As we become more aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation, finding natural and effective ways to protect our skin from the sun has become increasingly important. Sun-protecting oils offer a holistic approach to sun care, providing essential nutrients for your skin to protect itself from the oxidative stress caused by UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation, skin cancer and premature aging. In this blog, you'll find everything you need to know about sun-protecting oils.
What Are Sun-Protecting Oils?
Sun-protecting oils are natural oils derived from plants that offer some degree of protection against UV rays. These oils contain natural compounds that help to absorb or reflect UV radiation, thereby reducing the risk of sunburn and other skin damage. Some of the most popular sun-protecting oils include:
- Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Known for its high levels of alpha-linolenic acid and antioxidants, red raspberry seed oil provides significant UV protection. 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.
- Carrot Seed Oil: Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, and other antioxidants, carrot seed oil offers protection against UV radiation and promotes healthy skin. Carrot seed oil SPF is between 38-40.
- Cranberry Seed Oil: Packed with omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, cranberry seed oil provides excellent antioxidant protection and helps to absorb UV radiation, offering natural sun protection.
- Wheat Germ Oil: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, wheat germ oil helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and provides SPF 20.
- Jojoba Oil: Though not primarily known for sun protection, jojoba oil is 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.
- Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid (an omega-5 fatty acid), which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This oil also contains high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol that helps protect the skin from UV damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing the breakdown of collagen. Pomegranate seed oil can help support the skin's natural repair processes, making it an excellent choice for both sun protection and after-sun care.
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.
It's important to never rely solely on these oils for broad-spectrum sun protection, especially for elongated time in the sun. We recommend using these protective oils in conjunction with broad spectrum mineral sunscreens, clothing and hats to avoid sunburns and skin damage.
Why They Work
The effectiveness of sun-protecting oils lies in their natural composition. These oils contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that work together to protect the skin from UV damage. Here’s why they are effective:
- Antioxidant Power: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals produced by UV exposure, preventing oxidative stress and damage to skin cells.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of these oils help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by sun exposure.
- Skin Barrier Support: The essential fatty acids in these oils help strengthen the skin's barrier, enhancing its resilience against environmental stressors, including UV radiation.
- Nourishment and Hydration: These oils deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, maintaining its health and resilience.
How to Use Sun-Protecting Oils
Incorporate sun-protecting oils into your daytime skincare routine. Apply an oil serum or moisturizer that contains the oils listed above. When the sun-protecting oil is higher in the ingredient list, it will have more of the beneficial nutrients in the formula. Follow with your favourite mineral SPF product and be sure to reapply ever 2 hours when out in the sun.
You can also use sun-protecting oils in the evening and while they will not be protecting your skin from UV rays over night, many of them are also reparative. These oils help restore and repair any damage as your skin naturally regenerates at night.
Our Favourite Sun-Protecting Formulas
Laurel Day Balm A protective and reparative blend of 28 organic plant ingredients, including a host of sun-protecting oils that leave skin balanced, plump, and nourished for summer days.
Laurel Sun Serum 2-in-1 treatment oil serum and moisturizer that brightens, protects and repairs sun-affected skin.
Blissoma Awake This lightweight, mattifying day cream is perfect for sun-loving sensitive skin that tends to get oily in the summer months.
Blissoma Lift A silky moisturizer for mature skin that protects against oxidative stress and the breakdown of elastin and collagen for firm, healthy skin.
Forah Everyday Sunscreen SPF30 Double down on sun protection in one product: a beautiful lightweight mineral sunscreen enriched with protective jojoba and carrot seed oils.
Living Libations Everybody Loves the Sunshine Oil Everybody A combination four moisturizing oils with 14 sun- and skin-loving essential oils, this 3-in-1 cleanser, moisturizer and body oil is a summer staple.
Laurel Sun Body Oil Treat your whole body to the magic of plant protection and repair. The Sun Body Oil is perfect for pre- and post-sun exposure.