3 days ago
Chhavi Mittal opens up about her chemical-free skin and face routine, avoiding sunscreen: ‘The only thing I use…'
Chhavi Mittal recently revealed her 'go-to' chemical-free skincare, and makeup routine. 'Often, breakouts happen, and because of the sweat, pores tend to get clogged. So, my go-to for that is absolutely not using any chemicals on my face — whether it's sunscreen, moisturiser, or anything else. The only thing I use on my face is coconut oil. Also, I don't do any makeup unless there is a shoot,' she shared in an Instagram video.
So, we contacted experts to understand if it is a good practice.
Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, said that it is not a good idea to substitute sunscreen with any oil or product. 'Skipping sunscreen is not good for your skin. Using coconut oil on the face without applying sunscreen can do more harm than good. While coconut oil may feel moisturising and offer smoothness, it does not provide foolproof protection from UV rays,' said Dr Chause.
Coconut oil offers minimal sun protection, with an SPF ranging from 2 to 8, which is significantly lower than the recommended SPF 30 for effective sun protection, added Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic physician and skin expert, Cosmetic Skin Clinic, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.
She mentioned that while coconut oil can hydrate the skin, it does not provide adequate protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that block or absorb these rays, thereby preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer,' Dr Malhotra told
For optimal skin health, it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and more, apply it generously to all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 'Relying solely on coconut oil for sun protection is not advisable,' said Dr Malhotra.
Sunscreen is also essential for protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and infrared rays, which can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer, said Dr Chause. 'Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 to 50 daily is the best way to protect your skin barrier and maintain a healthy glow,' said Dr Chause.
Coconut oil is also known to clog pores in people with oily or acne-prone skin, leading to breakouts and acne. 'It also lacks any SPF, making your skin more vulnerable to sun damage and pigmentation. If you love using coconut oil, apply it at night or under sunscreen during the day. But never skip sunscreen; it's the true anti-ageing hero in your skincare routine,' said Dr Chause.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
