Can Coconut Oil Be Used as Sunscreen? Benefits & Recipe

Coconut oil has been a staple in natural beauty and wellness for decades. Whether you use it for skin care, hair care, or even as part of your diet, this versatile oil is well-known for its many health benefits. Recently, some have turned to coconut oil as a potential natural sunscreen alternative. But can coconut oil really protect your skin from harmful UV rays, or is this just a trend? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the potential of coconut oil as sunscreen, its effectiveness, its associated benefits, and provide a simple recipe for a homemade coconut oil-based sunscreen.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a natural oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It has been used for centuries in tropical regions for its nourishing and hydrating properties. Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. These fats provide moisture and have antimicrobial properties, making coconut oil a popular ingredient in skincare products.

There are two main types of coconut oil:

• Virgin Coconut Oil: Extracted from fresh coconut meat using cold-pressing methods, this oil retains most of the natural nutrients and has a distinct coconut scent.

• Fractionated Coconut Oil: Fractionated coconut oil is a more processed version. The long-chain fatty acids are removed to leave behind medium-chain triglycerides, which stay liquid at room temperature. This version of coconut oil is lighter and more easily absorbed by the skin, which makes it popular for use in essential oil blends and skincare products. Fractionated coconut oil (often labeled as Coconut Oil MCT) has a longer shelf life and is odorless, making it a preferred option for people who want to avoid the strong coconut scent.

Coconut Oil as Sunscreen: Can It Protect You from UV Rays?

The idea of using coconut oil as sunscreen stems from the fact that coconut oil has a naturally occurring Sun Protection Factor (SPF). However, it's essential to assess whether this level of protection is adequate for real-world sun exposure.

What Is the SPF of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil offers a modest SPF rating of about 4-5. This means it provides a very low level of sun protection, enough to block only about 20% of UVB rays (the rays responsible for sunburn). Although this minimal SPF may help protect the skin from mild exposure to the sun, it is far from sufficient for prolonged sun exposure, particularly for individuals with fair or sensitive skin. Experts generally recommend sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection.

UVA vs. UVB Protection

• UVB Rays: These are the primary rays that cause sunburn and can damage the outer layer of the skin. Coconut oil does provide some degree of UVB protection, which can reduce sunburn risk.

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and the risk of skin cancer. Unfortunately, coconut oil does not provide substantial protection against UVA rays. For comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, broad-spectrum sunscreens are recommended.

Limited Protection

While coconut oil may be a natural moisturizer with mild sun-blocking properties, it doesn't offer the full spectrum of protection that commercial sunscreens provide. Sunscreens with higher SPF values are specially formulated to protect the skin from both types of UV rays and are usually water-resistant, making them more reliable for long days in the sun.

A Word on Homemade Sunscreens

Some DIY enthusiasts have taken to making their own sunscreens using coconut oil. While these mixtures can provide some degree of protection, it's important to understand that the SPF of homemade products is difficult to measure and may not be as reliable as store-bought sunscreens. Ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide can boost the sun-blocking ability of coconut oil, but the effectiveness of these mixtures can vary.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin

Even though coconut oil isn't a substitute for SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, it still has plenty of benefits for the skin that can make it a great addition to your skincare routine.

1. Moisturizing Properties

Coconut oil is a natural emollient, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin. This makes it especially beneficial for people with dry or dehydrated skin. When applied to the skin, coconut oil creates a barrier that helps lock in moisture and prevents water loss. This is important after sun exposure, as the skin can become dry and sensitive after a day in the sun.

2. Antioxidant Protection

Coconut oil contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and free radicals. These antioxidants help protect the skin from premature aging and cell damage.

3. Antimicrobial Benefits

The lauric acid in coconut oil gives it potent antimicrobial properties, which can help protect the skin from bacteria and fungi. This makes it useful for preventing and soothing minor skin irritations or conditions such as acne and eczema.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation. After sun exposure, it may help calm the skin and alleviate discomfort from sunburns.

Homemade Coconut Oil Sunscreen Recipe

For those who prefer to use natural products, you can create your own coconut oil-based sunscreen at home. While this mixture won't provide the high-level SPF protection of commercial sunscreens, it can act as a natural moisturizer and mild sunblock. Here's a simple recipe to create your own coconut oil sunscreen.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil (or Fractionated Coconut Oil for a lighter texture)

• 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide (this is a physical sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB rays)

• 1 tablespoon red raspberry seed oil (this oil has an SPF of about 28-50)

• Optional: 10 drops of essential oils (e.g., carrot seed oil, which is known for its mild sun protection properties, or lavender oil for added skin benefits)

Instructions:

1. Melt the Coconut Oil: In a double boiler, gently heat the coconut oil until it melts into a liquid form. Be careful not to overheat, as high temperatures can degrade the oil's beneficial properties.

2. Add Zinc Oxide: Carefully mix in the zinc oxide powder. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Be sure to wear a mask or avoid inhaling the powder during this step.

3. Incorporate Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Stir in the red raspberry seed oil, which adds additional sun protection and is beneficial for the skin.

4. Essential Oils (Optional): If you like, add a few drops of essential oils like carrot seed or lavender. These oils not only provide fragrance but also have skin-healing properties.

5. Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool and solidify. You can transfer the mixture into a small glass jar or a tin container. Store in a cool, dry place. The coconut oil will remain solid at room temperature, but it will melt when applied to the skin.

How to Use:

• Apply generously to your skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

• Although this sunscreen is moisturizing, you should supplement with additional sun protection methods like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Important Notes:

• SPF Uncertainty: The SPF of this homemade sunscreen is uncertain. While the ingredients have known sun-blocking properties, the exact SPF cannot be guaranteed without proper testing.

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying new products to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

• Supplementary Protection: This recipe can be part of your sun protection routine, but for long hours in the sun, it's best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Conclusion:

While coconut oil can offer some mild sun protection, it should not be relied upon as your primary defense against the sun. With a natural SPF of only 4-5, coconut oil can help moisturize and soothe the skin, but it does not provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB rays. For prolonged sun exposure, it's recommended to use a sunscreen with a proven SPF of 30 or higher.

That said, incorporating coconut oil into your skincare routine can offer numerous benefits, from hydration to antimicrobial protection. If you do choose to create your own coconut oil-based sunscreen at home, remember that it's best used in combination with other sun protection methods.

If you're looking for a natural, multi-benefit oil, Coconut Oil Fractionated (or Coconut Oil Fractionated MCT) is a great option. This oil absorbs quickly into the skin, making it an excellent carrier oil for your homemade beauty treatments and sunscreen alternatives.

Ultimately, the key to healthy skin in the sun lies in a combination of proper sun protection, skin care, and mindful exposure. Stay safe, hydrated, and always protect your skin!