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Natural Oils for Sun Protection
Course Overview
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What You'll Learn
The aim of this article is to assess the current evidence for using plant-based natural products as sunscreens. Human skin contains an antioxidant defense system to deal with sun exposure, but excessive UV radiation can tax the body’s natural defense mechanisms leaving skin vulnerable to free radical damage. For this reason, we often require supplemental protection in the form of sunscreen. Consumer interest in natural products continues to rise, driving research on natural plant-based sunscreens. Oils and extracts from plants (such as raspberries, coconuts, pomegranates, and green tea), offer a wide range of UV protection not only for themselves but also potentially for humans, with SPF levels ranging from 2 to 56. But while published research on plant-based UV protection of humans shows promise, investigations are still in their infancy. Learn about the science behind natural oils as a sunscreen and the reason why commercial sunscreens are still important.
Learning Objectives
- Recall the SPF protection estimates for natural oils
- Delineate the differences between natural oils and commercial sunscreens
Faculty
Editors
Accreditation Information
The aim of this article is to assess the current evidence for using plant-based natural products as sunscreens. Human skin contains an antioxidant defense system to deal with sun exposure, but excessive UV radiation can tax the body’s natural defense mechanisms leaving skin vulnerable to free radical damage. For this reason, we often require supplemental protection in the form of sunscreen. Consumer interest in natural products continues to rise, driving research on natural plant-based sunscreens. Oils and extracts from plants (such as raspberries, coconuts, pomegranates, and green tea), offer a wide range of UV protection not only for themselves but also potentially for humans, with SPF levels ranging from 2 to 56. But while published research on plant-based UV protection of humans shows promise, investigations are still in their infancy. Learn about the science behind natural oils as a sunscreen and the reason why commercial sunscreens are still important.
Disclaimer
This website – LearnSkin by LearnHealth Inc. - and the information provided on the website is for educational purposes only. The information provided does not replace advice from a physician or a qualified health provider. The information provided on this website should never be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of health conditions or problems and should never be used to disregard, delay or refuse treatment. LearnHealth Inc. makes no warranties nor express or implied representations whatsoever regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, comparative or controversial nature, or usefulness of any information contained or referenced on this Website. LearnHealth Inc. does not assume any risk whatsoever for your use of this Website or the information contained herein. Health-related information changes frequently and therefore information contained on this Website may be outdated, incomplete or incorrect. Statements made about products are not official statements made by the Food and Drug Administration. Use of this Website does not create an expressed or implied physician-patient relationship. You are hereby advised to consult with a physician or other professional health care provider prior to making any decisions, or undertaking any actions or not undertaking any actions related to any health care problem or issue you might have at any time, now or in the future. In using this Website, you agree that neither LearnHealth Inc. nor any other party is or will be liable or otherwise be responsible for any decision made or any action taken or any action not taken due to your use of any information presented.
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Natural Oils for Sun Protection
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