Sun protection is crucial in our constant battle against harsh UV rays and premature aging. Today, I’d like to introduce a homemade sunscreen recipe that actually works.
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Check out This Homemade Sunscreen Recipe That Actually Works
What You Need to Know
Natural sunscreens are physical sunscreens because of the active ingredients we’ll be using. Zinc oxide is a characteristic of physical sunscreens and is what gives off the signature white cast of lifeguards. In addition to zinc oxide, we will be using naturally occurring SPF from oils.
From one beauty guru to another, this is not a 100% substitute for store-bought sunscreens that have been lab-tested and FDA-approved. Certainly, homemade sunscreens do have their advantages. It’s affordable, environment friendly, and convenient.
This recipe combines the magic of aloe vera and coconut oil in one easy-to-do homemade sunscreen.
Aloe vera will hydrate your skin and protect you from burns. Yes, the aloe vera here will prevent rather than treat sunburns. Coconut oil does wonders for skin health but has a weak SPF of 7. Therefore we’ll be adding zinc oxide for added sun protection in our homemade sunscreen.
If you insist on going natural, I have the perfect recipe for you.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup shea butter (strengthens skin barrier, traps in moisture, antioxidant, natural SPF 3-4)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil (moisturizing, natural SPF 7)
- 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
- 3 tbsp zinc oxide (characteristic of physical sunscreens, physically sits on top of skin to protect from harmful UV rays)
- 25 drops walnut oil (promotes skin health)
Step 1: Mix All the Oils in a Saucepan in Medium Heat
Combine all oils together first to create a homogenous mixture. This way it will be easier to combine other ingredients later on. Keep in mind that we’ll be adding the next ingredients in cooler temperatures.
Step 2: Stir in the Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Wait until the mixture cools before you combine the pure aloe vera gel into your homemade sunscreen. Continue to mix until it becomes a homogenous mixture.
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Step 3: Add Zinc Oxide
Mix in the zinc oxide to your homemade sunscreen once it has 100% cooled down. Spread the zinc oxide evenly so that when we lather on the sunscreen later, every inch of our skin will get a dose of zinc oxide.
Step 4: Finally, Transfer Your Homemade Sunscreen to a Glass Jar
Transfer your DIY sunblock to a glass jar. Like all skincare products, store in a cool and dry place. That means your homemade sunscreen cannot sit in the bathroom and must be away from windows!
The beauty of homemade sunblock is that you can manipulate the recipe to suit your own preferences. If you want a non-comedogenic sunscreen, switch up the coconut oil for almond oil which also has natural SPF. If you prefer to spray on the sunscreen (because convenience!), remove the shea butter and store it in the refrigerator.
It’s important to stay informed and do our research when it comes to skincare, so check out this video from Beauty Within:
I hope this homemade sunscreen recipe brings you one step closer to your beach body preparedness kit as spring comes to a close! After seeing how easy it is to make your own sunscreen at home, I hope this also encourages you to apply sunscreen habitually. Above all, prevention is better than cure!
Do you have a favorite homemade sunscreen recipe? Care to share? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!
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