How To Use Coconut Oil For Tanning

August 6, 2020 by Esha Saxena

Coconut oil has been all the rage for quite some time now. Owing to its health benefits, this tropical oil has been hailed widely as a superfood and is a popular ingredient in a horde of beauty products. But, did you know that coconut oil can also be used to get a better tan?

Tanning with coconut oil can not only get the job done faster, but it also keeps your skin hydrated while taking a sunbath. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using coconut oil for tanning. Is it really worth the hype? And, more importantly, is it safe to use for tanning? Let’s find out.

Does Coconut Oil Help You Tan?

While coconut oil does not provide sufficient SPF protection, it can certainly be used as an alternative to synthetic tanning lotions and oils. The composition and ingredients in coconut oil as sunscreen can benefit your skin in countless ways. Here’s precisely how it helps you tan efficiently:

1. Coconut Oil Speeds Up The Absorption Of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for both your body and skin. While coconut oil blocks UV rays by 75%, thanks to its SPF of 4, it also allows your skin to absorb the goodness of vitamin D rapidly.

2. Coconut Oil Nourishes And Protects Your Skin

During a tanning session, your skin is exposed to strong sunlight and harmful UV rays. Coconut oil helps cut down skin damage with the help of the stable saturated fats in it that form a protective layer on your skin (1). These saturated fats and vitamins also help reduce the loss of moisture from your skin. Additionally, coconut oil helps replenish the natural shine of your skin.

3. Coconut Oil Has Antibacterial And Antifungal Properties

Since your skin remains exposed to the sun for hours while tanning, it is an open invitation for microbes, bacteria, and fungus of all types that may cause infections. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), capric acid, myristic acid, and lauric acid that lend it antifungal and antimicrobial properties and guard your skin against infections (2).

4. Coconut Oil Reduces Skin Inflammation

In case of possible inflammation resulting from the scorching sun, dust, or other environmental factors, coconut oil soothes your skin and helps prevent flare-ups. Its anti-inflammatory properties also prevent your skin from peeling or cracking.

Lastly, coconut oil is free of all the harmful chemicals and irritants that make the use of artificial products less preferable.

Using coconut oil for a natural sun-kissed glow is simple. For best results, use virgin coconut oil as it offers more benefits than refined coconut oil.

Check out the step-by-step guide on how to use coconut oil for tanning in the next section.

[ Read: How To Use Olive Oil To Get Tanned Skin? ]

How To Use Coconut Oil For Tanning – Step-By-Step Tutorial

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Step 1: Massage some coconut oil all over your body. Make sure you cover every bit of exposed skin to moisturize and tan evenly. If you are heading to the beach or the pool, you can take it with you in a pump bottle.

Step 2: Remember to wear your sunglasses and hat. Your eyes and the skin around it are extremely delicate and sensitive to UV rays. Also, avoid falling asleep outdoors with your sunglasses as it can create some unsightly tan lines on your face.

Step 3: Go bask in the sun. However, do not stay in direct sunlight for longer than 20 minutes at a time. The effects can vary from person to person, depending on your skin type. Stick to 15-20 minutes a day to get a bronze tan and soak up adequate amounts of vitamin D.

The Dangers of UV Exposure

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Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without sun protection, can not only damage your skin but can also cause premature aging and lead to skin cancer. Coconut oil as tanning oil works best for women.

So, the question is, is there such a thing as a safe suntan?

The answer is, yes. Although it does not come without risks, the best way to get a healthy tan is to not overexpose your skin to UV rays. It is advisable to tan gradually by dividing your time under the sun evenly to reduce sunburn.

Tan in small doses and choose wisely what time you decide to go for a suntan. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says UV strength is greatest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during sunny summer days (3).

Despite the fact that coconut oil is beneficial for your skin in many ways, it is not a good idea for everyone to use it for tanning. Depending on your skin type and the way your skin reacts to the sun, coconut oil may have different effects on different people. For instance, if your skin is on the oilier side, coconut oil is a risky deal for you as it may result in acne breakouts.

The important point to note is that coconut oil does not offer enough protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. So, it does not really protect you from getting sunburned or from more permanent skin damage.

Do you have any more questions about using coconut oil for tanning? Leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you.

[ Read: Spray Tanning – What Is it? Should You Get One? ]

Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

Is coconut oil a natural sunscreen?

No. Natural oils like coconut oil cannot be used as standalone sunscreen. It does not offer the SPF needed to keep your skin safe from UV rays. Coconut oil for tan removal is a safe way for Skin.

3 sources

Stylecraze has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
Sun Screen: The Burning Facts, Air and Radiation, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/sunscreen.pdf