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homemade tonics

So today I buzzed down to my local health food store and grabbed some essential lime oil to have a go at making my own spray tonic.

I figured I would mix a few drops w/ some water and put it in an atomizer. So far so good, but I noticed something on the bottle that kind of took the wind from my sails: It says : "...Do not use on skin. Reacts strongly to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light."

So, is putting this stuff on my face something to be avoided? I'm wondering if it means don't put it on your skin without diluting it first?

Any help would be great.. thanks guys!
 
I would definitely be careful. There seems to be a problem with lime oil being photosensitive.

Not to freak you out or anything.

Maybe some lime juice mixed with water stored in the fridge and spritzed on as a tonic and then washed off. I would think the juice would wash off easier than the oil and you'd still get the toning benefits of lime.

Hey that sounds refreshing. I might just do that in the summer.
 
There are two ways to get lime oil... cold pressed and steam distilled. Since I don't know the specifics, I'll say that the steam distilled stuff (for whatever reason) doesn't have the same problems with photosensitivity as the cold pressed stuff. It's something to check for when buying lime oil.

It does increase the chance of getting skin damage from sunlight and they say the effects are pretty drawn out. (Some say to avoid sunlight exposure for up to 24 hours after application, some say only around 6.) So, it's something to think about... I'm not an expert, though.
 
Dang. I wish I had thought this through a bit better now.

I'm totally paranoid about this kind of stuff, so it looks like my homemade lime tonic is going down the drain.

Is this type of thing just for lime oil, or does it go for all essential oils? For instance, could I make a peppermint tonic w/ peppermint essential oil, or would that drive me to an early grave as well?

Also, what is in the Hydrolast lime tonic besides essential lime oil I wonder? I assume that is safe for use on the skin, right?

Thanks for the info guys!
 
I'm slightly paranoid, too.

The photosensitivity only applies to certain oils. I try to research any oil that I'm going to use before I get it, that way I know the ins and outs of each one. Many of the common oils are generally safe, but a lot do come with disclaimers. Fortunately, there is a *lot* of information out there on oils, and you can generally find the information you're looking for pretty quickly. Good luck!

(Oh, about the Hydrolast - don't use it, so can't really say for sure.)
 
To my way of thinking, the tonic is the most expendable of the products. It feels good to spray it on, and smells nice, but is pretty much a luxury "extra". When I do a MS, I usually follow it with my "regular" aftershave products. I keep my whole conditioning/moisturizing routine to the evening, and the Hydrolast conditioner/tonic is simply a part of that rotation.
 
So can anyone put my mind at ease about the Hydrolast lime tonic being safe to use?

The lime oil I got is obviously not safe for use on skin, but I can't believe CR would be selling something that wasn't safe. Right?

I just dont understand how we can reconcile the two. I want the lime tonic but I will get a different scent or skip it altogether if it's going to shorten my lifespan.

Thanks!
 
Is it possible that the Hydrolast lime tonic has other lime scented essential oils like Litsea, or it's a fragrance oil?
 
You would definitely be careful. There is quick effect on your skin.
There seems to be a problem with lime oil being photosensitive.
 

steveclarkus

Goose Poop Connoisseur
I mix alcohol and witch hazel 50/50, dilute mixture with about 40% water (you can adjust this to your preference of burn). To this I squirt in a small amount of Clubman to counter the medicinal scent. Any of the overpowering "old man" aftershaves will work. You may want to leave it unscented so as to not interfere with your favorite cologne.
 
G

GLteam

So today I buzzed down to my local health food store and grabbed some essential lime oil to have a go at making my own spray tonic.

I figured I would mix a few drops w/ some water and put it in an atomizer. So far so good, but I noticed something on the bottle that kind of took the wind from my sails: It says : "...Do not use on skin. Reacts strongly to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light."

So, is putting this stuff on my face something to be avoided? I'm wondering if it means don't put it on your skin without diluting it first?

Any help would be great.. thanks guys!


Essential oils (any of them), are super concentrated, and should not be poured directly onto the skin without FIRST diluting it. When diluting with water, make certain you use distilled water... never tap water. The essential oil and water mix will eventually separate, so be sure to shake it well before spraying onto your skin. If you use a dilution of 4 parts water and 1 part oil, this is a good place to start. You may have to come up with your own dilution ratios to find out what suits you best. As long as you keep the essential oil dilution in a glass spray bottle, and stored in a cool, dark place, the dilution will be fine. You could also dilute the oil using witch hazel (same ratios as above).
 
The best home made tonics can be Lemon water. It got Lemon, water and salt. This also helps body in stemina and also helps prevention from dehydration. This is the best home made tonic so far. I use it before hitting gym and coming back from. It really helps me out in pumping. I use this instead of supplement.
 
The best home made tonics can be Lemon water. It got Lemon, water and salt. This also helps body in stemina and also helps prevention from dehydration. This is the best home made tonic so far. I use it before hitting gym and coming back from. It really helps me out in pumping. I use this instead of supplement.

To drink or to use on the face? We're talking about use on the face.
 
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