it’s no secret that overexposure to the sun is damaging to your skin and health.
If you’re planning on spending some time in the sun this summer (and who isn’t?) it’s important to wear sunscreen that protects again both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Store bought sunscreen can be expensive and contain ingredients that can be unsafe. Your best bet? Making your very own homemade sunscreen. It’s simple and fun to make and will save you money:
Here’s the ingredients you’ll need:
2 cups coconut oil
2 oz beeswax
4 oz shea butter
4 TBS 100% aloe vera
6 TBS zinc oxide
We like the smell of coconut oil, but olive oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil or soybean oil also work well. Beesewax is normally sold in the form of blocks, pellets or sheets. For the best beeswax buy it from your local beekeeper or you can find it on Amazon.
Directions:
- In a double boiler over boiling water to melt coconut oil.
- Add shea butter.
- Add beeswax to mixture and stir with a wooden or metal spoon until wax is completely melted.
- Add aloe vera and zinc oxide.
- Transfer sunscreen mixture into a glass (no plastic) container as quickly as possible. Because the sunscreen is made up of waxy materials it will become thicker as soon as it settles.
- Run tap water over container to bring the temperature down.
- Ice the sunscreen by placing the container in the ice water and stir mixture until you like the creamy consistency of it.
- Cover container with paper bag and store in cool area away from direct sunlight until you are ready to use it.
- Stir sunscreen before applying it so the mixture is consistent.
Final Tips:
- Use a mixing spoon that you won’t use on food again. Because of the sticky beeswax the spoon probably won’t be good to use again.
- Be wary when dealing with zinc oxide because it’s harmful if it’s inhale.
- Zinc oxide comes in different strengths. Tailor the strength to your SPF needs.
- Add oils like lavender or peppermint for smell. (They also add sun protection).
- Sunscreen isn’t sweat or waterproof like store bought sunscreen with artificial ingredients. Reapply after going in the water.
Enjoy the sun and remember to always wear sunscreen. We would love to hear any other tips you have when creating your own sunscreen.
Embed Our DIY Sunscreen Instructions on Your Site:
Disclaimer: Hapari does not guarantee or take responsibility for the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
Additional Sources for Sunscreendients:<a href="http://www.instructables.com/<wbr">http://www.instructables.com/<wbr< a=""> />id/Homemade-Sunscreen/</wbr<></a>
<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-<wbr">http://www.wikihow.com/Make-<wbr< a=""> />Sunscreen</wbr<></a>
<a href="http://matadornetwork.com/<wbr">http://matadornetwork.com/<wbr< a=""> />life/how-to-make-your-own-<wbr />sunscreen/</wbr<></a>