What is Essential Oil Photosensitivity?

The Basic Answer

Simply - when we use some essential oils on our skin, the make-up of the oil will make your skin more likely to burn and discolour in the sun. Don’t do that. Most citrus oils are photosensitive and some other oils such as cumin are too.

What Oils can cause sun burn?

• Any blend with citrus such as Cheer, Motivate, Elevation, Citrus Bloom, Easy Air, Arise (and more)

• Tangerine

• Bergamot

• Grapefruit

• Lemon

• Lime

• Wild Orange

• Cumin 

• This list is not complete - please read your essential oil bottles and do your research.

The Detailed Answer

Here is the extensive answer from Doterra’s website.

“Photosensitization is the process in which ultraviolet radiation combines with a particular substance and causes chemical or biological changes. Some essential oils contain furocoumarins, a special class of constituent that can cause photosensitization of the skin. The most commonly found furocoumarins in essential oils are bergapten and oxypeucedanin. The chemical structure of these molecules (and their metabolites) allows them to form cross-links with skin cell DNA, in turn making the skin especially susceptible to UV radiation. During the process, free radicals and singlet oxygen are also formed and can inflict damage on cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins. If exposed to sunlight (which gives off UV radiation) after topical application of a photosensitive oil, the skin may become temporarily darkly pigmented, red, or irritated.” 

What are best practices when using Photosensitive Oils?

• Avoid using them topically (on your skin) if you know you will be exposed to the sun in the next 24 hours

• Use photosensitive oils aromatically (in your diffuser for example) or internally (a drop of lemon in your fizzy water) instead

• If you aren’t sure - don’t use the oil topically in the sun

• Get to know your blends really well - there are many Doterra blends that contain photosensitive oils.

• Always cover the area with clothing if you have used these oils on when going out into the sun (even sunscreen may not be enough).

• There are body washes and soaps made by Doterra that you can still use with confidence as they are so diluted and they are rinsing off your body such as the new Citrus Bloom Body Wash.

How to learn more about Doterra Essential oils

If you are interested in learning more about Doterra Essential Oils in the Ottawa Gatineau area (or anywhere in the world!), please connect with me to set up a chat. Samples are available that will suit your curiosity so you can have your own experience with them. From there you are welcome to join me for a one on one zoom call or join an online class (someday they will be in person again) to learn more details and how you can get Doterra oils in your home.