Natural Oils For Repairing Sun Damage * Wild As The Wind Essential Oils

7th May 2026

Natural Oils For Repairing Sun Damage

There are several natural oils that are excellent for improving the appearance of sun damaged skin. This brief article lists some of the most effective carrier oils for UV skin damage. In particular, this list is confined to carrier oils that are ideal for improving UV damaged skin on all parts of the body. All the beauty oils listed, are thus, suitable for facial application, as well as bodily application.

In addition, all five oils for sun damaged skin, mentioned in this article, are recommended carrier oils to combat *photo-ageing. This means that they can be used in an after sun oil, as well as being applied daily for their ongoing benefits.

*Photo = light. Photo-ageing means light-induced ageing.

Go to the list: Top 5 Natural Oils For Repairing Sun Damage

Carrier Oils For Sun Protection

This article is a companion piece to several articles, most notably Carrier Oils For Sun Protection and Essential Oils For Sun Protection.

These articles link to other important articles in this series, including:

Please refer to the Health News Overview page to access links to the full series of articles about the importance of sunlight and sun protecting oils.

Best Natural Oils For Repairing Sun Damage

All natural oils will deliver some benefit to sun damaged skin. However, some oils are so incredibly nutrient dense, that using them will help to visibly reverse signs of UV damage, as well as signs of ageing and stress.

Understandably, all the natural oils in this list are regularly found in high-end anti-ageing serums and creams…

As our faces are the most sun exposed area of our body, it is essential to only list oils that are suitable for facial application. This fundamentally means that the oils listed must be easily absorbed by facial skin to avoid blocked pores.

Unfortunately, blocked pores lead to a good number of skin issues, that in themselves can cause permanent skin damage. For example, blocked pores, from *comedogenic natural oils, can lead to acne and blackheads, etc.

Understanding Comedogenic Ratings

When a product or ingredient is described as being ‘comedogenic’ this simply means it has a tendency to clog pores. Clogged pores can lead to the formation of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and small, flesh-coloured bumps.

The word comedogenic stems from the word “comedo,” which is the scientific term for a clogged hair follicle. Comedogenic ingredients, often found in heavy creams or thick oils, can trap our natural sebum and dead skin cells inside our pores, causing blockages.

Comedogenic Index

The cosmetic industry created a comedogenic scale, to help us quickly understand the absorbency levels of natural oils.

Carrier oils are rated on a scale of 0–5, with 0 being unlikely to clog pores and 5 being highly likely to cause breakouts. Common culprits include:

Lanolin
Coconut oil
Cocoa butter
And possibly Shea Butter etc…

Comedogenic Rating Exceptions

Sadly, not all natural oils and butters have been awarded a scientifically accepted comedogenic rating, hence Shea Butter being added to the above list of comedogenic oils and butters as a ‘possible’ comedogenic fat.

Figuring out which oils are comedogenic, and which ones aren’t, can require a really deep dive into the literature.

For example, explorations into Shea Butter reveal that the American Academy of Dermatology holds the opinion that Shea Butter has the potential to clog pores, and individual dermatologists cite the elevated oleic acid in Shea Butter as being what will make it more comedogenic than other oils and fats.

In addition, many oils like Organic Borage Seed Oil and Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil were not included in the original 1989 studies that established the 0–5 scale.

To complicate things even more, the comedogenic value of an oil can change based on the extraction method used to make the oil.

The Easiest Ways Of Selecting Non-Comedogenic Oils

It’s extremely helpful to know this useful basic rule of thumb for choosing non-comedogenic oils and fats:

Oils that are high in oleic acid are likely to clog pores.
Oils that are high in linoleic acid are unlikely to clog pores.

Plus… If an oil is listed as non-comedogenic within a reliable resource, then the oil in question is unlikely to clog pores.

***There are many instances of oils and fats being given incorrect comedogenic ratings online. It is as equally common as the erroneous claims that cheap oils have been “cold-pressed”. A mass-produced oil is made by squeezing nuts and seeds through saintless steel rollers. The friction this causes soon renders the rollers burning hot. Oils expressed through hot rollers will inevitably be damaged. This means that the nutrients in the oil will be destroyed, and the damage to the oil will render it toxic.

To avoid these kinds of oils, never buy cheap oils, especially those that are packaged in plastic and / or clear bottles.

We Are All Individuals

It is also imperative to remember we are all different. Some people can tolerate a lot of sun exposure, whereas others will burn after a short period of time in the sun. Others may be very tolerant of the sun, but will develop sun damage over time.

Please note that getting sun burnt is an oxidative process. The more linoleic acid, aka omega-6, we consume internally, the more we will tend to burn.

Top 5 Natural Oils For Repairing Sun Damage

1. Organic Prickly Pear Oil

Organic Prickly Pear Oil is also known as Opuntia ficus-indica cactus Oil

Organic Prickly Pear Oil is a beautifully absorbent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory oil that combats photo-ageing. It provides a non-greasy, natural shield against environmental damage as well as UV rays.

Organic Prickly Pear Oil is also highly effective at repairing UV-damaged skin. This is primarily due to the very high concentration of Vitamin E in Organic Prickly Pear Oil. It contains 150% more vitamin E than Organic Argan Oil and approximately three times more vitamin E than Avocado Oil.

As a potent antioxidant (approx. 150mg per 100g), it far exceeds most beauty oils in terms of free radical protection and skin-brightening capabilities.

Organic Prickly Pear Oil acts as a powerful antioxidant to neutralize free radical damage caused by sun exposure. It also helps to:

Regenerate cells
Reduce hyperpigmentation, reducing redness and sun spots / liver spots
Stimulate collagen production to treat fine lines and sunburn
Repair, hydrate, and protect skin from environmental damage as well as sun damage
Provide deep hydration, brightening skin, rejuvenating dry, brittle, sun-exposed skin without clogging pores
Fades dark spots

The anti-inflammatory properties of Organic Prickly Pear Oil help to soothe damaged skin, reduce redness, and quell discomfort.

Because of many of these benefits, Organic Prickly Pear Oil is an excellent as an after sun, especially when mixed with Organic Rosehip Oil at a 50 / 50 ratio

Always apply after sun oils to damp skin, allowing the oils to lock in moisture.

Key Benefits of Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Aside from being packed with antioxidants (tocopherols – vitamin E) and amino acids (proteins – the building blocks of the body), that stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Organic Prickly Pear Oil also does the following:

Provides intense, long-lasting moisturisation
Penetrates deeply without feeling greasy
Repairs and supports skin barrier function
Reduces dark circles under eyes. (High levels of vitamin K helps to brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade age spots, and alleviate under-eye dark circles.)
Non-Comedogenic, making it suitable for those with problem skin, including acne sufferers
Acne is an inflammatory condition. Because Organic Prickly Pear Oil is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial, owing to betalains (natural anti-inflammatory antioxidants) and zinc content, it really helps to soothe acne breakouts and regulate sebum production.
Comedogenic rating of 0

Moringa Oil

Moringa Oil is also known as Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil. It is a potently regenerative oil.

Like its food counterpart, it is extremely nutrient-dense, makinhg it highly effective for repairing UV-damaged skin and protecting against further damage.

Moringa Oil is an excellent botanical oil for UV repair in a similar way to Organic Prickly Pear Oil. This is because it possesses a rich antioxidant profile and contains an exceptional number of anti-inflammatory compounds. It is also antiseptic.

It is particularly useful as an after-sun treatment to soothe sunburns, reduce redness, and combat premature ageing caused by free radical damage.

Moringa Oil is packed with Vitamins A, C, and E, all of which exert potent antioxidant actions, to neutralise free radical generated by sun exposure. Free radical damage leads to premature ageing and skin pigmentation.

Moringa Oil is diversely beneficial for people who regularly expose themselves to the sun:

Soothes Inflammation: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (from compounds like behenic acid) help calm irritated, hot, or peeling skin after exposure to UV rays.
Repairs Barrier Function: High in oleic acid and other fatty acids, it penetrates deeply to provide intense hydration, restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier which is often stripped by sun exposure.
Reduces Dark Spots: Studies have shown that moringa oil can reduce melanin production (anti-tyrosinase action), making it effective for fading hyperpigmentation and sun spots.
Protects New Skin: It stimulates cellular regeneration to help repair skin damage

Moringa Oil has made it on to this list because it is one of the best oils for reversing UV damage. However, with a comedogenic value of 2-3, those with acne-prone skin may feel they need to proceed with caution.

Nevertheless, based on scientific analysis, Moringa Oil is generally considered safe for most skin types, including acne-prone skin, due to its high anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This is because the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of this oil considerably deminish the impact of the oelic content.

The consensus is that Moringa Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil, making it behave more like a non-comedogenic oil. However, if you are concerned, dilute your Moringa Oil with 50% Organic Prickly Pear Oil.

Key Benefits of Moringa Oil

This exceptional oil delivers many other benefits…

Deep Hydration & Protection: Composed of over 70% oleic acid, it deeply moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier to lock in moisture.
Anti-Ageing: High levels of antioxidants and vitamin E fight free radicals, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne & Blemish Control: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce breakouts, blackheads, and skin redness.
Balances Sebum: Despite being a rich oil, it helps balance natural oil levels, making it surprisingly effective for reducing skin fatigue.
Cleansing: Acts as a, effective cleanser to remove impurities and stubborn makeup

Organic Argan Oil

Organic Argan Oil is an effective, natural treatment for repairing and protecting hair and skin from UV damage.

As with the other oils in this list, it is the high concentration of antioxidants that lend this highly protective oil with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is particularly the vitamin E content, in the form of tocopherols, alongside phenols, carotenes, and sterols that make Organic Argan Oil so antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Organic Argan Oil works by neutralising free radicals generated by sun exposure, which causes premature ageing in skin, and brittleness, dryness, and color fading in hair.

Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acid and bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, squalene, xanthophyll, CoQ10, and sterols…
NIH.gov

Key Benefits Of Organic Argan Oil For UV Repair

Organic Argan Oil provides a compelling list of benefits for protecting skin and hair from sun damage.

Hair Repair & Protection: It nourishes dry, brittle, or chemically treated hair, enhancing elasticity and restoring shine. It acts as a shield against environmental damage, including UV rays and pollution.
Skin Rejuvenation: As an excellent oil for damaged skin, it helps fade sun spots, reduce inflammation, and soothe redness.
Natural Moisturiser: It locks in moisture, combating the drying effects of sun, heat, and sea/pool water. Please note, Organic Argan Oil provides a very minimal SPF and cannot be relied upon to protect against direct sunlight. Always wear a a broad brimmed hat, or use a natural oil for sun protection, instead.

Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil

Organic Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil a potent natural remedy for the repair of UV damaged skin. Another potently antioxidant oil, containing excellent amounts of vitamin E, A, and carotenoids, it protects againsty free radical damage.

Unusually, Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil contains Omega-7, which helps to regenerate skin cells, soothe sun damage, and combat oxidative stress.

It is effective for:

Reducing UV-induced inflammation
Supporting collagen production
Protecting skin cells against premature ageing caused by sun exposure.
Reducing sunburn & inflammation, soothing sun-damaged, irritated, and flaky skin, reducing redness and aiding in skin repair.
Combating oxidative stress, owing to its rich in beta-carotene and antioxidant content. These help reverse UV-induced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation.
Prevents photo-ageing by protecting skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes), and, through supporting collagen production, it helps counteract fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhances skin barrier function, owing to the excellent spectrum of essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9) that reduce transepidermal water loss, whilst also repairing the lipid barrier.
Reduces iigmentation: Omega-7 inhibits melanin production, assisting in minimising sun-induced hyperpigmentation or age spots

Please note, the high carotenoid content of Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil can cause temporary staining of the skin. For this reason it is often diluted with other oils. Prickly Pear would be a perfect compliment, and as a clear oil, it would help reduce the intense amber colour of Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil.

Alternatively, use it on an evening when you aren’t intending to go out. Cleanse your face thoroughly in the morning.

Again, everyone’s skin is different. Some people will hold the stain more efficiently than others. So, it is highly recommended that you perform a patch test before using it on your entire face.

Organic Rosehip Oil

Organic Rosehip Oil is named as the best after sun oil in the Carrier Oils For UV Protection, for good reason. It is profoundly beneficial for sun exposed skin. This is because it is a potent natural anti-ageing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory oil.

Organic Rosehip Oil is an effective, natural remedy for repairing UV-damaged skin, acting as a potent antioxidant to combat free radicals and stimulate cell regeneration. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and essential fatty acids, it helps reduce sun-induced dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while boosting collagen production to restore elasticity.

Key Benefits for UV Repair

Fades sun spots & hyperpigmentation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its high vitamin content helps to diminish discolouration caused by sun exposure.
Reduces fine lines. Naturally high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Organic Red Rosehip Oil helps repair tissue and minimise wrinkles associated with premature photo-ageing.
Neutralises free radicals. Organic Rosehip Oil provides an extra layer of antioxidant protection, helping to “mop up” free radicals created by UV exposure.
Calms sunburn. The redness of sun burn is effortlessly clamed by the nourishing properties of Organic Rosehip Oil. It helps to soothe sun-stressed skin whilst repairing the skin barrier function. *Add Organic Peppermint Essential Oil for an added cooling effect. (25 drops of Organic Peppermint Essential Oil per 100ml of Organic Rosehip Oil is the correct ratio.)

Conclusion

There are many oils that can provide benefits to sun damaged skin, but this list of five oils is sufficient to meet everyone’s particular needs., This is especially true as you can blen a couple of oils together, or three of four, if you wish. This means that you have many options available to you.

On this basis, you really don’t need to look any further than this list of the 5 top oils for sun damaged skin.

Adding Organic Peppermint Essential Oil for an added cooling effect is a really good idea.

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil really provides an impressive cooling effect, so it is excellent for sun burn, and for those suffering from a raised temperature.

25 drops of Organic Peppermint Essential Oil per 100ml of Organic Rosehip Oil is the correct ratio.

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil is one of six essential oils advocated as being essential for a home first aid kit. The others are:

30ML bottles of the following infused carrier oils are also advised:

*** Organic St John’s Wort Oil makes for a fabulous after sun oil. It is equally beneficial as Organic Red Rosehip Oil.

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