Many sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that can actually cause skin cancer rather than prevent it. Even sunscreens that are labeled as “natural” contain some of these dangerous ingredients and are produced to be absorbed into the skin rather than sit on top, which means they get into your bloodstream. Homemade sunscreen can be mixed together in mere minutes and can double as a soothing and moisturizing body butter.
You can also include foods in your diet which help protect you from the sun: kale and other dark leafy greens, blueberries and raspberries, carrots, egg yolks, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes are among the best.
To make a homemade sunscreen, you’ll use the types of natural products that have SPF properties, for example:
● Sweet Almond Oil (SPF 5). In addition to protecting the skin it nourishes the skin.
● Coconut Oil (SPF 46) Make sure the coconut oil is pure and unprocessed. It doesn’t block the sun completely but it allows the skin to absorb beneficial.
Vitamin D and helps prevent sun damage.
● NonNano Zinc Oxide (SPF 220). The non-nano zinc stays on the surface of your skin, ensuring it will not absorb into your bloodstream. It also provides protection against damaging rays, depending on how much you use. You’ll want to make sure you don’t inhale it, and if you find you have any kind of skin reaction to sunscreen, this is usually the culprit and can be eliminated.
● Red Raspberry Seed Oil (SPF 2550).
● Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 35-40). This oil is great to have on hand because it has a high level of SPF. It also contains high levels of vitamin A and antioxidant properties. It can be difficult to find in stores but is found easily online.
● Shea Butter (SPF 46) It moisturizes while adding vitamins A & E and fatty acids to your skin.
“DIY Homemade Sunscreen”
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
- 2 teaspoons carrot seed oil
- 2 tablespoons raw shea butter
- 4 tablespoons nonnano zinc oxide
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Coarsely chop or grate the beeswax (if using pastilles skip this step).
- Measure out the grated beeswax and remaining ingredients, except the Zinc Oxide and vanilla, into a pint sized mason jar.
- Prepare a double boiler system by adding about 12 inches of water to a small pot.
- Submerge bottom of mason jar in water. Heat water on medium low to melt contents, stirring occasionally. Monitor to ensure that the water does not boil over the rim into blend.
- Once melted together, immediately remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide and optional vanilla vigorously to combine.
- Let cool, and add the lid.
- Store in a cool dry place or the refrigerator. Reapply every 2 hours when actively outdoors. Use within 6 months.
