Coconut oil sunscreen
Did you know that coconut oil is a sunscreen? Seriously! If you’re headed out for a day of sun and want some UV protection all you need is to grab some coconut oil sunscreen from your kitchen!
Native pacific islanders have been using coconut oil sunscreen for thousands of years. So why should we subject ourselves to using toxic chemicals when we can just use coconut oil!
When I first considered giving coconut oil as a sunscreen a try, I thought I would end up burnt to a crisp with my fair skin. But actually, it worked amazingly well and I have never had a sunburn since I started using it.
Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen, it blocks about 20% of UV rays when applied.
Although this may seem like a lower amount of sun protection, when reapplied often and used in conjunction with limiting too much sun exposure, it should be all you need.
Getting some sun is beneficial for your health, you don’t want to block 100% of rays as it is a great way to increase your level of vitamin D!
Most Sunscreens Cause More Harm Than Good
Nearly every sunscreen on store shelves contain toxic and cancer causing ingredients. Dermatologists and the media are always pushing us to use high amounts of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, when actually they’re telling us to slather on cancer causing chemicals! The most harmful chemicals in sunscreen include Oxtinoxate, Oxybenzone and Homosalate. Anything you put on your skin can be absorbed by your body, particularly these chemicals as they have a high absorption rate. It is best not use anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat.
If you use sunscreens labeled as “all natural” , be sure to read the list of ingredients as many of those often still contain harmful chemicals. Which is why using ingredients found in your kitchen, such as coconut oil, are the best option.
How to Use Coconut Oil Sunscreen
All you need is a jar of coconut oil, the same one you use to cook with!
1. You can apply it when it is in its hardened form by just scooping out a couple of tablespoons and applying it to your skin. This is my favorite way to apply it as it rubs on as a cream.
2. Or you can use the coconut oil in its liquid form (when melted) and put it into a squirt bottle to apply to your skin.
How Often Should I Apply the Coconut Oil Sunscreen?
In general you may want to reapply every couple of hours to provide the most UV protection, but this can vary from person to person. For me, since my skin is very fair, I reapply about every hour or two. The coconut oil has been great as it allows me to obtain sun exposure without being concerned about getting burned.
*Coconut oil does only block 20% of UV rays: so, if you’re going to be out in the sun for a long period of time, you can add in some non-nano zinc oxide for increased protection.
Have you tried coconut oil sunscreen? How has it worked for you?
Sources: http://www.naturalnews.com/033261_natural_sunscreen_UV_exposure.html