The ultraviolet radiation from the sun consists of two types of rays that can cause serious damage to your skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) are the rays that cause wrinkles, sunspots, tanning and premature aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) are the rays that lead to sunburn on the skin.
Both types of rays can also cause skin cancer. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends the use of a sunscreen that contains at least 30 SPF on skin exposed to direct sunlight. You can make your own blends of sunscreen right in your own kitchen.
Step 1
Pour 6 tbsp. of avocado oil and 3 tbsp. of shea butter into a double boiler. Add 1 tbsp. of beeswax to the double boiler and melt the avocado oil, shea butter and beeswax mixture on the stovetop.
Step 2
Add 1 tsp. of soy lecithin, 1 tbsp. of aloe vera gel and 2 tbsp. of zinc oxide to the melted mixture. Blend all of the ingredients together with a wire whisk.
Step 3
Puncture a vitamin E capsule with a pin and squeeze the vitamin rich gel into the sunscreen blend. Add 3 to 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice to the sunscreen mixture and blend once again with the whisk.
Step 4
Spoon the entire sunscreen mixture into a blender or food processor. Turn on the blender and whip the sunscreen into a smooth cream.
Step 5
Label a baby food jar or plastic container as "Poison: non-edible sunscreen," then pour your sunscreen mixture into the container. Store it in the refrigerator away from similar containers.
Tips and Warnings
- For a creamier sunscreen, add 1 tbsp. almond oil or sesame oil to the sunscreen mixture. In place of the essential oil, add a few drops of coconut oil for a traditionally scented sunscreen. Purchase zinc oxide from a health food store, which is available in varying degrees of SPF protections. Adding at least a 30 SPF zinc oxide to your homemade sunscreen blend will ensure that you are following the safety guidelines put forth by the American Academy of Dermatologists.
- Keep in mind that the use of a sunscreen will not protect you from the dangerous rays of the sun over an extended period. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting your exposure to the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when rays are the strongest.
Things You'll Need
- Avocado oil
- Shea butter
- Double boiler
- Beeswax
- Soy lecithin
- Aloe vera gel
- Zinc oxide
- Wire whisk
- Vitamin E capsule
- Pin
- Essential oil
- Spoon
- Blender or food processor
- Baby food jar or plastic container
- Refrigerator
- Almond or sesame oil
- Coconut oil
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