It's Spring Break and sunny somewhere

I touched on phototoxicity in my last post, but because Spring Break is approaching and maybe, just maybe, we are going to have less dreary weather in the near future, I thought I'd write about it today.

As stated above, photosensitivity and phototoxicity is caused by certain oils enhancing light's effects, making it easier for skin to burn.  And I mean, it can burn -- google "essential oil photosensitivity burn" if you want to wince and learn.  It's important to keep the photosensitive oils in mind if you're applying topically.  If you're applying 'where the sun don't shine' you should be okay, but if you're rubbing grapefruit oil on your belly and planning to lie out in a bikini - I would not recommend it. 

You may wonder why Young Living doesn't have the photosensitivity icon next to some of the oils I've listed.  That's because some of them, like Lemon (Citrus limon) are considered dietary supplements in the official Product Guide.  However, there are people who use lemon oil for things like blemishes, and it is in several YL blends, so you have to be vigilant when you're wearing oils and going outside.  

In their 2015 product guide, Young Living lists the following blends as photosensitizers:  Abundance, Build Your Dream, Awaken, Christmas Spirit, Clarity, Dream Catcher, Gentle Baby, Harmony, GLF, Grounding, Lady Sclareol, Inner Child, Joy, Oola Balance, Oola Grow, Peace & Calming, Raven, Surrender, Transformation, and White Angelica.

But again, you have to remember remember,  the oils listed are meant to be applied topically.  Citrus Fresh is a blend that would be photosensitive, but because it's considered a dietary supplement, it has no photosensitivity icon.  I've read uses for it that include massage and perfume, though, so if you're someone who uses it topically -- particularly neat -- avoid sun/light exposure.  The potential burns are not worth it!

And if you're left thinking "Ow!" after this post, have no fear -- my next post is going to have an awesome sunburn spray to soothe skin you've roasted by forgetting to apply (or reapply) your SPF.