Coconut Oil as Sunscreen: Is it Effective and Safe to Use?

Using the right sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Studies have shown that people who wear good sunscreen are at a lower risk of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. A good sunscreen also prevents tanning, skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

Today, the market is flooded with so many sunscreens of different SPF levels but people hardly know which one to pick. While some go for their favourite brands some are averse to using cosmetics on their skin. As such, the search for natural alternatives continues.

What did our ancestors use when there was no such thing as sunscreen?

Coconut oil!

But is coconut oil really an effective solution in today’s date? 

How does coconut oil work as a sunscreen?

Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats that form a protective layer on your skin. It heals your skin and blocks the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. Not just that, coconut oil also has potent antioxidant properties, which help to prevent burning and oxidative damage. It is one of the best natural oils for mild sun protection.

Benefits of using coconut oil against the sun

Coconut oil boosts the absorption of vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that we get from the sun. But wearing sunscreen with SPF can block the absorption of vitamin D. Coconut oil, has a low SPF, which does not block vitamin D. However, if you want to get some vitamin D from the sun, do it early in the morning when the sun’s rays are light. 

Coconut oil nourishes your skin

The saturated fats present in coconut oil form a protective layer on your skin. This helps reduce the loss of moisture from your skin and retain the luster even after getting a sun tan. 

Coconut Oil Reduces Skin Inflammation

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. The sun burns can cause inflammation and redness in your skin. Coconut oil soothes your skin and helps prevent peeling or cracking of your skin.

Coconut oil contains antioxidants

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants that help to protect the skin against harmful free radicals. It has a low amount of SPF which may not be sufficient for a long day in the sun. But you can trust coconut oil to take good care of your skin on lazy home days. 

Coconut oil is best for after-sun care

Coconut oil is also one of the best ingredients for after-sun care. It helps reduce peeling and redness associated with sunburn. You can massage your body with coconut oil for proper nourishment.

Why may coconut oil not work as a strong sunscreen? 

Here are some reasons why coconut oil shouldn’t be your standalone sunscreen.

It has a super low SPF

Today, most of the sunscreens that are available in the market come with an SPF of 30 to 60. Coconut oil has an SPF of 7. SPF 7 doesn’t provide the adequate sun protection that’s needed to protect your skin.

It blocks only 20% of sun rays

A study found that coconut oil only blocks 20 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. While a good sunscreen can block 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays from penetrating your skin. Thus, the level of protection offered by good sunscreen is much more.

Tips to protect your skin against the sun

• Avoid going out when the sun is at its peak. 
• Cover your skin with full-sleeve clothes, hand gloves, and scarves if you are stepping out during a hot summer day.
• Always apply good sunscreen before stepping out of your house.
• Moisturize your skin with coconut oil before bedtime. 
• Reapply the sunscreen from time to time to give your skin the utmost protection.
• You can also use coconut oil blended with rosemary oil as sunscreen if you are not stepping into the sun.

Your Takeaway

Research shows that when you use the right sunscreen it can prevent skin damage, pigmentation, wrinkles, aging, and even skin cancer including melanoma. There are many sunscreens that use coconut oil as a potent ingredient. But studies show that coconut oil alone is not sufficient.