Sunscreen is repeatedly criticized due to problematic ingredients. However, sunscreen is useful and important in many situations. There are natural alternatives that contain a natural UV filter. Our body absorbs toxins not only through food, but also through our skin.
The sun is important for our health
The sun plays a crucial role in boosting our mood and supporting our mental well-being. It is also vital for the body’s production of vitamin D. This article provides detailed information about vitamin D and its importance. For those who enjoy soaking up the sun intentionally and extensively, it’s worth noting that wearing sunscreen can hinder the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D. Sun protection products, with their UVB filters, significantly block the process of vitamin D formation in the body.
Skin type is crucial
Not everyone gets burned quickly. This is due to different skin types. If you know your skin type, you can adjust your sunscreen and the amount of time you spend in the sun accordingly.
According to Fitzpatrick, six different types of skin have been classified:
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Recommended sun protection factor: 25-35
- Nordic type (Type II)
Recommended sun protection factor: 20-25
- Mixed type (Type III)
Recommended sun protection factor: 15-20
- Mediterranean type (Type IV)
Recommended sun protection factor: 15
- Dark skin types (Type V)
Recommended sun protection factor: 8
- Types of Black Skin (Type VI)
Recommended sun protection factor: 4
Those: TB Fitzpatrick: Ultraviolet-induced pigmentary changes: benefits and risks. In: Therapeutic photomedicine. (= Current problems in dermatology. Band 15). Karger, 1986, pages 25–38.
Too much sun can be dangerous
In certain situations sun protection is absolutely necessary and it is not always about the formation of Vitamin D. Protection against sunburn is often more important. It is necessary to use sunscreen, especially on holidays, on very hot days or when you spend a lot of time outdoors. The problem with conventional sunscreens, which can usually be found for a few euros in the pharmacy or supermarket, are the chemical ingredients, but also perfumes, parabens, microplastics, alcohol or solvents. In particular, if the sunscreen contains nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, it can be dangerous. Titanium dioxide is suspected of damaging DNA, and zinc oxide in nanoscale form is suspected of damaging the gut and brain stem cells. Lin, W., Xu, Y., Huang, C.C. et al. J Nanopart Res (2009) 11:25.
If sunscreen contains oxybenzone and octinozate, this can lead to the destruction of coral reefs. Some countries have therefore already banned such sun protection products. (You can find more information in the article “First countries ban sunscreen: impact on vitamin D and the environment«.) Manufacturers have also changed and are trying to put harmless sunscreens on the market. Some manufacturers now use the substance bemotrizinol, which is considered harmless to humans.
Natural oils with UV filters
In the past, oils with presumably very high sun protection factors were very popular. Above all, raspberry seed oil was specified (up to LSV 40). However, studies and experts estimate that raspberry seed oil can have an SPF of between 8 and 10 for UVB rays and even up to 20 for UVA rays. Of course, it’s not much and this oil is very difficult to extract and therefore very difficult to obtain and relatively expensive. The most common alternatives are:
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- Olive oil: It’s actually in every kitchen, but we often don’t realize that it can also be good for our skin. Olive oil can block up to 6% of UV rays.
- Coconut Oil: You hear about coconut oil again and again. It is very versatile and can also protect from the sun. It can block up to 10% of UV rays and care for your skin, does not clog pores and has a pleasant scent.
A problem with the alternatives mentioned arises when you want to stay in the water for a long time. Here you have to pay attention in each individual case to whether and how waterproof the alternative is. Natural oils are quickly absorbed by the skin. There is little reliable data on sun protection in real-world conditions. You sweat at high temperatures or want to go swimming. This can be a problem for natural oils and therefore cannot be equated with traditional sunscreen products. Oils are meant to be an alternative, but natural sunscreen does not guarantee 100% protection against sunburn, especially since the protection is significantly less than chemical sunscreens. But if you want to avoid them, you face the challenge of how to protect yourself. This is why it is important to take care of yourself and try to prevent sunburn in advance. It is advisable to always protect yourself by wearing protective clothing and avoiding long stays under the scorching sun, wearing a hat and sunglasses and, above all, staying in the shade a lot.
Sun protection from the inside
Often read advice on how to protect yourself from the inside. It is said that especially carotenoids, present in carrots and also in red algae, provide natural protection from the inside. Astaxanthin protects algae, which are exposed to UV rays when the water dries out in summer. We humans have also discovered that taking astaxanthin can partially help block UV radiation. We therefore use astaxanthin daily, especially in the summer months (order here).
And which sunscreen is suitable?
When it comes to sun protection, everyone has to decide for themselves what to focus on. More and more manufacturers have responded to the criticism of recent years and have tried to produce sunscreens that are as natural as possible. Suppliers who pay attention to ingredients containing nanoparticles. A possible alternative could be this facial sun cream.
Treat sunburn naturally
But what can you do if it’s already too late and you’ve already gotten burned? These four medicinal plants are very useful.
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Treat warts naturally with wild plants- Aloe Vera: The gel from the aloe vera plant has cooling and hydrating properties that can help soothe the skin and speed up the healing of sunburn.
- Ringelblume (Marigold): Calendula ointments are known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help relieve skin irritation caused by sunburn.
- Lavender: Lavender oil has antiseptic and soothing properties that can help soothe skin damaged by sunburn and promote healing.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Chamomile compresses can help relieve the redness and pain of sunburn and promote healing.
These plants offer natural alternatives for relieving sunburn and can help the skin regenerate faster.
We will cover other summer topics related to wild herbs and medicinal plants in the summer edition of our Kräuterkeller magazine (available here) A
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