‘Only coconut oil’: Chhavi Mittal says she hasn’t used sunscreen in 30 years; experts share insights

 

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A post shared by Chhavi Mittal (@chhavihussein) 

As expected, several people soon took to the comment section to school Chhavi, saying that coconut oil can’t be used as a replacement for sunscreen. “Coconut oil fails to prevent most of the damaging and harmful UVA and UVB rays that you’re exposed to when in the sun. While health bloggers posing as experts may tell you that it’s a good choice, all scientific studies point to one conclusion: it is not safe to use coconut oil as sunblock.”

To this, Chhavi replied by asking, “Who are these health bloggers? Pray tell. And do the scientific studies tell you about the harmful effects of sunblock? I would, but I am not a health blogger. Besides, social media is all about sharing your experiences and that’s what I do. Whether scientific studies prove it or not.”

Another user asked the actor if coconut oil makes the skin more dark/tan when applied in the sun. “No, not more. Only as much as sunscreen. Sunscreen doesn’t avoid tanning. Coconut oil will also make you tan but the skin will not peel or get dry,” Chhavi said.

 

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To put an end to this debate, we reached out to skin experts who gave deeper insights into sun protection. “Coconut oil can’t replace sunscreen,” Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram said, adding that while coconut oil can hydrate the skin, it is not meant to protect your skin from the sun.

“Sunscreens have ingredients which work like screens. They have UVA, UVB, infrared light, and even visible light blockers added to them. So, coconut oil can definitely not replace sunscreen,” she said.

Agreeing, Dr Mandeep Singh, HOD, Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram, said that coconut oil cannot replace sunscreen. “While coconut oil does provide some natural sun protection due to its high concentration of fatty acids, it does not offer sufficient protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun,” he said, sharing why coconut oil is not a reliable substitute for sunscreen.

*SPF (Sun Protection Factor): Coconut oil typically has a low SPF ranging from 2 to 8, which is significantly lower than the minimum recommended SPF 30 for adequate sun protection. SPF measures the level of protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburns.

*Limited Protection: Coconut oil primarily blocks UVB rays but offers minimal protection against UVA rays. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for long-term damage, such as premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

*Uneven Coverage: Coconut oil is not evenly distributed on the skin and can leave areas unprotected, leading to potential sunburn or damage.

*Phototoxicity: Coconut oil has the potential for phototoxic reactions when exposed to the sun, which can cause skin irritation, redness, and rashes.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (Source: Pexels)

Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics concurred with the experts and explained that using only coconut oil cannot protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. “According to various studies, coconut oil is unable to prevent damage and harmful UVA and UVB rays that one is exposed to while being outdoors in the sun. so, it is a myth that coconut oil is an effective sunscreen. Coconut oil alone will not be able to protect the skin. It is better to consult an expert and know about suitable sunscreen for your skin type,” she said.

Dr Kapoor cited various studies proving that sunscreen application helps to prevent skin cancer including melanoma, apart from offering much-needed protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays by avoiding sunburn and even pigmentation.

To effectively protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, Dr Singh recommended using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. “Apply it generously to all exposed areas and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or swearing,” he said, sharing some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

*Choose an expansive range sunscreen: Search for a sunscreen that offers wide range insurance, and that implies it safeguards against both UVA and UVB beams. This guarantees complete inclusion against various kinds of hurtful UV radiation.

*Select a reasonable SPF: Select a sunscreen with a Sun Security Component (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF shows the degree of security against UVB beams and decides how long you can remain in the sun without getting burned by the sun contrasted with not wearing sunscreen. Notwithstanding, a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can remain in that frame of mind for significant stretches without reapplying sunscreen. Continuously check with your dermatologist prior to involving any new skincare as each individual have various sorts of skin surface.

*Apply liberally and appropriately: Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin regions, including the face, neck, ears, arms, and legs. Utilize roughly one ounce (about a shot glass full) to cover the whole body. Remember frequently neglected regions like the rear of the neck, highest points of the feet, and backs of the hands.

*Reapply routinely: Sunscreen viability reduces over the long haul, particularly when presented to perspiration, water, or grating from dress or towels. Reapply sunscreen like clockwork or all the more every now and again assuming you’re swimming, perspiring, or participating in exercises that make it wear off.

*Use it all year: Sunscreen isn’t only for bright late spring days. UV beams are available all year and can infiltrate mists and windows, so it’s critical to utilize sunscreen consistently, no matter what the climate or season.

*Consider additional sun-protective measures: While sunscreen is essential, it should be part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. Seek shade during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing like long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats, and use sunglasses with UV protection to further safeguard your skin and eyes.

*Take additional care for delicate skin: Assuming that you have touchy skin or sensitivities, search for sunscreens explicitly planned for touchy skin or physical/mineral sunscreens containing fixings like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These fixings are less inclined to cause aggravation.

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