There has been much discussion and controversy regarding healthy sun protection. Chemical sunscreens have been proven to be carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting and although mineral or natural sunscreens appear to be safer, it's unclear how these minerals are being processed or manufactured.
However, protection from the sun is important for avoiding negative effects like skin cancer and other skin conditions. That’s why we’re told to slather ourselves with sunscreen and avoid the sun.
It's important to understand that the sun naturally boosts the production of melatonin, serotonin, and Vitamin D that are critical to our health. Rather than avoiding the sun, we need to practice responsible sun exposure and sun protection for a healthy balance.
Raspberry seed oil (and any other natural carrier oil) is one way to help protect yourself from UV rays while still soaking in the sun’s natural benefits.
Did you know that natural sun protection can be found in plant oils?
According to a 2000 study, raspberry seed oil offers UVA + UVB protection similar to titanium dioxide with a 28-50 SPF protection factor against UVB rays and 8 SPF against UVA rays.
We do not suggest using red raspberry seed oil as your sun protection for a full day in the sun due to its low UVA coverage. We prefer to recommend wearing a hat and staying out of the sun during peak hours.
When choosing a sunscreen, choose one that contains non-nano zinc oxide and be sure to reapply it every 2 hours that you're in the sun. Sunscreen should contain a high UVA rating and an SPF 30 (which indicates levels of UVB protection).
Sunscreens with high UVB + low UVA protection offer a false sense of security. Even if you’re not burning, it doesn't mean that you aren't creating sun damage. Sunburn is nature's alarm system, which you turn off with high SPF sunscreens. If you're turning pink, it's time to get out of the sun and give your skin a much-needed break.
When choosing skincare products with natural sun protection to strengthen the skin, we do recommend seeking out products that contain the following oils:
Raspberry Seed Oil is rich in omega 3 + 6 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It offers UVA and UVB sun protection and is similar to titanium dioxide protection, found in most mineral sunscreens. Raspberry seed oil SPF 8 UVA and SPF 28-50 UVB protection also helps heal eczema and psoriasis as well as prevents stretch marks. While you shouldn’t use raspberry seed oil as sunscreen, it can be a main ingredient in a natural sunscreen.
Additionally, using beauty products with this carrier oil can be a great way to get the benefits of red raspberry seed oil SPF in your daily skincare routine.
Carrot Seed Oil (not to be confused with Carrot Seed essential oil) is a vegetable oil rich in antioxidants and contains antiseptic qualities. Carrot seed oil SPF is between 38-40.
Jojoba Oil, rich in Vit A + E effectively treats bruises, psoriasis, sunburn, and chapped dry skin. It closely resembles skin's natural sebum, making it an ideal replenishment oil. Jojoba contains anti-inflammatory Myristic acid with SPF 4.
Though the sun protection factor SPF is low, the high levels of vitamins make jojoba oil a great additional ingredient to help soothe your skin.
Coconut Oil is one of the most versatile natural oils that can be used for cooking, baking, and applying to your hair and skin for SPF 2-8. It’s no wonder it’s been a staple in beauty products and skincare for centuries.
Wheatgerm Oil is rich in Vit E and antioxidants to repair cell damage and provides SPF 20.
Avocado Oil contains mono-saturated fats that form a protective layer over the skin to prevent sun tanning and offer SPF 4-15.
Soy Bean Oil is often used in Chinese cooking, use it for light hydration and SPF 10.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is healthy to consume and provides antioxidants to repair cell damage and an SPF 2-8.
Macadamia Nut Oil is rich in phosphorus, potassium, Vit E, and cinnamic acid that contributes to the oil's SPF 6 protection.
Almond Oil is rich in Vit E and nourishes the skin while offering SPF 5.
None of these ingredients provide ample protection from UV rays on their own, but together can be a great way to protect and nourish your skin. Many of these ingredients are also showcased in toners and cleansers to give your skin an extra boost.
At ORESTA, we carry a variety of brands that support healthy skin with ingredients that offer natural sun protection.
Ready to treat your skin better this summer? These products contain our favorite ingredients, including raspberry seed oil, that can help you glow.
Laurel Whole Plant Organics products do not contain FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients, however all of their serums, as well as their day and night balm, contain organic unrefined oils that have been clinically tested to offer SPF 6-50 protection. They are also rich in antioxidants, clinically studied for their ability to reduce, repair, and prevent sun damage. Laurel products contain red raspberry seed, carrot seed, cranberry seed, jojoba, avocado, and coconut oils. Adding this facial serum to your daily skincare routine can help your complexion reap the benefits of sun protection and more.
KAHINA's newly reformulated Facial Lotion features argan oil, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate to protect and nourish skin with the addition of Raspberry Seed Extract to help protect the skin against the sun's rays. Some makeup artists swear by it as a natural skin primer to smooth skin in preparation for makeup application.
LIVING LIBATIONS has an interesting approach to sun protection. In their article about Wise Interaction With The Sun, founder Nadine Artemis believes that we can enjoy a healthy and happy relationship with the sun without sunscreens. Instead, we focus on nourishing oils for the skin. Everybody Loves The Sunshine with Zinc contains a blend of sun-harmonizing organic plant oils including jojoba, coco-crème, raspberry seed, tamanu, and carrot seed.
Protecting your skin from the sun shouldn’t stop when summer ends. Red raspberry seed oil and other carrier oils can be extremely beneficial to your complexion year-round. During the winter months, consider adding more moisture to your routine to increase the hydration of your skin. Along with cooler, dryer temperatures, consider how the sunlight reflects off the snow. Keep using products with UV protection to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all year long.
At ORESTA, we believe in educating our clients about healthy skin protection. During the month of August, we are offering COMPLIMENTARY Skin Imaging Consultations so that you have the opportunity to see your true skin with our skin imaging machine and discuss how to best address your skin concerns.
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