Basking in the sun is everyone’s favorite hobby, but we know that UV rays can pose serious health risks to our skin.
Although our trusty sunscreen does a great job of protecting us, let’s face it – this task is not fun at all. It can become greasy and tacky and can we talk about the fact that one has to reapply every few hours?
Even a research report reveals that only 28% of all Americans apply it daily! And 1 in 10 said they don’t wear sunscreen at all.
So, can you stay safe without sunscreen? Yes, there are some alternatives to sunscreen to protect your skin.
So, let’s get in and find out what you need to ditch the sunscreen.
1. Sun-Protective (UPF) Clothing
There is no better sunscreen alternative other than sun-protective clothing. These pieces of clothing are specially designed with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) that helps shield your skin from harmful rays.
Unlike sunscreen, which needs to be applied frequently, sun-protective clothing provides quick and continuous coverage without a greasy residue.
They are available in various styles, like shirts, pants, swimwear, rash guards, and even clothing for kids. So, if you choose protective clothing, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 30 or more.
A higher UPF rating indicates that the fabric filters more ultraviolet radiation; for example, a UPF 50 fabric may block as much as 98% of UV rays.
2. Sun Hats
Another very famous sunscreen alternative is sun hats, which provide enough protection to head, ears, face, and neck. They can be one of the best investments for sure.
The key is in the specially designed fabrics. These sun hats are made from tightly woven or strongly knit materials and block UVA and UVB rays.
If you plan to buy a sun hat, always go for a higher UPF rating of 50+. Research suggests that a wide-brimmed hat (around 7.5 cm) is a good choice because it protects your face, neck, ears, and shoulders from direct sunlight.
Fabric choice also matters, so polyester, nylon, and cotton-twill are machine washable and usually long-lasting. A hat with a neck gaiter is another option for keeping your neck safe.
3. Sunglasses
UV radiation not only affects your skin but is equally damaging to sensitive areas around the eyes or eyelids. Luckily, we have sunglasses to protect us.
Like different types of clothing, some sunglasses do the job better. For example, some studies suggest that bigger sunglasses and goggles may block more ultraviolet light than smaller sunglasses.
Also, sunglasses with “100% UV protection” or a UV400 rating are your best bet, as they block over 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Want to buy a perfect pair of sunglasses? Read out our best buying guide on choosing the perfect sunglasses that look chic and give you the right UV protection.
4. UV Umbrellas
Umbrellas are not just for the rain; they can be an excellent sunscreen alternative. A good quality umbrella can give you reliable and consistent coverage as long as it is positioned properly.
When choosing an umbrella for sun protection, choose the one designed for protection purposes. These umbrellas are made with unique material and a tightly woven canopy that helps to block UVA and UVB radiation.
The gold standard umbrella has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50+, which lets fewer than 2% of the sun’s rays through. Other things to be considered are the large canopy size and a long handle to cover the maximum body area.
5. Zinc Oxide
This might not come as a surprise. Zinc oxide has been shielding humans from the sun for years and is approved by the FDA.
Zinc oxide is a physical blocker, which means that it effectively reflects and scatters UV rays known to cause skin harm.
What makes it more favourable as a sunscreen alternative is that it is photostable, meaning it does not change when exposed to light, which makes it an excellent sunblock.
Not only this, but it is also great as an anti-inflammatory and calms the skin that has already been sunburnt. So, zinc oxide can be a perfect option for those seeking a more trustworthy and all-natural sun protection solution.
6. Shea Butter
Most people know shea butter for its organic skin healing properties, but it can also be a good sunscreen alternative when mixed with other sun-protective compounds.
It also contains antioxidant minerals like vitamins C, D, and E and works from the inside out, so it can reach skin layers that sunscreens miss.
With an SPF typically ranging from 3 to 6, it’s not the strongest protection, but it’s a nice sidekick for people who use shea butter for other common reasons.
7. Cosmetics
A little-known fact about ceratin cosmetics is that they also work great as sunscreen. Some of these include camouflage and post-surgical foundations with kaolin, talc, kaolin, and iron oxide.
Thanks to their mineral-oxide pigments, they also shield the skin from the sun and don’t cause reactions like normal sunblocks.
Furthermore, a large number of tinted moisturizers and creams are currently available with SPF 30 or even higher, thus providing both coverage and protection from the sun.
When it comes to protecting your lips from the sun, opaque lipsticks are your best bet, as they last longer and do a better job than transparent lip balms.
But before using cosmetics as your only source of UV protection, make sure to check the label and consult your doctor.
8. Eat The Right Foods
Many people are unaware that sun protection can begin with plates. There are certain foods that can enhance the body’s capacity to resist sun damage.
So look for foods with healthy fats and antioxidants. Foods rich in these compounds include dark, bright fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, avocados, and sea vegetables.
All these sun-smart foods and other sun protection practices are a great way to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
9. Natural Oils
While oils are not generally regarded as distinct sunscreens, several natural oils have been demonstrated to have moderate UV protection properties when utilized appropriately.
Some of these include:
- Raspberry seed oil is especially rich in natural compounds that can filter UVB and some parts of UVA rays, with the highest possible SPF of 28-50.
- Wheat germ oil is a natural moisturiser with an SPF of 20.
- Carrot seed oil boasts antioxidant properties with an SPF of 38-40.
- Sesame oil can filter up to 30% of the radiation from your skin.
However, it is important to note that although the following oils contain SPF, they are not FDA-approved. Therefore, even if they are good to use, they should not be heavily relied on as a sunscreen alternative alone.
10. Sunscreen patches
This might be new for many, but sunscreen patches are a thing now.
They can be one of the best sunscreen alternatives to protect your skin, especially in small areas such as the nose, cheeks, or shoulders that may be more susceptible to sunburn. They work great for people with melasma and acne-prone skin, as they don’t break you out.
And the best part is that they are sweet and waterproof!
Summing Up
We all know that sunscreen is the gold standard for protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, but in its absence, there are so many alternatives you can choose from.
If you want greater sun protection, wearing SPF clothing and using sunglasses that give 100% UV protection is best. And don’t forget to eat antioxidant-rich foods along with them to support your skin from the inside.
What do you think is the best sunscreen alternative? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
