A lot of people can’t imagine their summer without a beach vacation and a beautiful tan. However, a natural tan doesn’t always turn out as you want it to. Besides, there’s always a risk of overdoing it and getting sunburnt instead of tanned. So, you should use special products to get an even tan and protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun radiation. Here’s a list of 11 natural tanning oils that you may want to give a try.
Moderate tanning is considered to be good for your health because sun exposure stimulates the production of vitamin D, which has a significant role in calcium homeostasis and, therefore, is important for the health of your bones, hair and nails. In addition, tanned skin looks smoother and firmer, making it more attractive.
However, if you go overboard with tanning, it will do more harm than good. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation may lead to premature skin ageing (the so-called photoageing), dehydration, loss of elasticity and firmness, and an increased risk of malignant tumours.
That is why you should limit the time of sun exposure and use products that will protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun radiation, as well as contribute to an even tan. Natural carrier oils are great helpers because that have natural sun protection filters (SPF) that significantly reduce UV damage to the epidermis and at the same time take care of the skin.
Natural tanning oils have an average SPF of about 10 to 20, but there are some oils with an SPF of 40 or even 50. Therefore, it is possible to choose the best option for almost any skin, from fair and sensitive, which easily gets sunburnt, to naturally dark, which doesn’t need a high degree of protection.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is perhaps the most popular natural carrier oil used for tanning. It has an SPF of 2 to 4 (according to other sources, from 2 to 8). Coconut oil absorbs really well and enhances the tan due to stimulating the production of melanin in the skin. It also protects the skin from photoageing, minimises the risk of sunburn, nourishes and hydrates the skin, prevents dryness, tightness and flaking, and boosts the skin’s elasticity and firmness. You can apply it both before and after tanning since coconut oil helps to soothe sunburnt skin and triggers its regeneration and natural protective mechanisms.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, like coconut oil, is one of the most popular natural tanning oils. Its SPF also ranges from 2 to 4 (according to other sources, from 2 to 8). Olive oil is particularly valued for its powerful moisturising properties and anti-cancer effect. In addition, this oil provides the skin with nutrients (fatty acids and vitamin E, which is a strong antioxidant), makes it smoother, and helps to get a more even tan.
Shea (Karite) Butter
Shea butter has an SPF of 3 to 6 and is also one of the most popular tanning oils. It is provides the skin with essential nutrients, produces a hydrating effect, and prevents flaky skin and sunburn. When used after tanning, this oil helps to soothe the skin, giving you a sensation of comfort.
Argan Oil
This oil has an SPF of 3-4. Its main feature is its powerful antioxidant effect, thanks to which argan oil effectively prevents skin photoageing and unwanted pigmentation. The oil has a very light texture and absorbs well, making its application very comfortable. Argan oil has excellent moisturising and nourishing properties, which makes it perfect for dry skin.
Black Cumin Oil
Black cumin oil has an SPF of 5–6 and is valued for its pronounced anti-cancer properties. When used for tanning, this oil is recommended for those who have many moles, as it prevents them from becoming cancerous.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has an SPF of 10 to 15. It has a powerful moisturising and rejuvenating effect, making it a great tanning oil for dry and ageing skin. Avocado oil makes the tan more even and prevents the formation of age spots.
Coffee Oil
This oil has an SPF of 10 to 15. It accelerates the synthesis of melanin in the skin, making it tan faster. In addition, coffee oil stimulates skin cell metabolism, soothes the skin after tanning, and even has an anticellulite effect.
Wheat Germ Oil
This oil has an SPF of 20, making it suitable for people with fair skin and for your very first tanning sessions of the season. Wheat germ oil stimulates skin cell metabolism and produces an anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, wound healing and anticellulite effect. It is suitable for both dry and oily skin.
Sweet Almond Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil
These natural carrier oils have the highest sun protection factor; their SPF ranges from 40 to 50. They can be used at the very beginning of a beach vacation, when your untanned skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation.
It is worth noting that these and other natural tanning oils can be used individually or mixed together. For example, a mixture of olive oil, St. John’s wort oil and walnut oil, taken in equal proportion, is a very popular DIY tanning product. Not only does it protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun radiation, but it also makes your tan last longer.
You can infuse natural tanning oils with essential oils (for example, eucalyptus oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, ylang-ylang oil) to enhance their efficiency. However, you should never use citrus essential oils for tanning because they increase the skin’s photosensitivity, which may result in sunburn.
You can find a wide range of carrier and essential oils that can be used for tanning in our online shop Organic Store. We offer high-quality oils produced by trustworthy manufacturers for reasonable prices, and our convenient and reliable payment and delivery methods will make your online shopping experience safe and comfortable.
