Summer and citrus oils are synonymous, and we are all about using citrus oils any time of year! As always, we want to keep everyone healthy and safe, so here are a few guidelines when it comes to using oils and being in the direct sun!

OILS & SUN AT A GLANCE

• Be aware which oils are considered photosensitive (primarily citrus oil)
• Avoid direct UV exposure to or cover areas of skin where citrus oils were applied for 12+ hours
• Diffuse citrus oils or apply them to areas beneath clothing

In general, make sure to separate the timing of application of citrus oils and direct exposure to sunlight. As a general rule, avoid direct UV exposure of an area where you applied citrus oils for a minimum of 12 hours, up to 48 hours.

WHAT IS PHOTOSENSITIVITY? Citrus oils (and some others) contain natural molecules that react with sunlight and can cause sensitivity to the skin. All of the Young Living oils and blends that contain these compounds are labeled with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying.

Does that mean you have to put your beloved grapefruit and bergamot away for the summer? No way! Just apply to areas that won't be exposed to the sun for at least 12 hours (basically under your clothes). And you can always diffuse!!!

Oils that shouldn't see the sun:

• Angelica
• Bergamot
• Dill
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lemon Verbena
• Lime
• Orange
• Tangerine
• Citrus Fresh
• Jade Lemon
• German Chamomile
• Abundance
• Awaken
• Christmas Spirit
• Clarity
• Deep Relief
• DiGize
• Dragon Time
• Dream Catcher
• Envision
• Forgiveness
• Gentle Baby
• Grounding
• Harmony
• ImmuPower
• Inner Child
• Into the Future
• Joy
• Live with Passion
• Longevity
• Peace & Calming
• Raven
• SARA
• Surrender
• Stress Away
• Thieves
• Trauma Life
• White Angelica

SUNSHINE TIPS & FAVORITES Summer is the season for hot, sunshine-filled days, and we want to soak in every second of it while staying safe and healthy. Here are our top three necessities for safe, healthy fun in the sun!

Mineral Sunscreen Hands-down, the Young Living Mineral Sunscreen is our favorite sunscreen. It checks all of our boxes -- reef-safe, effective, all natural, great for all skin types, non-nano zinc, won't clog pores. What else is there?!

• Quick tip!! Make application easy with this hack!
  • Continuous spray bottle
  • Bottle of YL Mineral Sunscreen
  • 5 TBSP fractionated coconut oil or ClaraDerm Cooling Mist
  • 20 drops Carrot Seed essential oil
  • Optional: 30 drops Citronella essential oil
  • Add all items to the spray bottle and shake well!
• Quick tip!! For easy application (especially with kids!), you can dab sunscreen on the face and blend in with a makeup blending brush! Alternatively, dab the sunscreen onto the brush, then apply to the skin.

LavaDerm After Sun Spray LavaDerm After Sun Spray is your first aid kit BFF!! LavaDerm brings relief from the pain and itching of minor burns, cuts, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites, or really any minor skin irritation. Whether or not your skin has seen a little too much sun or wind, this spray will help you feel soothed and refreshed! Apply after a day outdoors for a sigh of relief.

• Quick tip!! If you need some relief ASAP and don't have any LavDerm on hand, try this DIY After Sun Spray:
  • Small continuous spray bottle
  • 25 drops each Lavender, Frankincense
  • 18 drops each Tea Tree, Peppermint
  • V-6 Vegetable Oil carrier or carrier of choice

Insect Repellent & Insect Repellent Wipes No one wants to come in from a wonderful day outdoors with tons of itchy bites from outdoor pests… and you won't have to with the Young Living Insect Repellent! This liquid formula effectively prevents mosquito, flea, and tick bites, so you can enjoy the great outdoors worry free!!

• Insect Repellent Spray Hack! Grab the Insect Repellent bottle and make it into a spray for easy use:
  • Continuous spray bottle
  • Bottle of YL Insect Repellant
  • 3 TBSP fractionated coconut oil or ClaraDerm Cooling Mist
  • 20 drops Citronella essential oil
  • Add all items to the spray bottle, but add the insect repellent last (it will not all fit!)
• Quick tip! If you live in a state that has shipping exclusions for the Insect Repellant, try the wipes! Still can't order because of limitations? Add a spray top directly to your bottle of Citronella. Also try this DIY Outdoor Spray
  • Small continuous spray bottle
  • 25 drops each Citronella, Geranium, Lemongrass, Lavender
  • 20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata, Tea Tree
  • V-6 Vegetable Oil carrier or carrier of choice or ¼ part Witch Hazel to ¾ part Distilled Water
  • Note: If you want to use a larger bottle, simply double the recipe. Also if you feel you need a stronger formula or are extremely susceptible to outdoor pests add more Citronella, Lemongrass and/or Geranium!
• DIY Itch Stick: for those times you forget your insect repellent!
  • In a rollerball, combine 10 drops Purification, 10 drops Lavender + 10 drops Lemon, and top with a carrier oil. Roll on bug bites & itches.
• Quick tip! Dining outside & want to keep the bugs away? Grab an outdoor fan, put a few drops of Citronella + Geranium on a clothespin (or two!) & attach to the front of the fan & you have yourself a giant outdoor diffuser!