The warmth of the sun on your skin, the feeling of sand between your toes, the sound of waves crashing and birds squawking, and the salty breeze can be incredibly soothing. However, protecting yourself from the sun's harsh rays and other environmental factors is crucial to ensure that your beach day remains enjoyable and safe. Instead of relying on products laden with chemicals, consider using natural solutions and toxin-free products to keep yourself and the environment protected. 

While a moderate amount of sun exposure is beneficial for vitamin D synthesis, prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Using sunscreen is essential, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be absorbed by the skin and have been linked to health issues. Moreover, these chemicals can wash off into the ocean, causing significant damage to marine life, including coral reefs.

doTERRA offers a range of sun care products that are free from harmful chemicals and provide effective protection against UV rays. Here are some of the best doTERRA products to include in your beach bag:

doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion or Spray SPF 30: This mineral-based sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide, which is safe for both your skin and the environment. It is water-resistant, making it perfect for a day at the beach, and it is enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated and soothed.

doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40: For convenient, on-the-go application, the doTERRA Sun Stick is an excellent choice. This SPF 40 sunscreen stick offers high-level protection and is easy to apply, even on hard-to-reach areas. It is also formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as jojoba oil and shea butter, ensuring that your skin stays moisturized.  

doTERRA sun Face Mineral Sunscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 28: This dermatologist-tested moisturizer is also a broad-spectrum SPF 28, mineral-based sun protector, meant to be used every day. The lightweight, skin-loving formula is tested safe for sensitive skin and shields your face from damaging UVA + UVB rays, and blue light-emitting screens. It feels so good going on, absorbs quickly, with no white-cast, and makes your complexion look so fresh and hydrated. It’s noncomedogenic and rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and nourishing botanicals like evodia, grapeseed oil. Plus, it contains a blend of Frankincense, Helichrysum, Magnolia, Ylang Ylang, and Lemongrass essential oils to provide a delightful aroma that makes adding this important step in your daily routine a pleasure.

doTERRA sun US Sun Lip Balm Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20: Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this lip balm delivers SPF 20 broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection and helps soothe and soften stressed lips. It also offers protection against environmental stressors like wind, cold, and heat. Powered by plant-based ingredients like shea butter and mongongo oil, it also includes a unique blend of essential oils like, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lemongrass, Spearmint, and Manuka. Made for everyday use for every age 6 months and up.

doTERRA sun After Sun Restorative Body Spray: After a day in the sun, your skin needs some TLC. The doTERRA After Sun Restorative Body Spray is designed to hydrate and cool sun-exposed skin. It contains aloe vera, which is known for its soothing properties, as well as nourishing essential oils like lavender and peppermint to refresh and rejuvenate your skin.

Here’s a customizable link to snag the 
doTERRA sun products at 25% off! 

 

Beyond sunscreen, there are several other natural solutions and practices you can adopt to protect yourself while enjoying a day at the beach.

Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial when spending time in the sun. Bring a reusable water bottle filled with water and add a few drops of doTERRA Lemon or Wild Orange essential oil for a refreshing and energizing twist. These essential oils not only enhance the flavor but also provide antioxidant benefits.

Wear Protective Clothing: Clothing can provide an additional layer of protection against the sun's rays. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Light-colored fabrics are preferable as they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.

Natural Insect Repellent: Beaches can sometimes be home to pesky insects like mosquitoes. Instead of using chemical-laden insect repellents, opt for doTERRA's TerraShield Outdoor Blend. This essential oil blend contains natural ingredients like Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, and Citronella, which effectively repel insects without harmful chemicals. Apply it to exposed skin.

Cool Down with Essential Oils: To cool down after being in the sun, create a refreshing spray using doTERRA Peppermint essential oil. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz it on your skin for an instant cooling effect. Peppermint oil not only cools the skin but also invigorates the senses, helping you stay alert and refreshed.

While I have not personally experienced any issues using essential oils and going out into the sun, I think it’s only smart to be educated on the potential risks. You might have come across terms like phototoxicity, photosensitivity or photo irritation while looking into essential oils. What this means is that certain essential oils can cause your skin to become extra sensitive to the sunlight. When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause free radicals to form, damaging cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins and resulting in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation—much like a sunburn. In extreme cases you might experience a reaction that includes: inflammation, redness, itching, or burning. 
For your safety, it’s suggested to avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least 12 hours after applying come essential oils to the skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight. While many citrus essential oils can trigger photosensitive reactions, not all of them do. Additionally, the extraction method of the essential oil plays a crucial role in determining phototoxicity. For example, distilled lime essential oil is non-phototoxic, whereas cold-pressed lime oil is. When in doubt, always read the labels. Each essential oil has specific usage directions, including sun safety.

Protecting yourself at the beach also means protecting the environment. Here are some eco-friendly practices to keep in mind:

Choose Reef-Safe Products: When selecting sunscreens and other beach products, always choose those labeled as reef-safe. These products are formulated without chemicals that can harm marine life. By the way, that’s all of the doTERRA sun products!

Reduce Plastic Waste: Bring reusable containers, water bottles, and bags to minimize plastic waste. Avoid single-use plastics, which often end up polluting our oceans.

Clean Up After Yourself: Make it a habit to clean up your area before you leave the beach. Dispose of trash properly and pick up any litter you see. This small act can make a big difference in keeping our beaches clean and safe for everyone.

Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Do not touch or step on coral reefs, and be mindful of nesting areas for birds and turtles.

Spending a day at the beach should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, free from worries about harmful chemicals and environmental impact. By taking consideration when choosing your natural sun care products and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can protect yourself and the environment simultaneously. From mineral-based sunscreens to soothing after-sun sprays and natural insect repellents, there are a plethora of natural solutions that ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day. So, pack your beach bag with these essentials, stay hydrated, and embrace a natural, toxin-free approach to sun protection. Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand, knowing you're doing your part to protect your skin as well as our precious planet.