Coming out of a hard winter towards summer, it can be tempting to stay out in the sun for long periods of time. But, while we all needed that extra Vitamin D shot, prolonged sun exposure can damage the skin, cause premature ageing and in extreme cases skin cancer – particularly for consumers who don’t invest in the use of a high factor quality sunscreen.
The world is currently seeing a dramatic rise (up to 800%) in melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer among women aged 18 to 39. The biggest risk factors? Over exposure to UV rays and the overuse of tanning beds.1
As consumer education around the importance of using sunscreen grows, shoppers are continually searching for new products that not only deliver on their sun care requirements but can also bring a beautifying or functional effect to the party.
The surge in demand for ‘glowing sunscreens’ is a good example. These products offer stellar sun care benefits but sport a beautifying positioning too. Currently trending on social media, these items grew by 91% during the year ending May 2023, compared to 2022.2
The inclusion of hero skin care ingredients is another trend to keep an eye on. Ingredients that can deliver deep hydration, reduce the appearance for dark spots and minimise fine lines, are hot right now, particularly when it comes to facial sunscreens.3 We can expect to see a continuation in the repositioning of sun protection products – delivering dazzling new opportunities for brand owners!
What does this mean for Coconut Oil?
With the surge for ‘nostalgic’ beauty, Coconut Oil with its tropical fragrance, provenance, and slick oil skin feel is often associated with sun, sea and having a good time. But, while Coconut Oil can impart some SPF benefits (between 4 and 8 SPF),4 when used on its own cannot adequately protect sun worshippers from the sun’s harmful rays.
Coconut Oil can however form a protective layer, boost skin health and block some of the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. This is due to its antioxidant and strong emollient and moisturising properties – making it an on-trend addition for sunscreen developers and brand owners.
The benefits of Coconut Oil in sun care
We often get so tied in with the requirements for high factor SPF that we forget that sun stressed skin might need a soothing after sun emollient too.5
Coconut Oil contains a high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids which can moisturise the skin and provide anti-inflammatory properties. A study, conducted in 2017,6 confirmed several benefits on the human skin and indicated that people who use Coconut Oil tend to experience less inflammation after being exposed to UVB radiation. Scientists believe this is due to the high level of polyphenols and fatty acids found in Coconut Oil that could provide inflammation protection and a barrier enhancing effect.7
In addition, Coconut Oil can offer relief from the stinging associated with sunburn and also helps to offset redness and peeling associated with being out in the sun for too long. Ingesting coconut oil can also be beneficial as it strengthens the skin, making it more resilient and less prone to sunburn – restoring pH levels, and leaving skin feeling smooth, soft and glowing.8
At Kerfoot, we are enthusiastic about the wonderful opportunities for our authentic Coconut Oil products. Why not discover the benefits of making this ingredient part of your range or NPD projects? Reach out to our R&D team today to discover why no one should leave home without Coconut Oil as part of their sun care arsenal!!
References:
1,Coconut Oil for Tanning: What You Need to Know (healthline.com)
2,4, 6,Coconut Oil Uses: Suncare (consciouscoconut.com)
3The SPF launches elevating the trend for healthy, glowing skin (cosmeticsbusiness.com)
5The SPF launches elevating the trend for healthy, glowing skin (cosmeticsbusiness.com)
