Sunscreen and sleep.
They’re the two things we know we should access in excess, but most of us fail to do so.
In fact, research shows that one in three Americans doesn’t get enough shut-eye. Moreover, only 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women protect themselves with SPF on a regular basis.
Those coveted seven hours of REM aside, let’s talk about sunscreen. One of the reasons you may be averse to slathering it on? Most are full of chemicals, with a mile-long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce.
The good news? There are plenty of sunscreen alternatives that can serve the same purpose. Join us today as we explore a few of the top ones.
Ready to learn more? Let’s go!
1. Astaxanthin Supplements
This antioxidant is a powerhouse when it comes to skin protection. A natural carotenoid, it’s is what gives salmon their signature reddish-pink color. They take it on from microalgae, who produce astaxanthin as protection against UV rays.
More robust and effective than vitamin C, vitamin E, or even CoQ10, you can find astaxanthin capsules online and at many health food stores. In addition to protecting your skin against solar injuries, it also helps keep your heart, joints, brain, and eyes working at top capacity.
2. Coconut Oil
The hype around this do-all natural cure is still going strong, and for good reason.
Coconut oil is a gentle substitute to sunscreen, meant for use in small doses. Keep in mind that it only blocks around 20% of the sun’s rays, so while you can stay outside for 20% longer than if you were wearing nothing at all, it’s not an all-day fix.
At the very least, you’ll help moisturize and smooth your skin when you apply it. You’ll also help your tan last longer!
3. Carrot Seed Oil
If you can find it, carrot seed oil is one of the most powerful natural sunscreens around. It’s also great for chapped or cracked skin and like aloe vera, can soothe an irritating sunburn in seconds.
Some sites claim it has an SPF of 38 to 40 although further testing is required to support these claims. Dilute it with a carrier oil and use it for short trips outside. It pumps your skin full of carotenoid antioxidants, keeping it healthy and protected all day long.
4. Sun Away Patch
What if there was a patch you could wear to replace the messy and time-consuming task of reapplying sunscreen every day?
Turns out, there is!
The Sun Away Patch is full of nutrients and natural compounds, along with all of your daily requirements for vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and selenium. All of these ingredients work together to boost your skin’s ability to absorb and withstand UV rays, repair damage, and safeguard against free radicals.
This is an easy and convenient way to get the protection you need and avoid the chemicals you don’t.
5. Wheat Germ Oil
This is another oil that you may not think to bring along in your beach bag, but it can do the trick in a pinch!
Wheat germ oil has an SPF of around 20 and also includes skin-loving vitamins E and K. When mixed with a carrier oil and applied to your skin, it can help it withstand UVA and UVB rays across small timeframes.
Try These Sunscreen Alternatives Today
Want to protect your skin and give it all the SPF protection it needs, but hate the thought of lugging around an oversized bottle of chemicals all day long? These five sunscreen alternatives are useful, inexpensive, and get the job done.
Try one or all of them this summer and notice the difference a natural solution makes! Want more health-related news you can trust? Keep reading our blog!