Hey you, beach bums, sunscreen is a must-have and arguably the most significant of all the skincare products we use. After all, it’s the only protection we can get to dodge the intense sun. Not to forget to mention the skin damage it causes, such as early ageing, sun damage, sunburns, and skin cancer. However, sunscreens laced with chemicals (also including Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Parabens, among others) can absorb into the skin and cause several health issues than benefits.
Well, the real kicker is that au-natural sunscreens are no longer uncommon as they formerly were. These work effectively without having any adverse side effects because they are formulated with skin-loving organic ingredients and natural oils.
What Oils In Sunscreen Should I Be On The Lookout For?
Sesame oil and coconut oil, both of which are cold-pressed, are two examples of natural oils that can be present in your sunscreen. These natural SPF oils are perfectly safe to use.
Cold-pressed sesame oil and coconut oil are nutrient-rich and have a natural SPF of 4–10, which means they protect the skin from the sun for 45 minutes or so by filtering at least 75% of UV rays.
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Can We Really Use Coconut Oil As A Sunscreen?
Basically, wearing sunscreen with a higher SPF of 50 will block around 98% of UVB radiation. So, how effective is coconut oil as a sunscreen? A study suggests that coconut oil can act as sun protection with SPF 7. But SPF 7 is not just enough to prevent UVB from damaging the skin (we ain’t yet considering UVA rays).
The amount of SPF coconut oils possess is not yet known. Whereas sunscreen products are only put on the market after passing the SPF testing. Therefore, when purchasing sunscreen, one should constantly consider the SPF it boasts of.
All The Deets On The Safest Sunscreen Ingredients
According to dermatologists, the most secure option is a so-called “mineral” or “physical” sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Only those ingredients are listed by the FDA as being “generally recognised as safe and effective” in sunscreen. Physical sunscreens function like a shield, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation like sponges. It rests on top of your skin and shields your body from UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens also result in less skin reactions, making them a better option for people with sensitive skin.
In a 2019 sunscreen study, only two chemicals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, were shown to be safe and effective. The same recent research has highlighted additional concerns about three harmful ingredients in sunscreen (homosalate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone) that cause endocrine-disrupting effects.
How To Choose The Right Sunscreen Formula
Check The SPF
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater, which will prevent 97 percent of UVB radiation from the sun. Higher SPFs are just marginally more effective, so don’t allow high SPFs to fool you into thinking you’re completely safe from sun damage.
Enter: Broad Spectrum
Sunscreens marketed as “broad spectrum” will also protect you from UVA radiation, which causes wrinkles and ageing. More importantly, UVA rays have been linked to skin cancer.
Apply, Reapply, Repeat!
Consumers only apply roughly 20 to 50 percent of the amount of sunscreen required to reach the SPF stated on the label. Most adults need to use around one ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully protect their body from harmful sun rays. Re-apply it every two hours or after swimming, and remember to cover your back, neck, face, ears, and the top of your feet.
Remember, check the deets before you make your next sunscreen purchase.
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