Homemade Natural Sunscreen Recipes

Summer, holidays, barbecues, going for a swim, being out in nature, spending a day at the beach… more time in the sun! Sun makes me, and I think most of us, happy and full of energy. More sun is a great way to lift your spirit and boost your vitamin D levels. But too much of it can be dangerous when you don’t protect your biggest organ, the skin, when enjoying the outdoor life.

Sun can damage your skin, it can induce the aging process and cause sunburns. I do not have to mention how important it is to take more care of your skin when being out in the sun. Most, commercially available, sunscreens contain a lot of chemicals and toxic ingredients that will promote skin cancer, skin aging, and the formation of free radicals. Even the so-called natural, commercially available sunscreens are not safe. Studies show that since sunscreen use began, the risk of skin cancers and other skin diseases has risen.

ALSO READ: The Sunny Irony: Sunscreen Causing Cancer

The good news is that you can make your own, safe homemade natural sunscreen. This will not only save you a lot of money but will also protect your skin from all the damage because you exactly know what is in them. On top of that, you can make them in whatever scent you like!

Before we rush into making those sunscreens, there is just one thing for you to know. How will those protect you from the sun? Zinc oxide is what makes those sunscreens protect your body against UV rays. I can hear you thinking now…. But isn’t that a chemical too? Zinc oxide is a white powder that sits on top of your skin, unlike all ingredients in commercial sunblock, it will not penetrate your skin to cause damage. Zinc oxide is never absorbed and will not leave chemical traces within your skin or body. It forms a layer on top of your skin and reflects the UVB and UVA rays. Those rays are, to some point, good for you as they’ll give you the vitamin D you need. But an overdose of those rays will cause damage to your skin cells. That’s where sunscreens come to your aid.

One last thing to mention, those recipes are working immediately but due to the zinc oxide they can leave white stains on dark clothing, so be careful when you apply them. And one other thing, there are no chemicals added to make them a 100% waterproof, so after a swim or a lot of sweating, you’ll have to apply them again.

ALSO READ: 12 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency (and How to Get More)

Here are 2 recipes for you to try at home. 

You can personalize them to your own liking with essential oil.s Avoid citrus oils (orange, lemon, bergamot, etc) as they are sensitive to the sunlight and might color your skin. All these recipes can safely be used for children as well!

#1 Homemade natural sunscreen recipe with Aloe Vera

If you’ve read my previous blog posts about Aloe Vera, you already know I’m a big fan of this wonderful plant. That’s why this recipe is my favorite. All the benefits of a natural sunscreen and the healing powers of aloe in one recipe.

Ingredients

• • ¼ cup oil or 60 ml (sweet almond, coconut, olive or grapeseed oil are all good options and easy to find)
  • 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (will not be absorbed by the skin and makes a natural SPF of 20+ or more can be added to increase the SPF)
  • 1-2 tablespoons beeswax (add more if you like a thick sunscreen or less if you like it smooth. It has a waterproof effect, but not for a 100%)
  • 3 tablespoons natural or homemade aloe vera gel
  • ½ cup or 120 ml distilled water (do not use regular water, distilled water prevents microorganism to grow).
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional, for better preservation)
  • 10 drops grapefruit seed extract (optional)
  • Essential oils, like vanilla or lavender extract, or other oils of your liking. Stay away from the citrus oils, they can cause burning and discoloring of the skin when they come in contact with sun (optional)

Preparation

• Combine the beeswax and oil in a glass jar or bowl.
• Add some water to a saucepan over medium heat and put the glass bowl or jar with the ingredients in the middle of the pan.
• Stir regularly until all is melted.
• Remove from the stove and add the vitamin E oil, grapefruit seed extract, and essential oils while stirring (optional).
• Add the zinc oxide and stir or shake well, put this mixture aside.
• Heat the distilled water and aloe vera gel until just warm.
• Whisk your oil, beeswax, and zinc oxide mixture and very slowly add the warm aloe-water mixture under constant stirring.
• Pour the mixture into a container for storage and let it harden. You can put it in de fridge to speed up the process.
• Use as a normal sunscreen.
• You can store the sunscreen for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.

Scroll down for another amazing recipe using essential oils!