Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the potentially damaging effects of the sun. Combined with protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen is is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Making your own sunscreen lets you control the ingredients you put on your skin to minimize your contact with unwanted chemicals. Homemade natural sunscreen is easy to make, though you may have to do a little detective work to track down all the ingredients you need.
Step 1
Put on protective gloves.
Step 2
Grate or chop 1 tbsp. beeswax, and melt it with 3 tbsp. shea butter over low heat, whisking constantly until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted.
Step 3
Continue to whisk, as you slowly add 6 tbsp. avocado or almond oils, 1 tsp. soy lecithin, 1 tbsp. aloe vera and 2 tbsp. zinc oxide. Whisk until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Use a blender, food processor or mixer, if you like.
Step 4
Remove mixture from the heat, and stir in 10 vitamin E drops.
Step 5
Apply a thin layer to your skin before going out into the sun. Reapply regularly.
Tips and Warnings
- Check a health food store or look online to find the ingredients you need to make this sunscreen. Add more zinc oxide to increase the protective power of your homemade sunscreen. If you like, add a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender oil, to your sunscreen to add a pleasant fragrance.
- Take other precautionary measures, including wearing a hat, limiting your outside time during the hottest parts of the day and covering up your exposed skin. This sunscreen is effective for short-term protection against the sun's rays but should not be relied on for long-term sun protection.
Things You'll Need
- Protective gloves
- 1 tbsp. beeswax
- 3 tbsp. shea butter
- 6 tbsp. avocado or almond oil, or a combination
- 1 tsp. soy lecithin
- 1 tbsp. aloe vera or aloe vera gel
- 2 tbsp. zinc oxide
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
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