Summary

The web content discusses the safety considerations for using essential oils, particularly the risk of phototoxicity, which is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by the interaction of certain essential oils with UV light.

Abstract

The article titled "Phototoxicity: Essential Oil Safety Considerations" delves into the potential skin hazards associated with the use of essential oils that can lead to phototoxicity. It explains that phototoxicity, also known as photosensitivity or photocontact dermatitis, occurs when skin exposed to UV light reacts to certain essential oils applied topically, potentially causing irritation, burning, or even scarring. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding which essential oils contain furanocoumarins, the group of substances responsible for phototoxic reactions, and provides a list of oils known to cause photosensitivity. The article also offers safety tips for using phototoxic essential oils, such as avoiding sun exposure after application, covering skin, and using bergaptene-free bergamot oil. Additionally, the author shares personal experiences with essential oils and provides resources for further reading on the topic.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong appreciation for essential oils, considering them "heroes" in their daily self-care routine.
There is an emphasis on the importance of safety precautions when using essential oils, indicating the author's responsible approach to their application.
The author suggests that with proper use and consideration, phototoxic essential oils can still be enjoyed safely.
The article conveys a sense of respect for the potency and natural origins of essential oils, highlighting their holistic healing properties.
The author provides a personal endorsement for using whole milk to soothe skin irritations caused by essential oils.
By including a call to action to join Medium and follow their work, the author implies that they are invested in educating others about essential oil safety and its implications for holistic health.

Phototoxicity: Essential Oil Safety Considerations

Essential oils are my heroes. I use them daily in a host of self-care products. As with all natural products, there are safety precautions to consider.

What is Phototoxicity

If you expose your skin to UV light after applying products containing certain essential oils, you can experience some skin irritation.

Phototoxicity, photosensitivity, photocontact dermatitis, or photoirritation are effectively the same thing and describe an inflammatory skin reaction when skin is exposed to the sun (UV light) after applying certain essential oils.

This irritation could cause permanent scarring because it’s essentially a chemically burn.

Symptoms of Photoxicity

This is not a complete list but if you experience any of these symptoms after applying a topical cream, ointment, or gel that contains essential oils, wash it off immediately. If the symptom worsens, seek medical help.

Reactions to photo irritants typically appear up to 24 hours after application.

Redness, a rash or blistering

Burning or itching

Skin discoloration

Inflammation

Scaly patches or raised skin

Which Oils Are the Culprits?

Irritation is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring group of substances in citrus plants called furanocoumarins. They react to UV light and irritate the skin.

Many (but not all) citrus essential oils will be phototoxic. Especially if they were derived using the cold-pressed extraction method.

This is an important point because the phototoxic properties of a particular oil may depend on how it was extracted or what was extracted from it.

Lime essential oil is a good example. The cold-pressed lime peel essential oil is phototoxic, but the steam distilled lime peel essential oil is not.

Bergamot essential oil is phototoxic but if the bergaptene (a member of the furanocoumarins group) is removed, it is not phototoxic.

Essential oils known to cause photosensitivity

Angelica Root

Bergamot Peel

Bitter Orange

Cumin Seed

Grapefruit Peel

Lemon Peel

Lime Peel

Mandarin Leaf

Rue Leaf

Citrus essential oils that do not cause photosensitivity.

Steam distilled lime

Red Mandarin

Sweet Orange

Tangerine

Blood Orange

Bergaptene free bergamot Peel

Use Phototoxic Essential Oils with Considerations

You can use photosensitive essential oils safely with some considerations.

1. After applying a topical skin product that contains a phototoxic essential oil, avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or UV light in general for at least 12 to 18 hours.

2. If you are going into the sun, cover your skin.

3. However, if it’s a product that is applied and then washed off such as shampoo or a bath product, you are generally safer.

4. If you use essential oils in a steamer or sauna, some of the oil particles will remain on the skin. Consider showering afterward to remove the oils topically or stay away from UV light.

5. If you experience any skin irritation, dip a cloth in whole milk and lay the cloth on the irritated skin. The high fat and protein concentration in whole milk will soothe the burn and promote healing.

Respect Nature

I still love all my essential oils. I respect them for their holistic healing offerings. They are my daily heroes, from rosemary that fights my morning brain fog to lemongrass that soothes my achy joints.

Poison Control Contact

United States

(If you or someone you know may have been exposed to a dangerous substance, contact poison control immediately at 1–800–222–1222 or go to poisonhelp.org for assistance.)

Thank you

Thank you for reading my article. I really appreciate your support and interest. To read more of my articles click here. https://medium.com/@cwstoryteller

Adapted from my article on Remedy Grove

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Sources

Wilson, Celeste. Isla Verde Spa Training Academy Certificate of Aromatherapy Course.

Wilson, Celeste. National Higher Certificate in Beauty Therapy. The Durban University of Technology.

National Cancer Institute

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/phototoxicity

Aromahead Institute

https://blog.aromahead.com/2010/03/22/citrus-essential-oils-avoiding-phototoxicity