How to Make Your Own Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Summer is here and it’s time to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare routine, but many commercial sunscreens are filled with harmful chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and the environment. Fortunately, you can make your own natural homemade sunscreen with just a few simple ingredients.
Why Use Natural Homemade Sunscreen?
Commercial sunscreens typically contain chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. These chemicals can also be harmful to the environment, particularly to coral reefs. Natural homemade sunscreens, on the other hand, are made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and safe for the environment.
Ingredients for Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Making your own natural homemade sunscreen is easy and affordable. You’ll need:
- Zinc oxide powder
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Beeswax
- Essential oils (optional)
Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. Coconut oil and shea butter provide moisturizing properties, while beeswax helps to thicken the mixture. Essential oils can be added for fragrance and additional skin benefits.
How to Make Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Making natural homemade sunscreen is a simple process:
- Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together in a double boiler.
- Add the zinc oxide powder and essential oils (if using) and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to cool and solidify.
Your natural homemade sunscreen is now ready to use!
| Tip: Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. |
Why Use Natural Homemade Sunscreen?
When it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, sunscreen is a must-have. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and many store-bought options contain chemicals that can be harmful to both your skin and the environment.
That’s where natural homemade sunscreen comes in. By using natural ingredients, you can create a sunscreen that is not only effective but also safe and environmentally friendly.
Benefits of Natural Homemade Sunscreen
There are several benefits to using natural homemade sunscreen, including:
- Chemical-free: Natural homemade sunscreens do not contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which are commonly found in store-bought sunscreens.
- Gentle on skin: Natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and zinc oxide are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Environmentally friendly: Many chemicals found in store-bought sunscreens can harm marine life and damage coral reefs. Natural homemade sunscreens are safe for the environment and do not contribute to this damage.
- Cost-effective: Making your own sunscreen can be more cost-effective than buying store-bought options, especially if you already have some of the necessary ingredients on hand.
- Customizable: By making your own sunscreen, you can customize the formula to meet your specific needs, such as adjusting the SPF level or adding essential oils for fragrance.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
While natural homemade sunscreen may not offer the same level of protection as store-bought options, it is still an effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Overall, using natural homemade sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin and the environment while also saving money. By making your own sunscreen, you can ensure that you are using a product that is safe and effective for you and your family.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to making your own natural homemade sunscreen, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. You want to ensure that your sunscreen provides adequate protection from harmful UV rays while also being gentle on your skin. Here are some key ingredients to consider:
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is a mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It works by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the rays away from the skin’s surface. When selecting zinc oxide, make sure to choose non-nano particles to avoid any potential harm to the environment or your health.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are used to dilute the zinc oxide and make it easier to apply to the skin. Some popular carrier oils for sunscreen include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. These oils also provide moisturizing benefits to the skin, which is especially important when spending time in the sun.
Essential Oils
Adding essential oils to your sunscreen not only provides a pleasant scent but can also offer additional skin benefits. Some essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, have soothing properties that can help calm irritated skin. Other essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, have a cooling effect that can help soothe sunburned skin.
| Oil | SPF |
|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | 4-6 |
| Jojoba Oil | 4 |
| Avocado Oil | 4-15 |
Overall, choosing the right ingredients for your natural homemade sunscreen is essential to ensure that it provides adequate protection while also being gentle on your skin. Consider using zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, carrier oils to dilute the zinc oxide and provide moisturizing benefits, and essential oils for added skin benefits and a pleasant scent.
Recipe for Natural Homemade Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, look no further than this homemade sunscreen recipe. Made with all-natural ingredients, this sunscreen is not only better for your skin, but also for the environment.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil, and lavender essential oil until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container and let it cool completely.
- To use, apply a small amount to your skin before going out in the sun. Reapply every 2 hours or as needed.
Note: Zinc oxide can be purchased online or at your local health food store. Be sure to use non-nano zinc oxide, as nano particles can be harmful when absorbed into the skin.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coconut oil | 1/2 cup |
| Shea butter | 1/4 cup |
| Beeswax | 1/4 cup |
| Zinc oxide | 2 tablespoons |
| Vitamin E oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Lavender essential oil | 10 drops |
How to Apply Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Now that you have made your own natural homemade sunscreen, it is important to know how to apply it properly to ensure maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are some pre-application tips and application techniques to keep in mind:
Pre-application Tips
- Apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into your skin.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other areas that may be exposed to the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long-sleeved shirt, and seek shade whenever possible.
Application Techniques
Here are some tips for applying your natural homemade sunscreen:
| Step | Technique |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Squeeze a small amount of sunscreen onto your fingertips. |
| Step 2 | Apply the sunscreen to your face first, making sure to cover your nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. |
| Step 3 | Next, apply the sunscreen to your neck and ears. |
| Step 4 | Apply the sunscreen to any other exposed areas, such as your arms and legs. |
| Step 5 | Be sure to rub the sunscreen in well to ensure even coverage. |
| Step 6 | Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming. |
By following these pre-application tips and application techniques, you can ensure that you are properly protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with your natural homemade sunscreen.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make your own natural homemade sunscreen, you can protect your skin from harmful UV rays without worrying about the chemicals in commercial sunscreens. By using natural ingredients like zinc oxide, coconut oil, and shea butter, you can create a sunscreen that is gentle on your skin and safe for the environment.
Remember to always test your homemade sunscreen on a small area of skin before using it all over your body, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Also, keep in mind that natural sunscreens may not have the same level of SPF protection as commercial sunscreens, so it’s important to use additional sun protection measures like wearing a hat and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
By making your own natural sunscreen, you can take control of what you put on your skin and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding DIY project that you can do with friends and family. So, go ahead and give it a try!
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before trying any new skincare products or treatments.