-orange in color and is tangy and sweet smelling in nature.

At times, Mandarin is also used as a cosmetic ingredient. The oil which is extracted for further use is known as Citrus nobilis peel oil. Since it is one of the essential oils, Mandarin oil not only smells good, but also has many medicinal properties. People in different parts of the world also refer to Mandarin oil as tangerine oil.

Some of the many benefits of Mandarin oil are:

• It helps to re-balance the skin and is widely used as a skin care product.
• It is also helpful in refining the texture of the skin and is used as an antiseptic and a cell rejuvenator.
• Mandarin oil also has other properties which are very essential for aromatherapy. It is cytophylactic, depurative, diuretic, and also acts as a tonic. It fights all types of skin infections.
• Mandarin oil can be used as a cure for stretch marks, damaged skin and acne scarring; it encourages the growth of new skin cells and replaces previously damaged skin cells.
• It is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils and is also non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and does not irritate the skin.

Mandarin oil and sunbathing.  Mandarin oil should not be applied on the body when sunbathing. This is because it is a citrus-based oil, and like many other citrus-based oils, it is highly photosensitive. Applying Mandarin oil on your body while you’re out in the sun, could lead to rashes, burns, and allergic reactions. This could further worsen existing skin conditions. In certain cases, Mandarin oil can also lead to excessive tanning when it is applied on the skin and exposed to the sun for too long. Of late, there have been certain Mandarin oil based products that claim to be safe for use, even under the sun.
However, it is best to be safe and avoid any sort of exposure to the sun whatsoever, if you are treating any skin infection with Mandarin oil.