We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun. Whether we’re out and about on a sunny day or whether we’re just driving to work under cloud cover, the UV rays from the sun are ever-present and can cause invisible damage to the skin that never goes away.

When trying to live a natural, healthy lifestyle, it can be difficult to find sun care and sun protection products that meet the requirements for the types of substances we are willing to put on our bodies. Luckily, there are a number of organic, vegan oils that contain SPF naturally. Rather than using the chemical-laden sunscreens that are available in most mainstream grocery stores and pharmacies, you can add these products to your daily skincare routine in order to ensure you’re safe, healthy, and protected.

Oils with Natural SPF

• Chilean Hazelnut Oil
  This oil (also known as Gevuina Oil because of the tree it comes from) is rich in minerals, vitamins, fats, and antioxidants. It easily absorbs into the skin and adds moisture, elasticity, and protection from the sun without introducing artificial chemicals. It can also be found in a number of anti-aging products and skin creams because of its properties of elasticity.
• Red Raspberry Seed Oil
  Red Raspberry Seed Oil is popular in terms of SPF benefits because of its high potency. Depending on the quality of the oil you buy, this oil can have an SPF of anywhere between 28 and 50. It’s close to the caliber of the protection you would get from most sunscreens (which contain titanium dioxide rather than natural oils). This oil also releases antioxidants and is great for conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• Camellia Seed Oil
  This oil is a very nutritious additive to many natural face creams and anti-aging serums. It’s highly penetrating, which means it absorbs into the skin quickly. Its primary function is moisture, but it also has SPF properties that block harmful UV rays.
• Refined Buriti Fruit Oil
  The buriti tree is a South African palm tree that bears extremely nutritious fruit. The oil from the fruit can moisturize and repair the epidermis and improve skin elasticity due to its high levels of beta-carotene. It is also high in protective antioxidants.
• Urucum Seed Oil
  This oil contains powerful antioxidants and carotenoids. It is known for its SPF and its skin-repairing properties. (Also known as annatto oil.)

Natural, Healthy Products with Skin Protection Properties

• Joanna Vargas Daily Serum 
  This serum contains larch, which is a natural agent that helps the skin retain moisture. It also encourages cell regeneration, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. When added to a sunscreen or SPF oil, it can actually increase the SPF of the original product.
• Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum 
  Research has found that the Anogeissus tree is astonishingly adept at both restoring skin’s structure and elasticity and preventing further breakdown. Origins uses a concentrated compound from the bark of the tree in its serum. It can restore some of the damage previously caused to the skin by too much sun exposure.

Foods to Boost Antioxidants

Antioxidants can protect the skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Eating certain foods containing lots of antioxidants and polyphenols can enhance the sun protection properties of whatever sunscreen or SPF oil we are using.

• Cocoa – Doctors recommend 2 oz of dark chocolate daily (yes, you read that right). The higher the percentage, the better the antioxidant levels.
• Tea – Green and black teas contain huge amounts of antioxidants. You can actually reduce your risk for cancer by 30% by drinking two or more cups a day.
• Broccoli – A specific antioxidant contained in broccoli (called sulphoraphane) helps the skin create a protective barrier against UV damage.
• Leafy greens – Scientists believe that these vegetables can reduce cancer cell growth by 50%.
• Water – In addition to preventing dehydration, water helps keep the moisture in your skin at healthy levels, which allows the skin to protect itself from the environment much more effectively.