Citrus and the Sunshine
by Mary Howard RN
Photosensitivity and Essential Oils
When certain essential oils, mostly the citrus oils are exposed to untraviolet light (UVA) they cause inflammation, blistering, reddening and burning to the skin. (1)
Distilled essential oils do not have this side effect. Cold pressed essential oils or Expressed essential oils can be photosensitive to the skin. doTERRA’s citrus essential oils are expressed (cold pressed) so we do need to be careful.
Now the question is how careful? for how long after application?
It is recommended not to use the citrus oils to areas of the skin that will have extended, direct exposure to sunlight within 12 hrs. (1) You can have reactions to sunshine up to 36 hrs after the essential oils have been applied (2)
It is fine to use citrus oil in shampoos. Also if you wash your skin before sun exposure you should be fine.
Some oils are more likely to cause photosensitity that others. For example in a base lotion of 30 ml (2 Tablespoons):
- 1 drop of Bergamot Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
- 24 drops of Grapefruit Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
- 12 drops of Lemon Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
- 4 drops of lime Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
- 8 drops of Bitter Orange Essential oil can cause photosensitivity (3)
- The doTERRA Wild Orange does NOT cause Photosensitivity