As we all know now the products we use on our body are not exactly health promoting. Here’s some thoughts for alternatives that feel good, are healthy and help protect us from harmful sun rays.

By Kathi Keville

A new wave of natural sunscreens is based on antioxidants. Research from institutions such as Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and the Xienta Institute for Skin Research in Bernville, Pennsylvania, shows that vitamins C and E not only protect against free radical damage but also reduce your chances of getting sunburned. So does taking vitamin C supplements. Potent antioxidant herbs, such as green tea (Camellia sinensis), are also proving effective. (A note to savvy shoppers: The cosmetic ingredient TEA is not green or black tea but the chemical tri-ethanol-amine.) In the future, look for sunscreens containing a variety of herbs. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) has compounds that absorb UV-B rays. An extract of helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium), best known by aromatherapists for its essential oil, is an effective sunscreen. Amino acids from sea algae are currently being tested in Australia. And one caveat: when out in the sun, avoid wearing skin-care products that contain citrus essential oils, especially bergamot (Citrus bergamia). They increase the skin’s sensitivity to light and occasionally cause skin discoloration or rashes.

Vegetable oil straight from your kitchen offers some sun protection. Sesame oil decreases the impact of burning rays by about 30 percent, while olive, coconut, and peanut oils block out a good 20 percent of the rays. The same is true of aloe vera (Aloe vera), with about 20 percent screening ability. My home experiments estimate sesame oil at around SPF 7, much lower than the protection achieved with commercial sunscreens– a natural alternative when you’re getting a limited amount of sun exposure or wearing a big hat.

Also good tips for sunburn remedies -go to: Full article at HerbCompanion.com