Summer Essentials

Simple Blessings and Oils Podcast

Podcast #20

Summer Essentials

Summer is here!

Let’s start off with the most important info first! Using our oils safely in the sweet summertime sunshine. Did you know that several essential oils are considered “photosensitive”? That basically means that they react with UV rays (whether that’s from sunlight or artificial light like you find in a tanning bed) and can cause adverse reactions with our skin. This pertains mostly to citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot, etc) or blends that contain them.

Does that mean you have to put your beloved lemon and bergamot away for the summer? No way! Just apply to areas that won’t be exposed to the sun for at least 24 hours (basically under your clothes). And of course, they are always safe to diffuse!

Let’s talk about protection from the sun!

Did you know sunscreen is FULL of toxins? They are even banning them in some areas due to the toxic effects it has on our waters. I love the effectiveness and convenience of Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreens- that now come in SPF 10 & 50!!

There is also a few great DIY versions but let’s talk about some things to note. Essential oils do NOT contain any SPF protection but some carrier oils do.

How SPF is measured

Sun Protection Factors are measured in the laboratory. They are an indication of how long you can stay in the sun without burning your skin. When it comes to sunburn, the researchers classify four distinct types of skin:

• Type I – very pale, light skin, usually with blonde or red hair. Type I skin can only stay unprotected in the sun for 5-10 minutes before burning.
• Type II – slightly darker skin, usually with blonde to brown hair. Type II skin can stay unprotected in the sun for 20 minutes before burning.
• Type III – darker still, often with an olive complexion. Type III skin can stay in the sun for 30 minutes before burning.
• Type IV – darkest skin types. Type IV skin can stay in the sun for 40 minutes before burning.

An SPF rating gives an indication of how much longer you can extend your stay in the sun. For example, a product with an SPF rating of 10 will allow someone with Type II skin to stay in the sun 10 times longer before they start to burn – or a total of 200 minutes.

Carrier Oil SPF’s:

Red raspberry seed oil 28-50 SPF

Carrot seed oil 38-40 SPF

Jojoba oil 4 SPF

Coconut oil 2-8 SPF

Another factor in most sunscreens is zinc. This is a wonderful sun protectant but we want to be sure that we are only using non-nano zinc as the nano zinc can penetrate our cells and cause issues.

DIY Sun Stick

1 oz (30 ml) Roller Bottle

2 Tbsp Red raspberry seed oil

1 Tbsp Carrot seed oil

1 Tbsp jojoba or coconut oil

1 Tbsp non-nano zinc oxide

4 drops lavender essential oil

4 drops carrot seed essential oil

2 drops myrrh essential oil

2 drops helichrysum essential oil

After Sun Spray!

Some of us are already experiencing warm and sunny weather. That means more days at the beach and pools. Let’s be real, sometimes we get a little TOO sun-kissed and this may cause some hot skin irritation. Ouch! This spray will soothe your skin and make it feel so much better. The peppermint oil is optional, but it gives that nice icy feeling to it. Last, you can keep this spray in the fridge until you’re ready to use it so you get that EXTRA cool feeling.

• 1 oz spray bottle
• 5 tsp pure aloe vera gel
• 4 drops Lavender EO
• 2 drops Peppermint EO
• Fill the rest with distilled water

Shake and spray

Don’t want to go the DIY route and for some soothing relief from too much sun? Lavaderm Spray is our favorite go-to!

Outdoors

Tis the season for some pests outdoors and I am happy to report that the Young Living Insect Repellent works- AMAZING! I like to apply it in a spray bottle or 1 oz roller bottle for a more convenient application. I also like to put a drop or 2 of purification on the bottoms of our feet to help keep the pest away as well.

Summer Bites!

Sometimes…. They just happen.

Another go to is the Itch Stick Roll on- 10 drops lavender to soothe, 10 drops purification to help with the itch and 10 drops copaiba to help with the raised skin J

Seasonal support for the whole family!

Each of these blends is for a 10 ML sized roller bottle. Add the number of drops as indicated below, then top off with a carrier oil.

Child (ages 2-11):

4 drops purification

4 drops lavender

4 drops lemon

Everyone Else (ages 12+):

10 drops lavender

10 drops lemon

10 drops peppermint

For a little extra “umph” add Copaiba to either (4 drops for Child and 5 drops for Everyone Else). We swipe this on our cheeks, temples and upper chest.

Don’t let your discomfort stop you from enjoying this beautiful time of year!! Make a bottle for your home, and your bag so you have it wherever you go!

Beat the heat with Peppermint + Lavender

Because both peppermint and lavender are versatile essential oils, no home should be without them. Lavender is an adaptogen and, therefore, can assist the body when adapting to stress.

To help you cool off this summer, simply put a drop of peppermint on the back of your neck and the bottoms of your feet. If you have sensitive skin, dilute essential oils in a small amount of carrier oil, like almond oil or olive oil, and apply. You can also place a drop of either oil on a cool, moist cloth and hold at the back of your neck.

Adding peppermint to your drinking water is another great way to cool your body temperature. Remember to always use a glass or ceramic container!

Hope you enjoy your summer with these tips!

As always,

Be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

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