Guide to Understanding The Science of Sunscreen: Natural Choices For Sun Protection

Understanding the Science of Sunscreen

Are you eager to know how sunscreens work? We heard you! Here is a brief explanation. Sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage by absorbing or reflecting the harmful ultraviolet rays. Its active ingredients prevent UV radiation from penetrating the skin and causing sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.

Varied Types of Sunscreen

Are you aware that Sunscreens are of two types, each offering distinct characteristics? If you know already, wow!! But for those who don't know, listing down both types for your reference:

Chemical Sunscreens

They are also known as organic or synthetic sunscreens.

They tend to absorb UV light and convert it into heat. Some common chemicals in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. 

For maximum effect, you should apply chemical-based sunscreens approximately 20 minutes before sun exposure. However, they can deplete more quickly when exposed to direct sunlight, thus requiring frequent reapplication. 

Point to Remember: Some individuals may experience skin irritation.

Mineral Sunscreens

You may also refer to them as physical sunscreens. They absorb UV radiation, thus physically blocking or scattering it. Additionally, they convert UV light into heat. The main active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Mineral sunscreens provide immediate sun protection upon application and tend to last longer when exposed to sunlight. They are generally gentler on the skin and are less likely to irritate.

However, they can leave a visible whitish cast on the skin, which may be less cosmetically appealing, particularly for darker skin tones. 

Natural Sunscreens for Specific Skin Type

Here are some alternatives to traditional sunscreen for sun protection:

Coconut Oil

The said oil contains Vitamin E, which promotes skin elasticity and hydration. It has lauric acid, offering limited protection, about 20%, against UV rays. However, assessing your sun exposure and location is essential before relying solely on coconut oil for sun protection.

Shea Butter

Shea butter has an SPF of 3 to 4 and is rich in antioxidants, Vitamins A and E, which can protect the skin against free radicals. It's moisturising and can prevent dryness and premature ageing. While it can't replace sunscreen, it's excellent for moisturising skin after exposure to the sun.

These two are apt for you, like the best dry skin sunscreens.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera effectively soothing sunburns, redness, and dry skin. It provides approximately 20% UV protection, making it a suitable option for after-sun care. However, it's not a substitute for sunscreen.

Avocado

Avocados contain nutrients like beta-carotene, potassium, and folic acid, which offer some sun-protective properties. They are rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, making them useful for sunburn relief, dry skin, or rashes. While SPF protection ranges from 4 to 15, they are not sunscreen or UPF clothing replacements.

These are your options in sunscreens for sensitive skin.

Mineral Sunscreens

These sunscreens often contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing UVA and UVB protection without making your skin too dry or oily.

Rosehip Oil

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, rosehip oil can provide moisture to dry areas while helping regulate oil in the T-zone.

Hyaluronic Acid

Sunscreens with hyaluronic acid can provide hydration without making oily areas greasier.

These are safe sunscreens if you have combination skin.

Non-Comedogenic Oils

Look for natural sunscreens with non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed or sunflower. These won't clog pores.

Green Tea Extract

Sunscreens with green tea extract can help control oil production and provide antioxidant benefits.

If you have oily skin, you should opt for lightweight sunscreens.

Titanium Dioxide

This is a physical sunscreen generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Zinc Oxide

This mineral sunscreen is also safe for pregnant women.

Organic and Mineral Sunscreens

Choose sunscreens labelled as 'organic' or 'mineral' as they tend to have fewer synthetic chemicals.

If you are pregnant, you should be extra cautious. Remember to opt for pregnancy-safe sunscreens free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. Choose chemical-free sunscreens consisting of the ingredients mentioned above.

Pro-Tip: Always conduct a patch test to ensure you don't experience any adverse reactions to a new sunscreen.

Disclaimer: While these alternatives can offer some UV protection and help maintain your skin's health, it's important to note that we do not recommend them for long-term use. 

Understanding the Importance of Chemical-Free Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens, if not all but some, have the nature of breaking out in sunlight, leaving you with flaky skin. And this may be something other than what you want to get seen with. Another drawback is that you can't apply them over make-up. 

Some of the chemicals in sunscreen even tend to interfere with sperm function, thus creating reproductive issues, which is a significant concern.

Chemical-free sunscreens are suitable for sensitive skin as they don't clog the pores further. So, by now, you must have had ample reasons for opting for chemical-free sun protection.

Other Alternatives to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Apart from wearing sunscreen every day, here are some other ways to prevent your risk of skin cancer and ageing appearance:

Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoiding the sun at its strongest helps prevent sunburns that cause skin damage.

Wear protective clothing along with your sunscreen. Try to cover your arms and legs as best as you can. 

UPF Sun Hats: Consider using a UPF 50+ sun hat. These hats protect you from over 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Look for wide-brimmed hats and consider using a neck gaiter to protect your neck.

UPF Rash Guard: Cover your shoulders, torso, and arms with a UPF rash guard to shield yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a UPF 50+ rated rash guard for maximum sun protection.

To Summarise

Natural Sunscreens are any day and always preferable over chemical sunscreens. Selecting the right natural sunscreen for your skin type can help protect you from the sun's harmful rays while minimising exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Utilising broad-spectrum sunscreen and other sun safety techniques can help prevent sunburn, accelerated skin ageing, and the risk of developing skin cancer. 

So, choose your sunscreens wisely and help your skin to glow and breathe.