Summer is all about fun in the sun with family. Essential oils play a big part in the health of my family year-round so I always want to make sure that I am using them in a way that will be beneficial and not hurt my kids.

In general, we avoid using photosensitive oils and blends on our skin 8-12 hours before we’re going in the sun. This can be challenging, because some of our favorite topical oils, such as On Guard, Motivate and Breathe can be photosensitive.

So what’s a mama to do when she wants to support her family’s immune system topically, but also go to the beach (something I JUST dealt with yesterday)?

You could use my son’s method and hide under a towel 🙂

Instead of our normal supportive blend of On Guard, I chose 3 non-photosentative powerhouses – Melissa, Oregano and Melaleuca. ​

immune support in the sun

Fill a 10 ml roller bottle with
1 drop of Melissa
5 drops of Oregano
10 drops of Melaleuca
Top off with Fractionated Coconut Oil

This recipe is conservative on the dilution scale. My kids are 5 years apart, so if I’m only making one recipe, I tend to use the least amount of oil as possible. If I were only making this recipe for my oldest (or myself) I might even double these oils amounts. Use this recipe as a starting point and make adjustments as you see fit.

respiratory and mood support

I continue to love my photosensitive oils in the Summer sun. I simply change my mode of use.

​TIP: Try placing a drop on your shirt collar, on the tips of your hair or on your beach towel to enjoy the scent and effects without the direct skin contact.

Interested in learning more about essential oil safety, check out my favorite photosensitivity post from dōTERRA.