Using a natural homemade sunscreen to protect you from the sun is highly beneficial. Therefore, the one we suggest today uses the natural SPF in zinc oxide and will moisturize and protect your skin without exposing it to toxins.
Zinc oxide is used in countless ways in the cosmetic industry, from diaper rash creams to sunscreens.
Zinc beneficially affects various body systems, including the digestive tract, the brain, skin, and the immune system. When it comes to skin health, it is used as a type of important “building block” for protein synthesis, enzyme creation, and metabolic processes.
It can be naturally found in nature, while zinc oxide is not naturally-occurring, so it is created when zinc is chemically heated and combined with oxygen molecules. These two elements are then vaporized, condensed, and formed into a fine, white, crystallized powder which is highly beneficial for the skin and protects it from various types of damage.
When applied topically, it provides a barrier to water and heals the skin. It is the best quality natural way to protect the skin from the harmful sun rays.
It is a rule of thumb that zinc oxide makes up 20% of the recipe, and in the case of fair skin, add an extra tablespoon to get an SPF of around 20, which will keep you protected from 93% of the sun’s rays.
Now, here is how to make this powerful water-resistant sunscreen at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 10 drops essential oil (lavender or vanilla are your best choices)
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil shea butter and beeswax together in a double boiler. Then, add the zinc oxide and the essential oil, but in order to avoid inhaling zinc oxide, cover the nose and mouth. Avoid citrus oils as they can create a phototoxic reaction to the skin.
Pour the mixture into a small jar and store in a dry cool spot for at least 2 hours. Reapply sunscreen every hour when the skin is exposed to sun, and enjoy your day!
Sources:
paleohacks.com
draxe.com