Getting in the sun these days takes more effort than avoiding it because of our lifestyle and working hours. We should all have our daily exposure to sun without pushing the safety limit.
It is a clear fact that the sun provides us with so many health benefits, one of them is helping our bodies to manufacture vital vitamin D. Hence it became a culture for everyone including me a few years ago to smother ourselves with sunscreens to cut our risk of sun damage or even skin cancer.
Today I learned that the lack of sun exposure is a much bigger problem than to be under a lot of sun exposure. Our bodies needs Vitamin D and light exposure for so many health aspects.
The Problem with Sunscreen is that many of them contain toxic ingredients such as Oxybenzone, that disrupt the endocrine chemicals and in many cases can cause skin cancer growth and production of free radical in the body.
All natural sunscreens has not been tested for their exact SPF levels by a lab or a regulatory organisation. For this reason, you should be sensible when using them and not over expose to sun.
To measure the amount of SPF in your sunscreen, you should measure the lotion you are going to use and then add 10% of it’s weight in zinc oxide to make SPF 10 and measure 20% if you like SPF 20. As I mentioned all theses measurements are not approved be an authorized organization but don’t forget that homemade sunscreens do not only protect your skin from getting burnt, but also hydrates and nourishes your skin.
If you wanted to make homemade sunscreen with an SPF of 20, you would calculate 20% of the amount of lotion you’re starting with. So if you have 4 ounces of lotion, you would use .8 ounces of zinc oxide.
If you’re looking for moderate protection, measure the lotion you are going to use and then add 10% of it’s weight in zinc oxide.
Home made natural sunscreen
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lavender or any essential oil you desire
- 1 tbsp red raspberry seed oil
- 3/4 Cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp Zinc oxide Powder Non-Nano uncoated (do not smell the powder).
- 2 tbsp shea butter
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients except zinc oxide in a jar.
2. Place the jar of the mixed ingredients on water bath on stove over medium/low heat.
3. Stir contents until ingredients start to melt.
4. Once all ingredients are melted, add in zinc oxide and stir well. Leave to cool and use as desired.
Fastest way to make a natural sunscreen:
If you have any natural lotion, warm it in a water bath and then add/blend in the zinc oxide in a food processor.
