How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun (The Natural Way)

Using natural options without chemicals is a safe way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Many people still opt for traditional sunscreens, but you can find gentler, natural options that care for your skin. 

Coconut, red raspberry seed oil, and aloe vera in your broad-spectrum sunscreen work to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Incorporating berries and green vegetables into your meals can help keep your skin youthful and reduce the risk of sun damage.   

When you apply these approaches, your skin is safe from harmful chemicals. This blog will demonstrate that easy home methods are effective at keeping your skin safe from the sun and improving its health. 

Enjoying the outdoors safely is essential, which is why this blog will discuss how to protect our skin naturally from damage.

Understanding Sun Damage and Skin Protection

The sun’s heat and light supply us with energy, but ultraviolet (UV) rays come from it and can be dangerous for our skin. You should learn about the differences between UVA and UVB. 

Being exposed to sunlight can cause UVA rays to penetrate the lower layers of the skin, damaging collagen and leading to wrinkles and dark spots.^[1] Much like UVA rays, UVB rays only impact the uppermost part of your skin and are thought to cause sunburn. 

Both UVA and UVB rays pose risks to the skin and may increase the likelihood of skin cancers, including melanoma^[2]

Signs of Sun Damage

• Dry, damaged, and inflamed skin.
• Red and sunburnt after being outside.
• Early signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Redness or dark patches on your skin.
• Drier, itchier, or peeling skin.
• There is a risk of skin cancers developing later in life, such as melanoma.

Therefore, choosing natural methods to care for your skin is essential. Sunscreens can protect you against UV rays, but they often contain ingredients that some people would like to steer clear of.

Natural protection works to both stop harmful UV rays and nurture your skin at the same time. Even so, speaking with your healthcare provider is necessary first, since natural options may not block out the sun as effectively.

It helps your skin stay healthy and strong by working with the natural defences in your body, even when under the sun. Begin by learning how the sun affects your skin so you can care for it correctly and safely.

Foods That Enhance Your Skin’s Natural Sun Protection 

Here are some excellent choices for food that help keep your skin safe from the sun:

#1 Antioxidant-rich Foods 

Eating foods rich in antioxidants may help your skin stay healthy when facing damage from the sun. The skin makes free radicals when UV rays hit it. Free radicals harm your skin cells, causing skin to age fast, become inflamed, and lead to a loss of collagen, which can make your skin lose its elasticity. ^[3]

Having antioxidants may help your body deal with free radicals, ease pressure from oxidative stress and keep your skin cells healthy.

When you eat antioxidant foods, it may help your skin recover and become less likely to become very dry. They help protect your skin from the inside and aid in managing the damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.^[4]

Sources that contain a lot of antioxidants for good skin care include:

• Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries) 
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts
• Leafy Greens like spinach, kale

Including these foods in your diet may help keep your skin looking young, radiant, and safer from the sun.

#2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Skin Health

Eating omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain the health of your skin and shields it from harm.^[5] They may help soothe the skin while also keeping the skin’s natural protection. 

Since the sun can dry out our skin, having moisturising effects is very important for them. Fatty acids in this plant help your skin stay flexible, which keeps lines and wrinkles at bay. 

You might find omega-3 fatty acids in foods and supplements such as:

• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts 
• Fatty fish 

Eating these foods may often help your skin stay hydrated and firm when you’re outside in the sun.

#3 Vitamins and Minerals 

If you get enough vitamins and minerals through your food, your skin is better protected from the sun. Free radicals, produced by the sun’s damage, bring about earlier signs of ageing on your skin. 

With vitamin C, your body manufactures collagen that ensures your skin stays in good shape and protected from the sun’s rays.^[5] Vitamin E protects the skin from getting damaged by oxidative stress and helps preserve the skin’s natural ability to hold in moisture.^[6] 

In addition to other antioxidants, selenium may help manage inflammation and stop the sun from leading to skin ageing.^[7]

If you add these nutrients to your meals, your skin can heal and maintain its strength. They support your skin’s flexibility, manage early signs of ageing and put up a barrier against anything harmful found outside.

You might find vitamins and minerals  in foods  such as:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) 
• Nuts (almonds, sunflower seeds) 
• Brazil nuts 

#4 Hydrating Foods 

Having properly hydrated skin starts with the food you eat. Staying hydrated enables the skin to heal, function properly, and protect itself from environmental factors. ^[8] Cucumbers, watermelon and celery help to give the skin more moisture from within. 

Furthermore, they are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, two essential elements for maintaining healthy skin. Eating hydrating foods can help smooth out fine lines and stop your face from drying out.^[9] They support natural radiance in the skin by looking after skin cells.

Some great foods to include in your diet for healthy skin are:

• Cucumbers 
• Watermelon 
• Celery 

Eating these foods regularly supports your skin’s natural resilience and radiance.

Natural Remedies for Sun Protection

Many natural ways exist to preserve your skin from the sun, and they also nourish and restore it. As an alternative to chemical sunscreens, natural solutions often work better on sensitive skin. Natural ways to help include:

1. Natural Oils with SPF Properties

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is renowned for its ability to moisturise, and it has a low SPF value of 4-5. It keeps the skin moist and gives some defence against harmful UV rays.^[8]
• Red Raspberry Seed Oil: With lots of omega-3 fatty acids, Red Raspberry Seed Oil offers a natural sun protection factor of 28-50. It protects your skin from both types of UV rays, which is why it’s a favourite among sun protection products.^[9]
• Carrot Seed Oil: It contains antioxidants and vitamins that protect your skin from the sun, and it encourages skin healing after you spend time in the sun.^[10]

^{But if your skin tends to burn from the sun or develops redness or irritation, you should pick a sunscreen with very high SPF. This helps defend the skin from dangerous UV rays and also helps prevent discomfort. Whenever you buy sunscreen, think about your skin’s sensitivity first.}

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is famous for helping sunburns, and it also offers some benefits against the harmful effects of the sun. The plant extracts aloin and aloe-emodin are beneficial as they absorb UV radiation, helping to protect the skin from damage.^[11] Due to its cooling effect, it helps reduce inflammation caused by exposure to the sun.

3. Green Tea Extract

Green tea contains polyphenols, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that have been demonstrated to shield skin from damage caused by the sun. It may help manage inflammation and provide antioxidant protection, making the skin less susceptible to ageing and sun damage.^[12]

4. Zinc Oxide

Although primarily used in commercial products, zinc oxide can aid in sun protection.^[13] It shields your skin from UV rays, which helps protect you from various types of damage. People use it in DIY sunscreens because it is gentle and doesn’t irritate the skin.

5. Wearing Protective Clothing

A simple way to naturally protect your skin is to wear protective clothing. Using wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses will protect you more from the sun than if you use sunscreen.

6. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

Strong sunlight occurs most during the hours between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. You can minimise your risk of UV damage by remaining indoors when peak sun hours are around.

DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipes

Homemade Sunscreen with Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil

Aloe vera can help improve your skin’s appearance and may help prevent burns. This recipe is simple and provides mild sun protection, benefiting your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (SPF 7)
• 2 tbsp powdered zinc oxide (or more for increased SPF)
• 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (50% +)
• 25 drops of walnut extract oil (for scent and extra SPF)
• 1 cup shea butter (for spreadability)

Instructions:

• Melt coconut oil, shea butter and walnut extract using a saucepan and heat until medium.
• After cooling for a while, mix in the aloe vera gel.
• Mix the zinc oxide thoroughly with the previously cooled mixture.
• You may want to blend in some beeswax if you prefer a thicker balm.
• Scoop the mixture into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place.

Note: Apply the cream regularly and remember not to get it wet.

Homemade Sunscreen with Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Shea Butter

It shields your skin from harmful UV rays and nourishes it due to its high antioxidant content.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup red raspberry seed oil (natural SPF 28-50)
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (SPF 4-5)
• 2 tbsp beeswax (for a thicker consistency)
• 1 tbsp vitamin E oil
• 1 tbsp zinc oxide powder (optional for added protection)

Instructions:

• Heat your shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or saucepan on low.
• Transfer the pan from the heat and add red raspberry seed oil and vitamin E oil, stirring all together.
• For even higher sun protection, add zinc oxide and make sure it is thoroughly mixed in.
• Set aside and let the mixture cool and firm. Use a glass jar for storage.

Note: Because it’s not waterproof, make sure to reapply the sunscreen after any swimming or sweating.

Disclaimer: Please understand that the sunscreen suggested here has not been validated by medical professionals, and homemade mixtures could have differing levels of sun protection. 

If you experience any skin irritation, redness, or discomfort, pause using the product and consult a healthcare expert. Before changing your sunscreen to one you made at home, have a consultation with your dermatologist. Always prioritise the well-being and protection of your skin.

Summing Up

Safe protection from the sun and nourishment for the skin can be found in coconut oil, aloe vera and foods high in antioxidants. Besides natural remedies, drinking enough water supports skin health by hydrating the skin’s surface. 

Stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to limit your contact with the strongest UV rays. Regular skin checks help identify sun damage or signs of moles or sunspots in their early stages. 

If you do all of this, your skin will defend itself better from the harmful effects of the sun. Seek advice from our experts to get recommendations and advice for protecting your skin in the best possible way.

Frequently Asked Questions