Sunshine, Suntan, and Sun-Sensitizing Oils- Volume 3, Number 5
Sunshine, Suntan, and Sun-Sensitizing OilsBy David Stewart, PH.D., R.A.
Originally Posted June/July 2005
It’s summer time in the Northern Hemisphere and time for sunshine and suntans. This is a time also to be aware that certain essential oils can promote sunburn.
Such oils are said to be phototoxic. If applied directly to the skin followed by exposure to sunlight or a tanning light, the molecules of these oils amplify the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the spectrum and...