Essential Oils That Protect Skin From The Sun

Essential oils have been used for centuries in perfumes, incense and for medical purposes. They are derived from plant leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, woods and seeds. Only one percent of all plants contain essential oils, which can be an effective tool for protecting and nourishing skin from the powerful rays of the sun. Essential oils have not been medically proven to protect or prevent any condition.

Lavender

Lavender oil is produced in such areas as southern France and Tasmania. Although prized for its heavenly aroma and calming effects on the nerves, lavender oil can also provide some relief for sunburned skin. It is an effective remedy for burns and is gentle enough to be applied to the skin without mixing it with a carrier oil. Lavender oil can be used to decrease the pain of sunburn and promote healing says Botanical.com. While believed to be beneficial, there is insufficient evidence to support lavender oil for the treatment or prevention of sunburn.

Myrrh

The essential oil myrrh comes from a thorny shrub in Somalia and Arabia and has been used since the time of Hippocrates---the father of Western medicine. It is widely known for its healing ability. Myrrh can be used to treat the dry, scaly skin associated with excessive sun exposure, according to "The Guide to Remedies: Homeopathy, Essential Oils, Crystals and Home Remedies."

Ancient Egyptians protected themselves from the powerful desert sun by generously applying this essential oil to their skin. The website, Essential Oil Education reports that myrrh was the secret that kept ancient Egyptian skin so lovely. Myrrh has not been scientifically proven to treat sunburn.

Carrot Oil

The oil derived from the steam of distilled carrot seeds provides superior protection from the sun, according to website Carrot Museum. Sun blocking lotions that contain carrot oil will allow you to get a "beautiful golden tan" and protect against sun damage better than chemical sunscreens alone. Carrot oil is found in many skin products and benefits dry skin. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells from the free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. Essential oils have not been proven to protect against the sun's rays.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil comes primarily from the United States and is used in many familiar products like toothpaste. An Indian study entitled, "In Vitro Sun Protection Factor Determination of Herbal Oils Used in Cosmetics," published in March 2010 by "Pharmacognosy Research," discovered that peppermint oil had the highest sun protection factor or SPF of the essential oils studied. While this study is impressive, there is not enough evidence to support using peppermint oil to protect against the sun.