Natural sun protection - plant substances with sun protection factor

Clearly, sunscreen is essential when sunbathing, whether on vacation or at home. Too much sun on unprotected skin means sunburn, an increased risk of skin cancer, and premature aging. But what exactly is in conventional sunscreen? How healthy is it to apply a sunscreen with high UV protection and then sunbathe for hours? What can I do to achieve a tan in a skin-friendly way?

In any case, a healthy combination of mindful sunbathing (sun hat, shade, light clothing, avoiding direct midday sun) and a sunscreen containing certain plant oils and a natural mineral filter is definitely beneficial. This way, you won't have to choose between protection from harmful UV radiation from sunscreens with a high SPF and the potential risks of the substances they contain to your health and the environment.

This blog article explains which chemical substances are used as sunscreens in industrial sunscreens, what damage they can cause to the body and the environment, what the difference is between physical and chemical sunscreen, how the sun protection factor influences sun protection, and which plant oils and extracts with natural sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant protection in the natural pharmacy represent an ideal alternative.

No more sunburn: Antioxidants and natural plant oils with SPF

Plants need to protect themselves from intense UV radiation without the need for sun hats or shelter in the shade, which is why they produce substances that act as natural filters and offer high antioxidant protection against free radicals . Therefore, there is an enormous range of natural plant oils and secondary plant substances that can be used effectively as UV blockers and as effective antioxidants in skin cells. Rice oil, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and argan oil, among others, contain a natural sun protection factor. Furthermore, certain plant extracts and the antioxidants vitamins C and E promote the antioxidant capacity of skin cells and thus protect against free radicals.

Physical vs. chemical UV protection

Sunscreens with chemical UV protection contain components such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and others. They absorb UV-B rays and convert them into heat, which is radiated from the skin. Physical sunscreens contain organic mineral compounds such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They form a physical barrier in the truest sense, making them true sunblockers. UV radiation reflects off the skin's surface and scatters it away from the skin. For optimal protection, chemical sunscreens must be applied 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure, whereas mineral sunscreens work immediately.

Sunscreens with chemical UV protection

According to studies, the chemicals mentioned above, which are used in sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone, can disrupt the endocrine system in high doses and thus impair hormonal balance. Furthermore, the substances have been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the risk of skin cancer. Although oxybenzone is now banned in Europe, its substitute, octocrylene, isn't much better. Authorities in other countries, however, continue to declare the substances safe, which is questionable in light of the research findings.

14,000 tons of sunscreen in the sea every year

In addition, the chemicals cannot be broken down in water and pose a burden to the oceans, coral reefs, and marine life. The substances therefore enter our bodies again via the food chain.

According to a 2019 article, chemist Yousong Ding of the University of Florida compiled statistics on how many tons of sunscreen enter the ocean each year: around 14,000 tons. The synthetic substances they contain endanger 10 percent of the planet's coral reefs. Every 10,000 people in the water leave behind four kilograms of toxic sunscreen substances.

Physical UV protection: mineral-based sunscreens

Sunscreens with mineral skin protection contain zinc or titanium dioxide as natural sun filters and are a better alternative under a few conditions. Skin irritation from mineral sunscreens is less likely, and ideally, they contain fewer or no endocrine disruptors. However, caution is still advised with this class of sunscreen. First, the maximum sun protection factor (SPF) achieved is 25. This is not a problem, however, as we will explain below what exactly the SPF indicates. Second, mineral sunscreens usually leave a white film on the skin due to the minerals they contain. Many people find this unpleasant or unsightly, which is why nanoparticles (< 100 nanometers) are often added. These can potentially penetrate the skin barrier and cause adverse reactions. Nanoparticles must now be declared, so it is important to pay attention to the label, where the term "nano" must be included. The use of nanoparticles is prohibited in BDIH-certified cosmetic products.

In general, the ingredients in physical sunscreens are considered safe for humans and the environment, as long as they do not contain nanoparticles. They also provide maximum sun protection immediately after application.

Facts about sun protection factor (SPF)

To understand briefly: SPF is a measure of the factor by which a sunscreen increases the skin's natural protection time before sunburn occurs. For example, sunburn develops on unprotected skin after 20 minutes, whereas a sunscreen with SPF 30 would theoretically indicate a 30-fold longer exposure time, or 10 hours. It's important to understand that SPF and protection are not linear, and the following points must be considered.

Percent sun protection:

The SPF does not indicate the percentage of UV-B rays blocked, but merely the relative increase in sun protection compared to unprotected skin. SPF 30 protects against approximately 97% of UV-B rays, while a cream with SPF 50 "only" protects against 98% of UV-B radiation. Therefore, SPF 50 provides only 1% more protection. For example, there are a number of plant oils such as coconut oil, rice oil, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and argan oil that contain a natural SPF of 2 to 4. Rice oil, for example, provides 50-75% sun protection.

Apply to the skin:

The true sun protection also depends on how much sunscreen is applied, how it is spread on the skin, and which activities might remove it more quickly (bathing, sweating). Furthermore, the sun protection factor depends on skin type and individual photosensitivity (light sensitivity).

The best plant oils with sun protection factor

There are a number of proven plant oils with a natural sun protection factor (SPF). This natural sunscreen usually provides SPF 2–4, which corresponds to 50–75% protection.

• Carrot seed oil: SPF 20
• Coconut oil: SPF 4-6
• Rice oil: moisturizing, SPF 4-6
• Jojoba oil: rich in vitamin E, moisturizing, SPF 4
• Argan oil: rich in vitamin E

Natural cosmetics with a blend of rice oil, jojoba oil and argan oil provide an excellent base for sun protection and, in combination with powerful antioxidants, natural skin creams can provide sun protection with SPF 20.

Antioxidant protection

The intake of antioxidants through food and in the form of creams provides protection not only against UV radiation, but also against all types of oxidative stress and thus against free radicals. An excess of oxidative reactions in the body means stress, and this excess is caused, among other things, by excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun, but also by emotional stress, pressure situations, illness, alcohol consumption, etc. An intake of antioxidants promotes an increase in antioxidant capacity and thus supports the body in balancing oxidative stress.

An excellent preventative measure is the consumption of antioxidants in food, such as raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate, but also in broccoli and artichokes.

Plant substances, vitamin C and vitamin E

Vitamins C and E are essential components of natural skin care with natural sun protection. Both are known to protect the skin from oxidative stress. Vitamin C is also a cofactor in collagen synthesis for skin, connective tissue, and joints, making it essential for a radiant complexion. Vitamin C also regenerates used vitamin E, which protects DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. It is not for nothing that this fat-soluble vitamin is considered the most important vitamin for cell regeneration and, consequently, the slow aging process. Both are therefore interdependent, and their duration of action depends on the body's general antioxidant status. If the body is well nourished and cared for with plant-based antioxidants, for example, beta-carotene from carrots or lycopene from tomatoes, vitamins C and E also have a longer lifespan.

In summary

Ideally, we should avoid sunbathing during midday in the summer and protect ourselves with a hat and light clothing. We should also use natural creams instead of sunscreens with chemical components or unnecessarily high sun protection factors like SPF 50, which also inhibit vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Natural skincare products containing rice oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C, as well as antioxidant-effective plant extracts, often provide a completely natural skin protection factor of SPF 20. Happy summer, everyone!