Can Coconut Oil Protect Your Skin From the Sun?
Does coconut oil have SPF properties?
Coconut oil has been a popular natural remedy for various health issues, including skincare. It is widely known for its moisturizing and hydrating properties, but can it protect you from the sun? Some people believe that coconut oil works as a natural sunscreen, while others are skeptical. In this article, we will delve into whether coconut oil can indeed provide sun protection and how effective it is.
Before diving into the topic, let’s understand how sun damage occurs. Sunlight consists of two harmful types of ultraviolet radiation- UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin’s dermis, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. UVB rays cause sunburn and are primarily responsible for skin cancer. SPF or Sun Protection Factor measures how much protection a sunscreen or any other product provides against UVB rays. So, a sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.
Now, let’s answer the main question: does coconut oil have SPF properties?
The answer is yes, but only to a certain extent. According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmacology in 2010, coconut oil provided an SPF of 7, which means it blocked 75% of UVB rays.
Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2009 found a similar result. Still, they discovered that the effectiveness of coconut oil as a sunscreen varied depending upon the type of coconut oil and how it was processed. Unrefined, virgin coconut oil fared the best, providing an SPF of 8, while refined coconut oil had an SPF of only 2-3.
It is important to note that an SPF of 7 or 8 is not sufficient to protect your skin from sun damage entirely. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating to safeguard the skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
The reason the SPF of coconut oil is relatively low is its composition. Coconut oil’s SPF properties come from its lauric acid, which comprises around 50% of its fatty acid content. But lauric acid can only block a limited number of UVB rays, making coconut oil less effective than the sunscreen products available in the market.
Moreover, while coconut oil may provide some protection from UVB rays, it does not protect the skin from UVA rays, which can penetrate more deeply into the skin and cause long-term, cumulative skin damage that leads to premature aging and skin cancer. As coconut oil cannot protect against UVA rays, it is better to use a sunscreen product that offers broad-spectrum protection and prevents both UVA and UVB radiation.
To sum up, coconut oil can provide some sun protection, but its SPF value is low and only blocks a limited number of UVB rays. Thus, coconut oil should not be relied upon solely for sun protection, and it is always better to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen product to safeguard your skin from sun damage.
The Science Behind Coconut Oil and Sun Protection
Coconut oil has been touted as a natural sunscreen and a safe alternative to commercial sunscreens. But is there any truth to this claim? The answer is not as straightforward as many people think. While coconut oil does provide some level of sun protection, its effectiveness as a sunscreen varies greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the type of coconut oil, its SPF level, the amount applied, and the individual’s skin type and sensitivity to the sun’s rays.
The main reason why coconut oil is believed to offer sun protection is its high content of medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid. These fatty acids have been shown to have some UV-blocking properties, and may help reduce skin damage caused by sun exposure. Additionally, coconut oil contains antioxidants that may help prevent free radical damage to the skin.
However, it is important to note that coconut oil alone does not provide adequate protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation, especially for prolonged exposure to the sun. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil has an SPF value of only 7, which is much lower than the recommended minimum SPF of 15 for daily sun protection. This means that using coconut oil alone as a sunscreen may not be enough to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
To boost the sun protection factor of coconut oil, some people combine it with other ingredients that have higher SPF values, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral-based ingredients can help provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, it is important to use these ingredients in the right proportions to avoid a greasy or chalky appearance on the skin.
The amount of coconut oil applied also plays a crucial role in its effectiveness as a sunscreen. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, an average adult requires around 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin to achieve adequate sun protection. However, most people apply less than half of this amount when using sunscreen, which may explain why many sunscreens fail to provide the expected level of protection. Similarly, applying too little coconut oil may not offer sufficient sun protection, especially for people with fair or sensitive skin.
Another factor that affects the sun protection provided by coconut oil is an individual’s skin type and sensitivity to the sun. People with darker skin tones may require less sun protection than those with lighter skin tones, as their skin has more natural melanin pigmentation that helps absorb UV radiation. Additionally, people with sensitive or reactive skin may be more prone to sun damage and may require higher SPF levels for adequate protection.
In conclusion, while coconut oil does have some sun protective properties, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of sun protection. To achieve optimal sun protection, it is recommended to use a combination of physical and chemical sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection, along with other sun protection measures such as avoiding the sun during peak hours and wearing protective clothing.
How to use coconut oil as a natural sunscreen
Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that has been used as a sunscreen for centuries. Its high concentration of lauric acid, which has natural SPF properties, makes it an excellent alternative to chemical sunscreens that contain harmful ingredients. Here are some ways to use coconut oil as a natural sunscreen:
1. Apply coconut oil before sun exposure
The best way to use coconut oil as a natural sunscreen is to apply it to your skin before sun exposure. Simply rub a small amount of pure coconut oil on your skin 30 minutes before going outside. You can also mix coconut oil with other natural ingredients such as shea butter or cacao butter to make a homemade sunscreen lotion. Keep in mind that coconut oil has a low SPF of around 4-7, so it is best used for short periods of sun exposure.
2. Reapply coconut oil every few hours
Coconut oil, like any other natural sunscreen, is not as long-lasting as chemical sunscreens. Therefore, it is essential to reapply it every few hours to maintain adequate sun protection. You can also apply coconut oil over your regular sunscreen for additional moisture and natural SPF protection.
3. Use coconut oil as an after-sun treatment
Coconut oil has excellent moisturizing properties, making it an ideal after-sun treatment. After a day of sun exposure, apply coconut oil to your skin to soothe and moisturize. Coconut oil has been known to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn and promote healing.
Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and after-sun treatment. However, it is not suitable for everyone, especially those with oily skin. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, coconut oil may clog your pores and cause breakouts. Before using coconut oil as a sunscreen, do a patch test to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to it.
Coconut oil vs chemical sunscreens: Which is better?
When it comes to sun protection, there are two main options: coconut oil and chemical sunscreens. The debate of which is better has been a topic of conversation for a while now. However, it is important to understand the differences between the two and how they work in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil has been touted as a natural, chemical-free sunscreen alternative in recent years. It contains natural SPF properties that are claimed to protect the skin from sun damage. However, it is important to note that coconut oil is not a complete substitute for sunscreen. It has a relatively low SPF of 4-5 and can offer minimal protection against UV radiation.
When used on its own, coconut oil is not sufficient enough to protect the skin against the harmful rays of the sun. It may provide some benefits as a moisturizer and can soothe mild sunburns. However, it is not effective at preventing sunburn, premature aging, and other skin damages associated with long-term sun exposure.
Chemical sunscreens:
Chemical sunscreens are manufactured products that contain chemical compounds that absorb UV radiation before it penetrates the skin. They are formulated with different SPF levels, which provide varying levels of protection. Some of the active ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens include octinoxate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone.
Unlike coconut oil, chemical sunscreens are effective at protecting the skin against sunburn, photodamage, and other skin conditions related to sun exposure. They are easy to apply, absorb quickly, and provide long-lasting protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Which is better?
There is no clear answer to which of these options is better, as both have their benefits and drawbacks. Coconut oil is a natural, non-toxic alternative that can provide some protection against the sun, but it is not a complete replacement for traditional sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are highly effective in protecting the skin against sun damage. However, they contain synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to the environment and cause irritation in some people.
The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and skin type. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from using natural, gentle products like coconut oil. Those who need stronger UV protection that is water-resistant and sweat-proof should opt for chemical sunscreens.
Overall, the best way to protect your skin from the sun is through a combination of sunscreen and protective clothing. But, if you prefer using coconut oil or other natural sun protection alternatives, it’s important to use them in combination with other protection methods and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Additional benefits of using coconut oil for sun protection
Coconut oil, which is derived from coconut meat, is a highly versatile oil that is not only popularly used in cooking, but is also well-known for its multitude of health and beauty benefits. Among its many uses, coconut oil is also becoming more popular among individuals looking for a natural sun protection alternative, as it contains a natural SPF factor of 4-5. As a result, applying coconut oil to the skin can help to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but that’s not all! Here are several additional benefits of using coconut oil for sun protection:
- Moisturizes the skin
Applying coconut oil to the skin as a sun protectant can also provide deep hydration and moisturization, especially for individuals with dry skin. Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which can help to nourish the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft to the touch. In addition, using coconut oil as a sun protectant does not leave a greasy residue, making it a fantastic alternative to regular sunscreen.
- Reduces inflammation
Long-term exposure to the sun can lead to inflammation and redness, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. However, coconut oil may be able to help mitigate this issue. When applied topically to the skin, coconut oil can help to soothe and reduce inflammation thanks to its naturally occurring fatty acids. Using coconut oil as a sun protectant can not only protect the skin from harmful UV rays but also nourish and heal the skin from inflammation caused by sun exposure.
- Contains natural antioxidants
Coconut oil contains a variety of natural antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can be caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. Antioxidants naturally occurring in coconut oil include vitamins E and K. When used as a sun protectant, the antioxidants in coconut oil can help to prevent visible signs of aging caused by sun damage, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
- May promote a natural tan
Many people use coconut oil as a natural tanning oil, as the oil may be able to promote a natural-looking tan. This is because coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that can slightly darken the skin when exposed to the sun. However, it’s important to note that using coconut oil alone may not provide enough protection from harmful UV rays and additional sun protection may still be necessary.
- Versatile and affordable
Using coconut oil as an alternative to commercial sunscreen not only provides numerous health benefits, but it is also highly versatile and affordable. Coconut oil can be found at most grocery stores and can be used for a variety of applications such as cooking, baking, hair care, and skin care. Additionally, coconut oil is often priced lower than commercial sunscreen, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to save some money.
In conclusion, coconut oil is an effective and natural alternative to commercial sunscreen when used properly. In addition to protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, coconut oil also provides a range of health benefits including moisturization, reducing inflammation and promoting a natural-looking tan, making it an excellent addition to your daily skincare routine.