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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Sun Tan Oil

Hi again,

Last year I posted a sun block lotion and powder. This season I have been using a mix of oils and only using the block when I plan to be outside a long time.

The SPF rating is a measure of "how long a sunscreen remains effective on the skin."[19] The effectiveness of a sunblock can be determined "by multiplying the SPF factor by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen." [20]
Mathematically, the SPF is calculated from measured data as
\mathrm{SPF} = \frac{\int A(\lambda) E(\lambda)d\lambda}{\int A(\lambda) E(\lambda)/\mathrm{MPF}(\lambda) \, d\lambda},
where E(\lambda) is the solar irradiance spectrum, A(\lambda) the erythemal action spectrum, and \mathrm{MPF}(\lambda) the monochromatic protection factor, all functions of the wavelength \lambda. The MPF is roughly the inverse of the transmittance at a given wavelength.
The above means that the SPF is not simply the inverse of the transmittance in the UV-B region. If that were true, then applying two layers of SPF 5 sunscreen would be equivalent to SPF 25 (5 times 5). The actual combined SPF is always lower than the square of the single-layer SPF.

Most oils have different degrees of protection. (COLD PRESSED ALL NATURAL OILS WILL HAVE HIGHER SPF PROTECTION THAT THEIR PROCESSED COUNTERPARTS)

The following is a partial list of some organic oils and their properties:
Oil SPF
Raspberry Seed Oil 28 to 50
Carrot Seed Oil 38 to 40
Argan Oil 30
Wheat Germ Oil 20
Avocado Oil 4 to 15
Soybean 10
Peppermint Essential Oil 7
Macadamia Nut 6
Coconut Oil 2 to 8
Lavender Essential Oil 6
Sesame Seed Oil 6
Aloe Vera Oil 6
Almond Oil 5
Shea Butter 4
Jojoba 4
Grape Seed Oil 4
Hemp Oil 4
Olive Oil 2 to 8

The other thing to consider is the water resistant qualities of the oils you use, for example argan and sesame both soak right into the skin, they have a very fast absorption rate while coconut oil and shea butter take a while to absorb. You can also add beeswax or floral wax to make your formula more waterproof. It's all up to you!

I put together a small bottle of potent oils to use when I want to tan but not burn.

I used:

  • 2 parts coconut oil
  • 1 part argon oil 
  • 1 part red raspberry seed oil


Melt the oils together stirring them into one another. Pour into a serum container. A little goes a long way! About a 30 SPF.

You can also add a scent to it if you want. I didn't because we have too many bugs around here! If I add a sweet scent I know I'd be a target for every bee and wasp in the area! :) I thought about adding an essential oil from the mint family to repel the bugs but this round I left mine unscented. Try some and see! It works really well for about 1-2 hours, then it needs to be reapplied. I gave mine a good work out this weekend at the amusement park!

Happy sunning!!!

Marla Riedling
MJR Soaps



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