How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun Naturally
Explore natural sun protection alternatives, including oils and UV-protective clothing, to safeguard your skin without harsh chemicals.
Reading time: 7 minutes
There's many alternatives to harsh chemical suncreams.
The UK is set to receive a glimmer of sunshine in the coming months and if you’re like many, you don’t want to layer yourself up with harsh chemicals or heavy suncreams. This may be because you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, you prefer natural solutions, or you simply want to protect your skin in a gentler way. In any case natural sun protection is a great option to consider.
We always advocate that there are 3 main methods of sun protection:
- Stay out of the sun – seek shade when possible
- Sun protective clothing – cover up with clothing and swimwear made from UPF 50+ fabric
- Suncream
Since we are exploring natural ways to protect ourselves from the sun, we'll take a look at sun protective clothing, along with other effective strategies for staying safe in the sun.
Wear Sun Protective Clothing
Similar to wearing a constant layer of broad-spectrum SPF 50+ suncream that never wears off and doesn’t use copious amounts of chemicals, sun protective clothing is the best form of sun protection. But remember not all sun protective clothing provides the same level of protection. If you want the highest level of protection, you should look for UPF 50+ rated clothing, you can find these at Equatorsun
Sunsuits
A sunsuit is like a superhero costume for your skin. These full-body outfits are designed to offer maximum protection against the sun’s harmful rays for your entire body leaking almost no skin exposed! They are perfect for beach days, water activities, or even long walks in the sun.
Tip: Look for sunsuits that are lightweight, breathable and rated UPF 50+.
- Sun protection suits for men
- Sun protection suits for women
- Sun protection suits for kids
- Sun protection suits for babies & toddlers
Sun Protection Tops
Last summer I got home from a day-out in London to see that I got mildly sunburnt through my shirt. At first, I was in disbelief thinking it was a reaction, but it turns out that the UK sun can be quite powerful, and normal clothes aren’t as sun protective as people think.
To prevent this happening to you, look for shirts with a UPF 50+ rating that offer as much arm and neck coverage as possible. If you’re going to the beach or going swimming, make sure to opt for a UPF 50+ rated rash shirt with a high collar.
- Sun protection tops for men
- Sun protection tops for women
- Sun protection tops for kids
- Sun protection tops for babies & toddlers
Sun Protection Bottoms
Did you know your denim jeans have a UPF rating of ~1700? This means that your jeans almost completely block UV rays. But you can’t swim in jeans and sometimes its simply too hot to wear them, so make sure you protect your legs with UPF 50+ rated bottoms – ideally full-length trousers or leggings for maximum sun protection.
- Sun protection bottoms for men
- Sun protection bottoms for women
- Sun protection bottoms for kids
- Sun protection bottoms for babies & toddlers
Sun Hats
A good sun hat is a must when you're out in the sun. Not only can the sun cause skin cancer but it can also accelerate the ageing process of your skin, which none of us want on our face. So, make sure you go for a wide-brimmed sun hat that covers your face, ears, and neck. Avoid hats with holes, as sunlight can sneak through and hit your skin.
Quick tip: Choose a dark-coloured hat made from tightly woven fabric for the best UV protection.
Sun Protection Accessories
Driving sleeves, gloves, and neck gaiters are great accessories to protect smaller, often overlooked areas from the sun. They’re especially useful when driving, as your arms are exposed to sunlight for long periods.
Tip: Pick up a set of driving sleeves or gloves to keep your arms and hands safe when you're behind the wheel. Remember UV rays pass through glass!
Eat Sun-Protecting Foods
Did you know that what you eat can help protect your skin from sun damage? It's true! Although it’s not the same level of protection that sun protective clothing offers, certain foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that can boost your skin's ability to defend against UV rays.
Blueberries
Blueberries, not only do they taste nice but they are packed with antioxidants that fight off free radicals caused by sun exposure and stress. These little berries are also rich in vitamin C, which helps keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Tip: Add blueberries to your morning smoothie or enjoy them as a snack.
Watermelon
This juicy fruit is more than just refreshing, it’s packed with lycopene; a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your skin from sun damage. While it won’t replace suncream, eating watermelon regularly can add an extra layer of defence against UV rays.
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts like walnuts and seeds like chia and flax are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your skin. These fats help to reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural barrier. Omega-3s can even help your skin recover from sun exposure.
Tip: Snack on a handful of mixed nuts or toss some chia seeds into your breakfast smoothie.
Carrots & Leafy Greens
Carrots and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are full of beta-carotene, which our body turns into vitamin A. This vitamin helps your skin repair itself and can offer some natural protection from UV rays.
Tip: Add spinach to your salad or blend carrots into a smoothie for a healthy, skin-loving drink.
Green Tea
Green tea contains a flavonoid called EGCG, which has been shown to help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce inflammation. Drinking a cup of green tea each day could help improve your skin's natural resilience.
Tip: Try green tea hot or cold and add a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.
Use Natural Oils for Sun Protection
If you prefer a more natural approach, several oils are known to have mild SPF properties that can offer an extra layer of sun protection. While they shouldn’t replace a proper form of sun protection (UPF clothing or seeking shade), they can be a great addition to your sun protection routine.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser that also offers mild sun protection, with an SPF of around 4-5. It’s great for hydrating your skin after sun exposure and keeping it soft.
Tip: Use coconut oil on your skin after sun exposure for extra moisture, but always pair it with proper sun protection.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Red raspberry seed oil has an SPF of around 28-50 for UVA and ~SPF 8 for UVB rays, making it a great natural addition for sun protection. It’s also rich in antioxidants that help fight the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E, which help protect the skin from UV damage. It also has anti-aging properties and can help to reduce fine lines caused by sun exposure.
Tip: Blend a few drops of carrot seed oil with your favourite carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil and apply it to your skin before heading out in the sun.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is another natural option that’s gentle on the skin and contains some degree of natural UV protection, with an SPF rating of around 4-6. It’s perfect for moisturizing and protecting your skin after a day outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some natural oils, like coconut and carrot seed oil, offer mild sun protection, they shouldn’t replace suncream. It’s always best to use suncream with at least SPF 30 for optimal protection. If you don’t want to wear suncream at all, consider avoiding the sun when the UV intensity is greater than 3 and wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing.
Yes, there are natural suncreams available! These typically use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays. Unlike chemical suncreams, which absorb UV radiation, these natural options sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun's harmful rays. They provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, making them a safe and effective alternative. Look for suncreams that are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals for a more natural option.
If you don’t have suncream, try to stay in the shade or cover up with clothing to protect your skin. Natural alternatives like coconut oil can offer minimal protection (around SPF 4-5), but it's not enough on its own. Aloe vera gel can soothe your skin if you've been in the sun too long. However, these are not substitutes for proper suncream, and it’s always best to use a suncream with at least SPF 30 for reliable protection.
The best clothing for sun protection is tightly woven, long-sleeved, and long-legged. Fabrics like denim, canvas, and specially designed UV-protective fabrics offer excellent coverage. Darker colours, such as navy or black, are more effective at blocking UV rays compared to lighter colours. Clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) rating is also a great option for added defence. Additionally, avoid loose or thin fabrics, as they let more UV rays through. For maximum protection, pair your clothing with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Look for clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. Sunsuits, long-sleeve tops, and wide-brimmed hats made from tightly woven fabrics are all great options.
The best colour to wear in the sun is dark blue. Research has shown that dark blue offers the highest level of UV protection, making it the most effective colour to shield your skin from harmful rays. Interestingly, white and yellow colours provide the least protection, despite the common belief that they are cooler in the sun. For maximum UV defence, choose dark colours like navy, deep red, or black, and always opt for tightly woven fabrics to enhance protection.