We all either dive into or at least dip our toes in the trend of sunscreen as soon as the scorching summer sun starts roasting our skin. But hey, before slathering your skin with that chemical based range of cosmetics, have you actually checked if the one you are using incorporates safe ingredients? Your answer to this would probably be “Not everyone is a chemical engineer” or “Who knows, might only be herbal for the sake of advertisement”.
Though it’s a hard pill to swallow, yet most of you would still resort to use of such products than popping directly into the harsh UV rays of the sun. However, nowadays, skin cancer being one of the most dreadful skin diseases has alarmed a lot of people hence forcing them to scrutinize their skin care routine. Thanks to all those health-conscious people who, in an attempt to protect the largest organ of their body, have actually diverted the trend towards natural remedies for sunscreen effect. Fortunately for these natural oils, there isn’t any need to rub potentially skin toxic products on your body. Here are few amongst many natural oils that can be used for sunscreen purposes:
1. Olive oil
Besides having numerous skin benefits, the amazing olive oil can also be used as an after-sun lotion. The free radicals induced by the UV rays kills our skin cells, thus causing severe skin damage. These radicals can be neutralized or removed by olive oil as it is a rich source of anti-oxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenol.
However, the level of sun protection provided by the deep green-yellow colored cold pressed virgin oil is average, with a rating of about SPF-8, according to a research study by the department of Pharmacognosy. Anyone with a limited exposure to sunlight can get experience the benefits of this natural oil.
2. Sesame oil
No surprise there; sesame oil extracted from sesame seeds is enriched with sterols, triterpenes, tocopherols, and sesame lignans which give it anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.
Being said to be composed of 50 percent lipid and 20 percent protein content including vitamin E effects, the oil effectively provide mechanisms to eliminate free radicals from the skin cells. With an SPF rating of 4, the natural sunscreen can be a remarkable alternative to some branded sun protection cosmetic.
3. Carrot seed oil
Nature’s best skin guarding essential oil, carrot seed oil not only provides anti-oxidative but also anti-fungal, antiseptic, and fragrant effects. Vitamin A and beta- carotenes constituents in the oil give make it a potent sun protector. The oil being highly concentrated should be used with carrier oil when applying topically. The natural product claiming to have carrot seed oil is rated to have SPF between 38 and 40, according to the study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in the year 2009.
4. Red raspberry seed oil
The oil is known to provide a full spectrum sunscreen effect, close to what you expect to receive from “Titanium dioxide”; used in most of the mineral based sunscreen lotions. A blend of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and antioxidants makes this highly absorbable oil a perfect choice for people having skin issues like psoriasis and eczema.
Red raspberry seed oil not only protects from UVA and UVB but also UVC rays. According to Anthony J. O’Lenick, author of “Oils of Nature,” the oil has a natural SPF between 28 and 50.
5. Almond oil
Almond oil, a brain booster and skin healer, is also laced with light sunscreen properties. The oil, suitable for people who have little exposure to the sun’s harmful rays during the daytime, was found with an SPF rating of 6. As a magical skin treatment for rejuvenation and glow, almond oil is used as an ingredient in many branded sunscreen commercial products.
6. Coconut Oil
Talking about skin protection without mentioning coconut oil will be an injustice towards the skin care concept. A product that’s too good to be true, coconut oil also prevents our skin from harmful sun rays in addition to other countless skin benefits.
The heavenly oil halts or counteracts the oxidative stress created by damaging UV radiations in our skin cells leaving the skin feeling younger, supple and pampered. The exact rating of SPF is not known, as distinct studies concluded different SPF values, but usually it said to be between 4 to 10.
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