Can Aloe Vera be used as a Sunscreen?

While Aloe Vera is known for soothing skin after sun exposure, it might not be a reliable substitute for traditional sunscreen. Here’s why:

Does it have SPF? - Some studies suggest Aloe Vera has a tiny bit of sun protection, but it may not be enough to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. It may not protect you like sunscreen does.
Good for Skin Health - Aloe Vera contains vitamins and antioxidants that can keep your skin healthy and may help reduce some of the damage caused by the sun. But these benefits aren’t the same as the protection you get from sunscreen.
Best After Sun Exposure - Aloe Vera is great for helping your skin heal after being in the sun. It can cool down sunburns and reduce redness, but it won’t stop your skin from burning in the first place.

Should You Use Aloe Vera for Sun Protection?

Aloe Vera is a good addition to your skincare routine, but it’s not a replacement for sunscreen. If you want to protect your skin from the sun, make sure you use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You can use Aloe Vera afterward to soothe your skin and help it heal.

How to Use Aloe Vera Safely

If you want to use Aloe Vera after being in the sun, here are some tips:

Choose Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Look for natural Aloe Vera without added chemicals or fragrances, which can irritate your skin.

Do a Patch Test
Try a small amount of Aloe Vera on your skin first to make sure you’re not allergic.

Use Sunscreen
Remember to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin before heading out in the sun.

Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

(Proverbialhomemaker.com)

Ingredients

½ cup Coconut oil
2 tablespoons Shea Butter
2 oz of beeswax
1 teaspoon Sesame oil
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera gel
3 teaspoons Zinc Oxide
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil (Optional)
10 drops Palmarosa essential oil (Optional)

Instructions

Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double broiler or a glass bowl over boiling water.
Pour into a blender and add the aloe vera and zinc oxide. Blend until well mixed.
Add the vitamin E and essential oils, blending a bit more to mix.
Store in a container (preferably glass).
Keep refrigerated when not in use.

The essentials oils are options but they help to promote healthy and hydrated skin.

Vitamin E oil helps to preserve the suncreen.

Beeswax gives a creamier consistency.

Some of the ingredients have natural SPF but can be a bit low. 2-3 tablespoons of Zinc Oxide in this recipe provides roughly 20-30 SPF, coconut oil has about 4 SPF

References

Aloe Vera and Sunburn - PubMed Central

Aloe Vera: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - Healthline

Aloe Vera for Sunburn - MedicalNewsToday

Other Information

Homemade Sunscreens : Can you make one that is safe - https://www.healthline.com/health/homemade-sunscreen

Easy Homemade Sunscreen Recipe - https://www.proverbialhomemaker.com/easy-homemade-sunscreen-recipe.html