When summer arrives, the sun becomes the protagonist. And with the sun comes the need to protect our skin from ultraviolet rays. While commercial sunscreens can be essential, more and more people are looking for alternatives. These options are often more natural and less invasive in caring for their skin. Natural oils have gained popularity as an effective and less chemical option for photoprotection.
Natural oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for their benefits for the skin. But also for their ability to provide a protective barrier against the sun. These oils, derived from plants, seeds and fruits, contain a variety of beneficial compounds. These include antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins, which can help protect the skin from sun damage.
Natural Oils, their properties for photoprotection
Natural oils stand out for their moisturizing and nourishing properties and for the additional defense against sun damage they provide. They contain antioxidant compounds, vitamins and essential fatty acids that help neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure. They also have the ability to create a protective barrier on the skin.
Some oils have a natural Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which although not equal to that of commercial sunscreens, provides an extra layer of protection. It is important to choose oils with photoprotective properties and combine them effectively in your skin care routine.
We share with you more details about some oils that we want you to know about and that you can incorporate into your care habits.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is valued for its chemical structure similar to human sebum, which allows it to be easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy feel. This unique property helps balance oil production in the skin, keeping it hydrated and protected without clogging pores. Although its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is low, around 4, jojoba oil acts as a gentle protective barrier. It can also help reduce the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) rays into the skin. Regular use helps keep skin hydrated and less susceptible to sun damage.
Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and essential fatty acids. These help protect the skin against oxidative damage caused by sun exposure. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals generated by UV rays, preventing premature aging and promoting cell regeneration. Acting as a natural nourishing shield, jojoba oil protects the skin from the sun and keeps it healthy and rejuvenated. Thus, this oil becomes a valuable component in your skin care routine.
How to use it? Apply jojoba oil as a base layer before applying other oils with higher SPF. It is also ideal for use at night to keep skin hydrated and repaired.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is known for its rich vitamin E composition. It is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in skin photoprotection. Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals generated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, minimizing cell damage. Although almond oil has a relatively low Sun Protection Factor (SPF), between 5 and 8, it has a high ability to deeply moisturize the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for keeping skin soft and supple, and protected against sun damage.
In addition, almond oil is rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols, which help strengthen the skin barrier and improve the skin's ability to retain moisture. This deep hydration is crucial to prevent dryness and flaking caused by sun exposure. By keeping the skin well hydrated and nourished, almond oil acts as a natural photoprotector and improves the skin's resilience against sun damage.
How to use it? Apply almond oil on clean skin before going out in the sun. It is also ideal to combine with other oils that have a higher SPF for a more complete protection.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil, known for its moisturizing and softening properties, acts as a natural photoprotector thanks to its ability to partially block ultraviolet (UV) rays. It contains saturated fatty acids, such as lauric acid, which help form a protective barrier on the skin. Although its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is relatively low, around 4 to 6, regular use can minimize sun damage and prevent skin dehydration. It can also help keep skin soft and nourished. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure. These antioxidants protect the skin from premature aging and cell damage, and promote skin regeneration and repair. Thus, this oil acts as a shield against UV rays, cares for and revitalizes the skin.
How to use it? Use coconut oil as a moisturizer after sun exposure. This way you can soothe and repair skin that may have been damaged or affected. You can also combine it with other oils to improve its effectiveness as a photoprotector.
Kakai seeds
Kakai seed oil is a little-known gem in the field of natural photoprotection. Extracted from the seeds of the kakai tree, this oil is exceptionally rich in lycopene and beta-carotene. These are compounds that are known for their antioxidant and ultraviolet (UV) protective properties. These compounds act by absorbing UV rays and neutralizing free radicals generated by sun exposure. In this way they prevent cell damage and premature aging of the skin. With an estimated Sun Protection Factor (SPF) between 30 and 50, kakai seed oil offers one of the highest natural protections available. All in all, this oil is a powerful choice for protecting your skin from the sun.
Kakai seed oil also contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. These help to keep the skin hydrated and strengthen its natural barrier. This combination of antioxidants and fatty acids protects the skin from sun damage and promotes skin regeneration and repair . Kakai seed oil acts as an effective photoprotector and improves overall skin health.
How to use it? Apply kakai seed oil directly to the skin before sun exposure. Its high SPF makes it an excellent choice for those days when you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
How to Use Natural Oils as Photoprotectors
It's important to remember that while natural oils can offer some protection from the sun, they should not be used as a complete substitute for high SPF commercial sunscreens. Here are some tips on how to integrate them into your skin care routine:
- Mix and Match: You can combine some conventional sunscreens with natural sunscreens, or several natural sunscreens to intensify their effect.
- Frequent Application: Be sure to apply oils every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Supplement with Sunscreen: Use natural oils as an additional layer of protection in defense against the sun.
Post-Sun: Use oils such as coconut or jojoba to moisturize and repair the skin after sun exposure.
Natural oils offer an effective, non-chemical way to protect your skin during the summer. Although their sun protection may be less than that of commercial products, when properly combined they can offer significant benefits.
Each of the shared oils brings its own unique properties to keep your skin nourished and protected. This summer, consider adding these oils to your skin care routine. And don't forget to enjoy the sun with an extra layer of natural protection.
If you would like to know more about any of these oils, from Qomer we can provide you with more information or supply you with these positive ingredients for health and well-being.