Natural Sunscreen, Homemade Sun Screen, Natural products as Sunscreen

Sun screens are very essential to use during summers so as to protect us from the ultra violet rays of the sun and prevent the skin from tanning. Lots of suncreens are available in the market. However not all sunscreens are good. Studies show that many sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, and oxybenzone etc.) have toxic properties that are absorbed through the skin and end up circulating in your bloodstream. These are called chemical barrier sunscreens.It is better to go for "natural" homemade alternative. The ingredients in PHYSICAL barrier sunscreens, on the other hand, are zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. These types of sunscreens are considered the safest sunscreens to use

Homemade Natural Sunscreen

Natural Ingredients for Sunscreen

There are natural ingredients, easily available in our kitchens, that protects us from over exposure to the sun. Many are oils that contain SPF properties such as:

• Raspberry Seed Oil: The highest of all natural ingredients, contains an estimated SPF of 30-50.
• Shea Butter: An excellent skin protectant with an SPF of approximately 6-10.
• Carrot Seed Oil: Carrot seed oil is an essential oil with an SPF levels of 30.
• Wheat Germ Oil: It nourished the skin and also possesses a natural SPF of 20.
• Sesame oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Soybean, and Peanut Oil: All contain SPF levels between 4-10.

Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

In order to make your sunscreen at home, you should always remember to add the natural mineral zinc oxide (and possibly titanium oxide) to your mixture. This will give you real effect to reflect the sun’s ray, with minimal negative effects.

Natural Sunscreen 1

Ingredients

1 ounce oil blend (use any combination of the oils listed above)

1 ounce beeswax (adds waterproof properties)

1 ounce butter blend (i.e. Shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter)

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

little zinc oxide powder

Few drops of essential oils (optional)

Method

In a double boiler, over low heat, melt the oils, beeswax, and butters. Remove from heat and allow them to cool. Add the vitamin E oil, zinc oxide powder, and essential oils. Mix the zinc oxide well.  Pour into a container, preferably push-up or roll-up dispenser. You will get a product similar to a lotion bar or sunscreen stick. Infact you can also use used deodorant or lip balm container. Allow to cool and harden on the container overnight. During times of heavy sun and swim exposure be sure to reapply often for the best coverage.

Note: Wear a mask when working with zinc oxide. Although it has not been proven harmful when used topically, inhaling the substance can be dangerous.

Homemade Natural Sunscreen

How To Make Natural Sunscreen (a simple recipe):

• 1/4 cup Diaper Rash Cream (I used Desitin Maximum Strength)
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1 tablespoon Cocoa Butter
• 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 teaspoon Beeswax
• 5-10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

Put all the ingredients in a glass bowl set on top of a pan of boiling water and melt all the ingredients together. Allow mixture to cool and then add your favorite essential oil (if desired). Just make sure to avoid any of the CITRUS essential oils as they can actually cause burning. Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.