When it comes to the world of DIY skin care products, some are much better than others. Sometimes, you have to make the recipe a few times in order to get it right. Maybe you tweak a couple ingredients or adjust the measurements to achieve the results you want. We are happy to say that we finally landed on a quality all-natural sunscreen recipe that you will love.
Typically, Americans have to choose between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens have inferior stability and penetrate the skin, which can disrupt the body’s hormonal system. Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium tend to contain nanoparticles or they are micronized. With the DIY sunscreen in this article, you do not have to choose between chemical and micronized sunscreens. What you do get is a combination of natural ingredients that help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Beeswax
For centuries, many cultures have used beeswax for a number of reasons. Traditionally used to make candles, beeswax has a host of health benefits and can be used in various skin and hair care products. The Ancient Egyptians used beeswax to make paint and the Ancient Romans used it to help soften the skin. Today, research studies note that beeswax may form a barrier on the skin, protecting it from dryness and environmental assaults. It also attracts water to the skin, which helps keep the skin hydrated over time. In one study, beeswax and zinc oxide exhibited an ability to protect from UVA and UVB to a certain extent. That said, it had a lower water resistance value than other sunscreens.
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Non-nano zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many natural mineral sunscreens. It has been proven to provide broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. The “non-nano” means that you can enjoy all the benefits of zinc oxide in the safest way possible. Non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen is probably the safest for your skin. It doesn’t pose the risk of entering your bloodstream, so you can steer clear of potentially harmful toxins that may exist in commercial sunscreens. Just keep in mind that not all non-nano zinc oxide is created equal. Zinc leaves a white cast on the skin, so some manufacturers have developed nano-sized particles to make it less chalky and more sheer after application.
Jojoba Oil
This oil is a popular ingredient in many natural sunscreen products. Jojoba oil contains both vitamin E and an assortment of antioxidants. One study suggests that the combination of vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds can help protect the skin from sun damage. In addition to the vitamin E that’s naturally present in jojoba oil, the sunscreen recipe in this article also contains vitamin E oil. If you are sunburnt, you can use jojoba oil to help restore moisture and promote healing to soothe the skin.
DIY Sunscreen
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup virgin, unrefined coconut oil
- 1/3 cup jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tbsp organic shea butter
- 1/3 cup non-nano zinc oxide
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients (except the zinc oxide) to a heat-safe glass bowl.
- Place the bowl over a pot of shallow, slightly simmering water. Leave on the pot until the ingredients in the bowl are fully melted. Stir every so often to move the process along.
- Remove the pot from the stove and carefully take the bowl off the pot. Add the zinc oxide powder slowly and stir to combine.
- Carefully pour this mixture into the container of your choice and store in a cool, dry place. Use when fully cooled.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.