Homemade Sunscreen

Step 8 An Alternative

In response to a lot feedback I've been getting, I'd like to offer a TD/ZO alternative.

I haven't tested this out, but this is a recipe I found on Suite 101, and would love to get your opinions!

Natural Protection Cream Recipe

• 3 tbsp. unrefined sesame oil
• 1 tbsp. unrefined avocado oil
• 1 tbsp. unrefined jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp. walnut or almond oil
• 1 tbsp. shea butter
• 2 tbsp. cocoa butter
• 1 tsp. beeswax
• 1 tsp. soy-lecithin liquid
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• 2 tbsp. rose or lavender water
• 1/2 tsp. borax powder
• 20 drops carrot-seed essential oil
• 3-5 drops coconut fragrance oil (optional)

1. Melt the first 4 oils, butters and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat until just melted. Add the soy-lecithin, and stir to blend. Remove from heat.
2. In a small saucepan, gently warm the aloe vera gel and rose or lavender water, and stir in borax powder until dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. When the oil and water mixtures are still warm to the touch and about the same temperature, set the small saucepan into a bowl of ice. Drizzle in the oil mixture while mixing rapidly with a small whisk; a cream will quickly form.
4. Add carrot-seed essential oil and coconut fragrance oil, if desired; blend thoroughly.

NOTE: avoid using citrus oils, such as bergamont, orange, lemon or lime. They may cause unpleasant skin reactions when exposed to the sun. They also reduce a sunscreen's effectiveness.

Storage and Proper Application of Sunscreen

Avocado oil, sesame oil and shea butter contain a low SPF sunscreen. However, they have limited VA/UVB-filtering ability and you should not use them as your only skin protection. For a natural sunscreen with a higher SPF, use a commercial sunscreen with titanium dioxide.

To keep homemade sunscreen from spoiling, use only clean utensils for preparation and storage. Store lotions in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about 3-4 weeks.

To achieve maximum protection, apply sunscreen to dry skin 30 minutes before exposure. Limit your sun time to under an hour.

Good luck!

Comments

[brighton09]

I have been trying out a few things and have found that Zinc does not mix well with Aloe Vera but loves coconut oil producing a smooth silky mixture that is quite water resistant. However as a skin care formulator from way back I would be inclined to mix avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil and Zinc oxide ( not micronised) and Titanium dioxide

so to 50 grams of oils add 20 grams zinc and not more than 10 grams tianium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is very dense and very reflective, but I am only trialling this this year in out summer when it comes. In Australia we have very hot summers and only mad people stay out in the sun at over 30degrees ( that is a shade temperature)

Lots of interesting stuff here Good luck everyone

[lauralee19780]

I was itching the other day due to dry skin and decided to try putting zinc oxide into some hand lotion I already had. The next morning I had broken out in a batch of hives. I mixed it by approximating the amount of zinc oxide I figured would be ok but I was wondering if it can be irritating if too much is put in. That is the only thing I have used different from usual so I am assuming it must be the culprit. My daughter is making me some sunscreen using zinc oxide and I want to make sure it won't give me hives.

[cathy sweeney]

the make your own sunscreen idea is brilliant. i am really impressed with this one. i would love to make it and hope to soon....thank you.

[scoochmaroo]

Thanks! I wish you great success/