Why Natural Oils Can't Replace Sunscreen

The truth about UV protection with natural oils 

The choice of sunscreen products is becoming a hot topic at the beginning of the summer season. Increasingly, proponents of natural cosmetics prefer natural oils as a sunscreen. Sounds good, but can natural oils really protect you effectively from the sun's harmful rays?

Before replacing sunscreen with a jar of olive oil in a beach bag, let's carefully consider the issue that is extremely important for health.

• The first and most important thing to know is that some oils should not be used at all in sunny weather, as they can provoke unnecessary pigmentation. For the face and body in the summer it is possible to use only oils that are not susceptible to oxidation.
• Sun protection. The sun protection factor (SPF) protects from the sun's rays. The organization that controls the quality of cosmetics in America (FDA) recognizes for sun protection only cosmetics with an SPF of at least 5.

Now back to natural oils. Some vegetable oils do contain natural UV filters, but they are in minimal values - between 1-6 - extremely insufficient to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Let's look at the most popular natural oils used for sun protection:

Raspberry seed oil

The fame of raspberry seed oil, which was known to have the highest natural sun protection - 15-50 SPF, was recently debunked. But this range is too wide, which leads us to believe that it has not been studied at all. Yes, you can add it to your sunscreen, but don't rely entirely on it. Raspberry seed oil is rich in the most active forms of vitamin E. In its natural form it is quite expensive and is often used in mixtures, not in pure form.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has an SPF of 6-7 and is great as a major component of sunscreen mixes, not only for the body but also for the hair. For the face in its pure form, coconut oil is not recommended, as its protection is weak, and can have a comedogenic effect (people with oily skin should be especially careful). At temperatures above 25 degrees, coconut oil becomes liquid, so be alert when carrying it.

Shea Butter

This natural elixir has emollient, regenerating, sunscreen properties and SPF 4. It is perfectly absorbed, moisturized, protected.

Jojoba oil

This oil is stable, does not oxidize and can be practically heated and cooled without any problems. Jojoba contains natural sun protection factor SPF 4 and is a good base for sun protection mixtures. It is suitable for almost any skin and is perfectly absorbed. And for hair, jojoba is perfect.

Sesame oil

The high percentage of vitamin E in sesame oil causes antioxidant action, prevents oxidative processes and restores the protective functions of the epidermis. The oil has a sun protection effect not higher than SPF 5. It is suitable for body and hair. When buying oil, determine whether you will use it for cosmetic purposes or for food purposes. In the kitchen it is good to act with unrefined oils, but for cosmetics take refined.

Cocoa butter

It is a solid product with a yellowish color, which melts in the sun and in contact with the skin and forms a thick layer, giving an irresistible cocoa aroma. The oil has a mild natural sun protection factor and the ability to give a rich complexion and keep it for a long time.

Avocado oil

It has ultraviolet reflectivity and is resistant to oxidation. It also moisturizes and improves skin elasticity. SPF 4 is a good base for sunscreens.

Essential oils and sun

When it comes to essential oils, there are some controversies. One group of oil fans believe that they can provoke unwanted pigmentation under the influence of sunlight, and another fully trusts them in the summer. But given that they are applied to the face and body, there is no room for experimentation. Lavender, carrot, chamomile, mint and St. John's wort oils are best used in small amounts in after-sun care..

Can we make a homemade sunscreen?

You will need titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Their combination with natural oils containing UV filters can make even an active sunscreen product. You can add a mixture of 50 ml of jojoba oil, 30 ml of coconut oil, 10 ml of raspberry seed oil, 10 ml of avocado oil to the chemical filters.

We recommend that you completely trust the eco series of sunscreen products "Sun Like", which contains the exact proportions of all body oils and filters. The all-new cosmetic formulas are enriched with shea butter and coconut oil. The most clean and light textures are without homosalate and octocrylene - the filters that were declared by the EC to be unsafe for the body. Sun Like products have gentle, broad-spectrum UVA + UVB filters. They act immediately after application, reflecting light like a mirror and acting on the surface of the skin without penetrating deep. The new filters provide an immediate, safe, secure and very high degree of protection.

Sun Sun formulas are also enriched with:

- Beta Carotene – which not only protects but also nourishes the skin. Provitamin is a natural vitamin A, it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to acquire a fast, even and long-lasting complexion,

- Vitamins A + E – the combination reduces premature aging of the skin, nourishes and hydrates in depth, prevents drying,

- Пантенол –for deep hydration and soothing of irritated skin,

- Хиалуронова киселина – for a deeply hydrated, fresh and radiant look.