Safe Sunscreens & A Natural Recipe
Many #sunscreens contain toxic chemicals, or endocrine disrupting chemicals that in many cases can actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body.
Vitamin D, or the sunshine vitamin, is necessary for healthy hormone formation. Scientists recommend we get a minimum of 15 minutes of sunlight daily, however, we can also obtain Vitamin D from food, or whole food supplements, such as salmon, shrimp, egg yolk, milk, yogurt and orange juice, to name a few.
Vitamin D has several important functions. The most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting enough Vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth as well as fighting against certain diseases.
In addition to these primary benefits, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in: Reducing your risk of Multiple Sclerosis, Decreases your risk of developing heart disease and also may help reduce the chance of getting the flu.
Vitamin D reduces depression. Vitamin D boosts weight loss.
Back to sunscreens. Sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone inhibit endocrine disruptors that correct hormone function.
Many sunscreens include ingredients that are harmful to the ocean life, especially coral. Researchers estimate that more than 5,000 metric tons of sunscreen wash off from swimmers each year.
More information is available from one of my favorite sites. EWG.org. They offer a wealth of are information and you can download their free guide. They have reports and research to back up their work. Find the best sunscreen for you, your child, for sports, a lip balm, and even in cosmetics. 222 Beach & Sport sunscreens meet their guidelines. From Badger to Hawaiin Sol, you're sure to find something in your market.
Below is some general information regarding the SPF in certain ingredients if you are interested in making your own natural sunscreen. There are several recipes online, I will post one of my favorites, and an easy to make one here.
Almond Oil has SPF around 5
Coconut Oil SPF 4-6
Zinc Oxide 2-20 depending on how much is used
Red Raspberry Seed Oil - SPF 25-50
Carrot Seed Oil SPF 35-40
Shea Butter - SPF 4-6
Homemade Sunscreen (by Wellness Mama)
Ingredients
½ cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
¼ cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
¼ cup beeswax
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder).
Up to 1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil– optional
Up to 1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil– optional
2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5)- optional
Optional: Essential Oils (Loretta's personal preference: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli), Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference. (Do not use citrus essential oils as they increase sun sensitivity).
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives, or other foods.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
5. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump.
6. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
7. Store at room temperature
Additional Notes
This sunscreen is not waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming.
Make sure not to inhale the Zinc Oxide– use a mask if necessary!
Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen
I recommend coconut or vanilla extract or lavender essential oils for fragrance
Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
I prefer to store in a small canning jar and apply like a body butter. It will be thicker, especially if you use coconut oil in the recipe.
Remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes an excellent lotion recipe!
But wait-- there's more!
Here's a great recipe for After Sun Spray! Protect your skin after you've washed off the sunscreen, sand and other additives on your skin from your summer adventure. This is very soothing and healing to your skin.
Combine all these ingredients in a glass spray bottle, shake and apply as needed:
Ingredients
1 cup aloe vera juice
¼ cup doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E
8 drops Lavender oil
8 drops Melaleuca oil
8 drops Peppermint oil
