DIY Sandalwood Tanning Oil

I’ve been using a variation of this homemade tanning oil for years. When a friend recently asked about natural homemade tanning oil, I thought it was time to share the recipe.

I occasionally use mine homemade sunscreen If I’m going to be in the sun for a long time. But in general, I prefer to get free vitamin D from its sources through moderate sun exposure.I prefer eat my sunscreen Instead of applying it to my skin…

Sometimes I’ll be at the beach (we often live near the beach now!), or somewhere where I can alternate between sunshine or the shade of a parasol and a good book. Here, I prefer to use only natural oils to nourish and lightly protect my skin without blocking vitamin D. Unlike many sunscreens).

DIY tanning oil

While many of my recipes are solid, e.g. lotion bar or body butter, which is a liquid oil. It makes it easier to use on the go. If you prefer a more solid recipe, you can definitely make it with virgin coconut oil hardened at 76 degrees and store it in a small jar.

Natural sunscreen ingredients

This is where things get a little controversial and murky. More than a decade ago, researchers tested raspberry seed oil and other natural oils to determine their SPF values. Test results show that the SPF value against UV rays is as high as 25 SPF, or even as high as 50 SPF.

Recently, however, scientists have pointed out flaws in these studies. They are performed in vitro (not on actual skin) and do not follow generally accepted SPF testing guidelines.

A 2021 study found that raspberry seed oil has an SPF value more like 2.6 (rather than 25-50). Other oils tested included carrot seed oil, coconut oil and wheat germ oil, with SPF ranging from 0 to 2.8. Researchers commented that any sunscreen with less than 1 SPF does not provide any sun protection at all.

Another study from 2010 looked at the SPF value of carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils have an SPF range of 2 to 8, and essential oils have an SPF range of 1 to 7. Olive oil and peppermint essential oils scored highest. But not that fast! The study was not conducted on human skin, and even the authors stated that their results did not determine the final SPF value when used on skin.

Tests of carrot seed oil skin care products show that the SPF value is close to 7. However, carrot seed oil was mixed with other ingredients for testing.

So is there something like a natural SPF oil that can help with the tanning process safely?

Safer tanning lotions

While some of the oils used here may or may not have mild SPF protection, they do have other skin benefits. When mixed with homemade tanning oil, they help protect and nourish the skin and aid in vitamin D production. It’s important to note that these products are not intended to replace regular sunscreen.

• olive oil – Contains oleic acid and plant sterols to help skin become clearer and attract moisture. It helps repair sun damage and soothes dry skin. It also contains high levels of squalene, which protects our skin cells and has anti-aging properties. Mediterranean countries have traditionally used olive oil as a natural protectant for dark skin.
• avocado oil – Rich in vitamins A, B, E, protein and amino acids. It increases collagen in the skin. Avocado oil is also rich in UV-resistant carotenoids, which help protect against sun damage.
• Carrot seed oil – Rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E to protect against UV rays. This is not the same as infused carrot root oil (orange) or carrot seed essential oil. Cold-pressed carrot seed oil is naturally dark green in color and looks more like olive oil.
• Raspberry seed oil – Rich in antioxidant vitamins E and A. Raspberry is also a lighter oil and doesn’t feel greasy when applied.

I also added Bronze mica powder for a subtle bronze sheen, but you can omit it if you don’t have it or don’t want to use it.

Add essential oils

I used some lavender and sandalwood essential oils because they are good for the skin and have fragrance. Indian sandalwood smells better, but Australian sandalwood is cheaper. Because sandalwood is at risk of extinction, it’s important to buy from ethically harvested sources!

You can use different essential oils here, or omit them entirely if desired. If you do change them to a different essential oil, it is very important not to use one that is phototoxic! Certain essential oils, such as bergamot, cold-pressed lime, and lemon, may cause severe skin burns if used before sun exposure.

IMPORTANT: SAFE TO SUN EXPOSURE

This is not a sunscreen, but a mild sunscreen formula. It’s important to test small amounts of time in the sun to find what works best for your body and skin type. I’m sharing what works best for me, but please adjust it based on your skin type and desired results.

Of course, all the usual disclaimers apply: sunburns are never healthy and should definitely be avoided. You should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time, especially if you have very sensitive skin.

If you can’t tan, this recipe won’t magically help you tan. I do not advocate regular tanning on electric beds and use them only for moderate and natural sun exposure. If you’re unsure about the ingredients or want to know if this formula is specifically suitable for your skin, talk to a dermatologist.

Do you use tanning oil? Ready to try the natural version?