5 Natural Sunscreens

February 22, 2011

I don’t usually wear sunscreen.

You might already know that sunscreen doesn’t protect you from skin cancer (since the sun doesn’t cause skin cancer in the first place).

But if you didn’t know that sunscreen blocks your vitamin D production, contains toxic chemicals, and can actually cause cancer, then check out this article I wrote on the very subject.

All that being said–burning to a crisp and turning into a lobster isn’t a good idea either.

So what to do if you haven’t had a chance to gradually build up a base tan before you venture out into a beautiful sunny day (maybe, say, whilst skiing down a snowy mountain or taking a vacation to a tropical island)?

Here are 5 natural sunscreens that I use to protect my skin from burning while still doing my best to optimize my vitamin D intake from the sun:

1. Coconut Oil

Is there anything this stuff isn’t good for? Coconut oil is fantastic for protecting your skin against burning in the sun. I use coconut oil for lots of other things as well, but sunscreen is definitely a big one. It will protect your skin and help rejuvenate dead skin cells.

You could also use a high quality olive oil to protect your skin in the sun, but I find that to be much oilier (and may not smell quite as nice).

2. A Diet Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants in foods will greatly reduce your risk of sunburn. As a general rule of thumb, it’s the bright colors in fruits and vegetables that indicate the presence of antioxidants. Think dark green spinach and bright red tomatoes. So load up on fruits and veggies!

Specifically, the lycopene found in tomatoes and red bell peppers and the carotene found in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and other orange foods will do wonders for your skin and help prevent sunburn.

3. A Diet Rich in Healthy Fats

You may have heard of Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s become a slick marketing ploy to advertise packaged foods that are rich in Omega-3’s. But your best source is always from real, whole foods like walnuts, chia seeds, and cold-water fish like salmon.

There are other types of fatty acids too–Omega-6, Omega-9, etc. So why all the hype about Omega-3? In reality, we need all the different types, but in a proper balance. Unfortunately, most people are way out of whack and experience inflammation as a result. Decreasing your intake of processed, rancid oils high in Omega-6 (read the ingredients labels on any packaged food!) and increasing Omega-3’s in your diet will do wonders for your skin (as well as your overall health).

4. Protective Clothing

Hats. Lightweight swim shirts. Umbrellas. Need I say more?

5. Natural Sunscreen from a Reputable Company

Like I said earlier, I rarely wear sunscreen, but when I do, I make sure it’s a very good, clean product. The Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Database rates all kinds of personal care products based on the chemicals contained in them.

The Daily Green also put out a great list of the Top 21 Natural Sunscreens that you might want to reference. I personally use Badger.

What is your favorite natural sunscreen?

This post is linked to Simple Lives Thursday, Homestead Barn Hop

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Jill @ The Prairie Homestead
March 14, 2011 at 9:39 am

Thanks for this informative post. Lately, I’ve been re-evaluating our use of sunscreen, and this post has some great ideas. Also, I love your header graphic- too cute! Thanks for sharing this with the Homestead Barn Hop!
1. Lori Winter
  March 16, 2011 at 8:24 pm
  
  Thanks Jill! And thanks for hosting the Barn Hop! :)
Amy @ Homestead Revival
March 14, 2011 at 9:48 am

Coconut oil? I had no idea! I can’t wait to try this and see how it works!

Thanks for sharing an excellent post on the Barn Hop!
1. Lori Winter
  March 16, 2011 at 8:27 pm
  
  Thanks Amy! It’s true–coconut oil is pretty amazing ;) I would recommend slowly building a good base tan if you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time (like at the beach) with only coconut oil. But I love using it as a sunscreen!
Sarah
March 14, 2011 at 12:58 pm

So glad I found your site. I totally agree with you on sunscreen. It’s nothing but a bunch of toxins being absorbed by our bodies. People think that just because it goes on their skin it doesn’t go into their skin. I don’t wear any makeup either for the exact same reasons.
sarah
1. Lori Winter
  March 16, 2011 at 8:30 pm
  
  Hi Sarah,
  Glad you found me too! I’ve also given up makeup after having the hardest time finding natural products that I liked. It’s amazing, but with the sun and coconut oil I haven’t missed makeup at all! Plus it saves me all kinds of time in the mornings ;)
Leona
July 10, 2011 at 3:26 am

From Big Island of Hawaii, I spend as much time in the surf as possible. When sunscreens were initially introduced to me, I soon realized they just didn’t work & often burned my skin, caused rash or painful breakouts. A diet rich in antioxidant fruit, vegetables, etc AND dark chocolate are what I believe protects my skin! Surf’s up!
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Mandee
July 27, 2012 at 11:43 am

This is way late, but unrefined shea butter kept me burn-free while on vacation in Puerto Rico. I’ll definitely try coconut oil though. Probably a bit less greasy. Thanks!
Maria
August 23, 2012 at 8:13 am

Hi! I have very fair skin and wear sunscreen all year round. In a week time I will go to the south of Spain for holidays, and I know from experience that any less than SPF 50 and I get burn in a matter of minute!! I would love to try coconut oil as I already use it for moisturizing, but what would be your recommendation to “build a base tan” on someone who doesn’t really tan :P
Thanks ( I love all your articles btw)
Maria
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 1:52 pm
  
  I would give yourself plenty of time before your trip to get at least 15 minutes of sun exposure (with at least half your body exposed) each and every day, working up from there. You want just a tiny bit of pink on your skin by the time you come inside. Also make sure you’re eating plenty of skin-protecting antioxidants (from brightly colored fruits and veggies)!
Sarita
August 31, 2012 at 1:43 pm

Hi Lori,
I honestly had no idea that coconut oil could be used as a sunscreen! I cant wait to go ahead and try it. Do you have any suggestions as to which coconut oil i should purchase? any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Sarita
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 1:54 pm
  
  Hi Sarita! Definitely get unrefined, virgin coconut oil. Also understand that the SPF factor for coconut oil is very low, so while I definitely recommend you try it, I wouldn’t use it exclusively as a sunscreen if you’re going to spend all day at the beach ;)
Carmina Uy
January 29, 2013 at 1:54 am

hi lori! i’m really glad I’ve read your blogs and found you! the best blog ever! first time to really hook up & connect with a blogger. i’m looking forward to read your next blog. keep them coming! *ps me too loves the natural way of living!

thank you for lots of informative blogs! :) <3<3<3
Carmina Uy
January 29, 2013 at 1:55 am

just want to ask what kind of coconut oil to you use? is it virgin coconut oil or just coconut oil? your reply means a lot! thanks :)
1. Lori Winter
  January 30, 2013 at 1:37 pm
  
  Hi Carmina – I always make sure to use extra virgin coconut oil. The less processing, the better. :)
david fountain
April 4, 2013 at 5:35 pm

I like Sun Putty Face SPF30. Great protection, 100% natural and my daughter’s and my skin looks great since we’ve been using it. Our skin is sensitive and we have found Sun Putty to be gentle. http://www.sunputty.com for more info.
Nicole
June 30, 2013 at 1:41 pm

Hey,
I’d just like to ask you if the coconut butter stops your skin from tanning?
If not, then do you know any other products that do?
From a very happy person :P