As summer is progressing, the sun has turned brighter, and the weather is getting hotter. The sun emits UV rays that are very harmful to the entire human body. Research studies have stated that an increase in pollution and a depletion of the ozone layer have led to the unfiltered UV rays falling directly on our skin leading to issues like skin rashes, sunburn, and in extreme cases, skin cancer. Hence, it is very important to protect our delicate skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.
While exposure to harsh sunlight cannot be completely avoided, one may take several steps to enforce adequate sun protection. While conventional, store-brought sunscreens do their job effectively, they are also loaded with chemicals that may have an adverse health effect with prolonged use.
Ayurvedic sun protection focuses on cooling the body from within and using readily available sun-protective herbs like aloe vera, sandalwood, and more, with natural SPF to repair, nourish, and protect the skin from sun damage.
Let us delve deep into understanding how the sun damages the skin and what Ayurveda has to offer in the form of natural sunscreens to protect your skin.
Is your skin Sun-damaged? Watch out for these signs:
The sun emits radiation – UVA and UVB – and these are very harmful to the skin. They break down the collagen and elastin in the skin leading to wrinkles, redness, inflammation, and pigmentation.
If you are someone who spends a lot of time out under the sun, then you need to watch out for these signs of skin damage:
- Wrinkles and fine lines, especially around your eyes, mouth, and forehead.
- Pigmentation due to excess Melanin production, leading to a suntan.
- Sunspots or freckles, commonly seen in people with fair skin tones.
- Spider veins around the nose and cheeks.
- Premature ageing.
Why choose Natural Sunscreens?
Choosing naturally available ingredients as sunscreens offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond basic sun protection. Ayurvedically recommended SPF alternatives not only protect the skin but also nourish and heal any damage caused.
Let’s understand why it is important to choose natural sunscreens over conventional SPFs.
- Impact on Environment: Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that have a harmful effect on the environment. Natural sunscreens protect by forming a physical UV barrier, thereby reducing the chemical footprint on the eco-system.
- Low risk of skin irritation: Chemical filters like oxybenzone and octocrylene used in store-brought sunscreens may cause skin irritation, redness, and rashes. Natural sunscreens like aloe vera are gentle and soothing in nature and are less likely to harm the skin.
- Supporting long-term skin health: Regular use of conventional SPF may cause a chemical overload on your skin. Natural sunscreens not only protect the skin from UV rays but also gently soothe the skin and promote skin repair, leading to a healthy complexion over time.
Nature’s Best Sunscreens- Ayurveda-approved SPFs for healthy skin
For centuries, Ayurveda has implemented the use of natural ingredients in skincare. These ingredients are not only safe to use as basic SPF but also contribute to the skin’s nourishment. Ayurveda states that your skin mirrors your inner health. Any imbalance in your internal energy or doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) will show up as disturbances on your skin. Excessive exposure to the sun aggravates Pitta and causes skin sensitivity and pigmentation. Natural sunscreens aim to balance the Pitta for effective shielding of the skin.
Let’s take a look at some of Nature’s treasures that are best suited to be used as soothing sunscreens.
1. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is considered the top-tier choice in treating skin irritation mainly due to its cooling and soothing nature. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling in case of sunburn. From an Ayurvedic viewpoint, Aloe vera is said to pacify Vata dosha and reduce dryness and irritation. It is also said to balance Pitta dosha with its cooling property and calm down rashes.
How to use it? Slice an Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel on your skin directly for a cooling effect.
2. Sandalwood:
Sandalwood is said to be cooling in nature, thereby making it the ultimate choice to cool down heat-irritated skin. It pacifies the Pitta dosha and provides relief from heat exposure by reducing inflammation. It also soothes Vata by moisturizing the dry skin.
How to use it? Apply sandalwood powder mixed with rosewater or milk to the skin. Let it dry and then wash it off with water for refreshed skin.
3. Turmeric:
Turmeric or Haridra has excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties. It helps in repairing the damage to the skin barrier, thereby enhancing skin texture.
How to use it? Prepare a paste with turmeric powder and yogurt or honey. Apply this on your skin and rinse with water after few minutes for clear, glowing skin.
4. Neem:
One of the herbs that has been used in Ayurvedic practice for ages is the Neem. Its antimicrobial and healing properties make it a good choice as a natural sunscreen. Neem balances the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha by hydrating the skin, removing the excess heat, and detoxifying, resulting in soothed skin.
How to use it? Applying Neem oil is very beneficial for people with dry skin. Alternatively, applying a mask of neem leaf paste will also soothe and calm the skin.
5. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E and has deeply hydrating properties. In Ayurveda, it is advocated as a natural sun protection agent due to its mild SPF and healing properties.
How to use it? Apply a small amount of organic coconut oil all over your skin for effective sun protection.
Additional tips for proper sun protection:
In addition to incorporating the use of natural sunscreens in our daily skincare routine, we must also follow certain preventive measures to ensure our skin remains safe and protected from sun damage, thereby encouraging good skin health in the long term.
- Wear loose, long sleeved clothing that minimizes direct exposure to the harsh sun.
- Use an umbrella for shade.
- Stay hydrated by consuming adequate fluids to prevent dry skin.
- Cool your body from within by consuming cooling foods like tender coconut, watermelon, cucumber, and buttermilk.
- Use rose water to spritz on your skin for instant refreshment from the heat.
Conclusion:
The use of potent natural ingredients like aloe vera, sandalwood, and neem as sunscreen agents has been strongly advocated by Ayurveda following centuries of research. Natural SPFs not only treat your skin gently but are also eco-friendly. They protect your skin from the sun’s UV radiation as well as nourish and heal the damaged skin. Choosing a natural sunscreen is a step towards sustainable skincare, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion this summer.
