a sunrise behind a variety of natural ingredients

The Best Natural Ingredients to Block Sun Damage

Did you know that the primary cause of sun damage is UV rays? Harmful ultraviolet radiation can cause skin to age prematurely, turn red, and break out in acne. The sunlight can also lead to the development of erythema, or what we commonly refer to as "sunburn." Thankfully, there are a number of natural ingredients that can help alleviate the negative effects of the sun. These compounds have been proven to block harmful UV rays and neutralize their effects on the skin. With these helpful tips on how to prevent sun damage and which ingredients are best at it, you’ll be able to ditch your sunscreen for good!

"Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical blockers" blissani logo

 

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two of the most commonly used ingredients in sunscreen. They are both known as physical blockers, as they reflect UV radiation rather than absorbing it. Physical blockers are incredibly effective at preventing sun damage, but they are also notorious for creating white, opaque patches on the skin. This is due to the fact that they create a layer on the skin that reflects light, much like a mirror. This is problematic, because it can make the skin look even paler than it already is, causing it to stand out in the sun. Luckily, there are a number of ways to reduce the drawbacks of physical blockers, allowing you to reap their benefits without looking like a ghost. To avoid the dreaded white cast, try rubbing the sunscreen into your skin using your fingers. While you usually need to rub it in using your palms, your fingers will be better at getting it into your pores. Alternatively, you can use a spray sunscreen that has been designed specifically to avoid the white cast. While spray sunscreens are great, they are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts. Another option is to mix your sunscreen with a strong oil, like coconut, argan, or macadamia oil. This can help reduce the amount of white cast in the sunscreen and can also hydrate the skin.

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that can help reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as prevent sun damage. Vitamin E is a fantastic sunscreen ingredient because it can protect the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation. In fact, vitamin E has been proven to be just as effective as other sunscreen chemicals at blocking UV rays. Vitamin E is also known to reduce inflammation. This is especially helpful because inflammation is one of the primary causes of acne. Vitamin E can be found in a number of sunscreen products, including creams, lotions, sprays, and gels. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement if you prefer. If you are interested in using vitamin E as a sunscreen, be sure to opt for the natural form of the ingredient. Synthetic vitamin E does not work as well as natural vitamin E, so be sure to check the ingredients list before making your purchase.

 

Cocoa and coffee bean extract

Cocoa and coffee bean extract are two of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet. As well as being packed with vitamin E and flavonoids, these extracts can also block sun damage. Cocoa and coffee bean extract are known as natural UV absorbers. They work by absorbing UV radiation before it can cause damage to the skin. Cocoa and coffee bean extract can be found in many sunscreen products, including creams, lotions, and sprays. If you are interested in using cocoa and coffee bean extract as a sunscreen, be sure to buy the natural, unprocessed forms of the extracts. While processed extracts will also protect against sun damage, they do not work as well as their natural counterparts. Like many other sunscreen ingredients, cocoa and coffee bean extract can also be taken as a dietary supplement if you do not want to apply it directly to your skin.

"Free Radical vs Antioxidant" graphic shows the sharing of electrons among cells

 

Green tea and matcha powder

Green tea and matcha powder are two of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet. They are known to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals, protecting the skin from sun damage and other forms of cellular damage. Green tea and matcha powder can be found in a number of sunscreen products, including creams, lotions, and sprays. Like many other sunscreen ingredients, these compounds can also be taken as dietary supplements. We put a healthy dose of green tea extract in our blissani Naturals Clear Skin Toner.  It combines with licorice root and aloe to even skin tone while clearing up zits, pimples and blemishes.  The antioxidant content of the blissani vegan-friendly, cruelty-free toner can help reduce and prevent sun damage naturally.  

 

Chamomile and sandalwood

Chamomile and sandalwood are two of the most calming scents on the planet. They are also known to protect the skin from sun damage. Chamomile and sandalwood are known to be natural UV absorbers that can block sun damage. Chamomile and sandalwood can be found in many sunscreen products, including creams, lotions, and sprays. If you are interested in using chamomile or sandalwood as a sunscreen, be sure to buy the natural extracts. While processed extracts will also protect against sun damage, they do not work as well as their natural counterparts. If you are interested in adding chamomile or sandalwood to your skincare routine, you should choose a product that is designed to be applied to the skin. While both extracts have a number of skincare benefits, they also have a distinct and potent scent that can be overwhelming if used on the skin.

 

Natural oils - Argan, tamanu, macadamia and coconut

These oils are some of the most soothing and hydrating ingredients on the planet, which makes them perfect for the skin. Natural oils are known to be powerful antioxidants that can protect the skin from sun damage. Argan, tamanu, macadamia, and coconut oils can be found in many sunscreen products, including creams, lotions, and sprays. If you are interested in using one of these natural oils as a sunscreen, be sure to select the unprocessed form of the oil. While processed oils will also protect against sun damage, they do not work as well as their natural counterparts. If you want to add these oils to your skincare routine, you should choose a product that is designed to be applied to the skin. While all four oils have a number of skincare benefits, they also have a distinct and potent scent that can be overwhelming if used on the skin.

 

Conclusion

Natural ingredients are a great choice if you are looking for an alternative to traditional sunscreen. While chemical blockers are extremely effective at blocking UV radiation, they can be harsh on the skin and clog pores. On the other hand, natural ingredients provide just as much protection without the negative side effects. Whether you are sunbathing or simply enjoying an afternoon outdoors, make sure to protect your skin. With the help of these natural ingredients, you can prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation and keep your skin beautiful and youthful.

blissani clear skin - anti-acne collection

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