You can purchase bergamot oil online and at certain health stores. To use on your skin, you need to mix the oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, and then apply.

However, before using it on a large surface area, remember to test it first on a small patch of skin in order to check for an allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs, do not use any more oil.

You can often find bergamot’s distinctive citrus scent in personal care products such as perfumes, colognes, toiletries, and cosmetics. People also use edible bergamot oil as a food and drink flavoring. It may also have some medicinal value.

Aromatherapy

Bergamot essential oil is well-known for its soothing aromatherapy treatment. Here are a few ways you can use it regularly:

• Mix 15-30 drops of bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil to use as a body lotion or for massage.
• Add 2-5 drops of Bergamot essential oil to products such as body wash, shampoo, and facial scrubs.
• Add bergamot essential oil to scented homemade candles and air fresheners. You can also dab it in vaporizers to distribute its scent in a room or add it to potpourri.
• Dab it on a bandana or handkerchief for a soothing scent on the go.

Skin

Several compounds in bergamot oil haveTrusted Source immunomodulatory, wound-healing activities, and anti-inflammatory properties.

This may make bergamot oil an effective spot treatment for acne or other small wounds on the skin if you do not have sensitive skin. Bergamot may also help improve psoriasis symptoms.

Where do you apply bergamot oil?

To use bergamot oil as a spot treatment for acne or other small skin issues:

• Apply bergamot oil diluted in carrier oil directly to pimples, cysts, small cuts, and blackheads.
• Leave on overnight.
• Mix the diluted oil into water or your favorite cleanser to use as a facial rinse.

Hair

Bergamot oil enthusiasts (and people who love soft, lightly scented hair) swear by this essential oil’s ability to soften and tame curls. Anecdotal evidence indicates that bergamot oil may also be soothing to an irritated scalp.

Some evidence also suggestsTrusted Source that using the oil on your hair may promote hair growth.

To use, put a few drops in your usual shampoo. You can also mix one to two drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage it into your scalp as an overnight treatment.

Blending with other essential oils

Many other essential oils can provide similar benefits. Try experimenting with the ones you like and mixing them with each other. Some you can try blending with bergamot essential oil include:

• Lavender oil: Lavender is a classic scent for aromatherapy. It’s often used in skin, hair, and acne products and treatments.
• Tea tree oil: Touted for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil may fight acne and soothe skin inflammation.
• Chamomile oil: Soothing as a tea or on the skin, chamomile may also elevate mood.

To determine the proportion of each oil in your blend, consider that bergamot has a very noticeable scent that may overpower other scents, but this scent doesn’t last long. Other oil scents may be less sharp but will stay longer. These factors can help you determine which oils you want to mix and in what quantities.

Remember that before you try any new oil, you should test out a small amount on a small patch of skin.

If you don’t develop a reaction, it may be safe to use. Also, do not forget to use carrier oil or other dilution to help protect your skin.