We all need some unprotected sun exposure to ensure our body can make enough Vitamin D. However, most of us are not just going outside for 15-20 minutes- we are spending all day on a boat or beach and definitely need some protection from the sun’s harmful UV-rays! Next time you pick out your sunscreen, consider what you’re buying. Many common sunscreens actually contain chemicals that can be harmful to your body.
Chemicals to avoid in common sunscreens:
Oxybenzone
Retinol palmitate
Methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate
Padimate O/PABA
Nano or Micronized mineral particles
It’s actually very easy to make effective and natural homemade sunscreen. The amount of zinc oxide you choose to use will determine the amount of SPF in your sunscreen.
Chemicals to avoid in common sunscreens:
Oxybenzone
Retinol palmitate
Methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate
Padimate O/PABA
Nano or Micronized mineral particles
It’s actually very easy to make effective and natural homemade sunscreen. The amount of zinc oxide you choose to use will determine the amount of SPF in your sunscreen.
Natural Ingredients (makes about 2 ounces):
2 TBSP coconut oil
1 TBSP + 2 tsp shea butter
1/2 tsp (rounded) jojoba, sesame, or sunflower oil
1/2 tsp (rounded) Vitamin E oil
30 drops of essential oils (optional) – try lavender, helichrysum, myrrh, roman chamomile, or sandalwood.
***DO NOT USE CITRUS OILS as they increase chance of sunburn!***
*Use about 2/3 of a teaspoon of zinc oxide for SPF 2-5
*Use about 1 1/4 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF 6-11
*Use about 1 3/4 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF 12-19
*Use about 3 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF >20
Directions: First step is to combine coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba/sesame/sunflower oil into a Pyrex measuring up. Next, make a double boiler by placing the Pyrex inside a pot filled with 2-3 inches of water. Heat on low until the shea butter is melted. Remove from double boiler and let cool. After cooled, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you measure out the zinc oxide to avoid inhaling fine particles. Add the zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil and essential oils to the original mixture. Stir until ingredients are mixed. The last step is to pour the mixture into a dark jar and refrigerate.
Homemade sunscreen can last for around 6 months and should be refrigerated. Apply generously to skin and reapply every few hours while during periods of sun exposure. There are other variations of homemade sunscreen online- just play around with different recipes until you find the one you like best. Happy Summer!
Sources:
http://bit.ly/28CFSal
http://bit.ly/1tuVyNa
2 TBSP coconut oil
1 TBSP + 2 tsp shea butter
1/2 tsp (rounded) jojoba, sesame, or sunflower oil
1/2 tsp (rounded) Vitamin E oil
30 drops of essential oils (optional) – try lavender, helichrysum, myrrh, roman chamomile, or sandalwood.
***DO NOT USE CITRUS OILS as they increase chance of sunburn!***
*Use about 2/3 of a teaspoon of zinc oxide for SPF 2-5
*Use about 1 1/4 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF 6-11
*Use about 1 3/4 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF 12-19
*Use about 3 teaspoons zinc oxide for SPF >20
Directions: First step is to combine coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba/sesame/sunflower oil into a Pyrex measuring up. Next, make a double boiler by placing the Pyrex inside a pot filled with 2-3 inches of water. Heat on low until the shea butter is melted. Remove from double boiler and let cool. After cooled, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you measure out the zinc oxide to avoid inhaling fine particles. Add the zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil and essential oils to the original mixture. Stir until ingredients are mixed. The last step is to pour the mixture into a dark jar and refrigerate.
Homemade sunscreen can last for around 6 months and should be refrigerated. Apply generously to skin and reapply every few hours while during periods of sun exposure. There are other variations of homemade sunscreen online- just play around with different recipes until you find the one you like best. Happy Summer!
Sources:
http://bit.ly/28CFSal
http://bit.ly/1tuVyNa