Sunscreen is one product that has been a part of our beauty kit for the longest time now. Through the years, we have been using a sunscreen, every season to protect our skin from burns and over-exposure. However, did we ever think if slathering all that sunscreen on our skin is healthy?
A lot of sunscreens available in the market today are packed with ingredients that can harm our skin in the long run. A healthier alternative is switching your sunscreen with natural ingredients which can block the harmful rays of the sun. Here are some natural, effective and cheap alternatives to your regular sunscreen.
1. Coconut Oil
Did you know coconut oil can work as a sunblock too? Coconut oil can block 20% of the sun rays falling on your body. This 20% can work for you if you wish to stay in the sun for a short period of time. However, if you wish to stay for longer, you can always re-apply it. Coconut oil not just prevents your skin from sun damage but has numerous other benefits like it moisturises your skin, decreseases inflammation, smoothens blemishes and keeps your skin soft for longer.
2. Aloe Vera
Usually, aloe vera is used to treat skin after its exposure to the sun. It is known to be effective in treating sunburns, inflammation and redness. Many don't know that aloe vera can also be used as a sun block for the skin. It can protect the skin by blocking 20% of the sun exposure. Again, it can work as a block for a short span but can be reapplied. Not just as a sunscreen, aloe vera also benefits our skin in the following ways:
Moisturises skin
Fights skin ageing
Reduces infection
Lightens blemishes
3. Sesame Oil
A layer of sesame oil just before stepping out in the sun can help you prevent your skin from sunburn. Sesame oil can protect your skin 30% from the harmful rays of the sun. You can reapply the oil if you wish to stay in the sun for a longer period of time.
Sesame oil is great for the skin. It has vitamin E which protects your skin, not just from the harmful UV rays but also toxins and polluted air.
4. Shea Butter
Though the SPF level of shea butter is very low, about 6-10, it can be used on days you don't wish to stay in the sun for a long period of time. It is a great ingredient to use on your skin as it comes with vitamin A and E which benefit your skin in numerous ways. Shea butter has antioxidants that protect the skin from radical damage as well and futher prevent skin cancer. Applying a thick layer of shea butter can prevent your skin from burning if exposed to the sun for a shorter span.
5. Almond Oil And Olive Oil
Both these oils are commonly found in Indian kitchens, used for different preparations. Not just food, almond and olive oil are also used for their skin and hair benefits. Almond oil and olive oil have vitamin E which makes them great for the skin. Add natural ingredients to these two oils and your sunscreen is ready. In a glass jar, add almond oil, olive oil, coconut water, beeswax, and place in hot water. Add zinc oxide to the mix and stir. Homemade sunscreen is ready!
Next time you step out of your house, keep these natural sunscreens handy. It is recommended to expose our body to the sun rays for around 20 minutes everyday. Make sure you avoid being in the sun for a period longer than that to prevent any damage to your skin. Also, don't forget to patch test all these natural ingredients on your hand first before applying them directly on your face.
Tanya Malik, HZ
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