Skin Care Guide - SunTanApp

Guide for Natural Oils & Products

● SPF 0 – UV Amplifiers & Accelerators

Tanning Accelerators (SPF 0.50): Designed to enhance melanin production without blocking UV.
Comedogenic: 2–3, Cost: $$, Reapply every 20–30 min
Baby Oil (Mineral Oil Base) (SPF 0.75): Glossy, occlusive layer traps heat.
Comedogenic: 2, Cost: $, Reapply every 20–30 min
Butter (Dairy) (SPF 0.85): Hydrating, oxidizes and clogs pores quickly.
Comedogenic: 4–5, Cost: $, Reapply every 20–30 min
Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT) (SPF 0.90): Light moisturizer, no UV protection.
Comedogenic: 1–2, Cost: $–$$, Reapply every 30–45 min

● SPF 1 – Natural Baseline

This represents your unprotected skin with no product applied — approximately SPF 1 by default. Reapply as needed based on moisture, not UV protection
Aloe Vera (pure gel): Lightweight, water-based hydrator. Soothing and non-comedogenic. Cost: $, Reapply every 30 min
Squalane: Sourced from olives. Non-greasy emollient. Non-comedogenic. Cost: $$, Reapply every 60 min
Jojoba Oil: Closest to natural sebum. Comedogenic: 0–2, Cost: $$, Reapply every 60–80 min
Glycerin (in water-based products): Powerful humectant. Cost: $, Reapply every 45 min if exposed to sun and wind

● SPF 2 – Minimal Protection

Refined Coconut Oil: ~SPF 2; stripped of polyphenols. Comedogenic: 4, Cost: $, Reapply every 60 min
Light Olive Oil (Refined): ~SPF 2; lacks antioxidants. Comedogenic: 2–3, Cost: $, Reapply every 60 min
Canola/Corn Oil: ~SPF 2–3; oxidizes easily. Comedogenic: 3, Cost: $, Reapply every 60 min
Astaxanthin: SPF 2-4; supplement works from within the body to neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation, reducing sunburn, DNA damage, and inflammation

● SPF 3 – Mild Protection

Refined Shea Butter: SPF 2–3; moisturizing with fewer UV actives. Comedogenic: 2–3, Cost: $, Reapply every 60 min
Refined Sesame Oil: SPF 3–4; modest antioxidants. Comedogenic: 2–3, Cost: $, Reapply every 60–80 min

● SPF 4 – Light Protection

Unrefined Sesame Oil: SPF 4; rich in sesamol/sesamin. Comedogenic: 2–3, Cost: $, Reapply every 80 min
Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion: SPF 4; PABA, Paraben, Gluten & Cruelty Free, Antioxidant Moisturizing Formula

● SPF 5 – Moderate Natural Protection

Sweet Almond Oil: SPF 5; light and easily absorbed. Comedogenic: 2, Cost: $, Reapply every 80 min

● SPF 6 – Enhanced Protection

Macadamia Nut Oil: SPF 6; high in palmitoleic acid. Comedogenic: 2, Cost: $$, Reapply every 80 min
Hemp Seed Oil: SPF 6; rich in omega fatty acids. Comedogenic: 0, Cost: $$, Reapply every 80 min

Well-moisturized skin tans more evenly and is less likely to burn—because dry or dehydrated skin reflects UV unevenly and flakes faster, disrupting melanin distribution. This is why dermatologists recommend hydrating before AND after sun exposure, even when using sunscreen.