For many years, people have been advised against using oils on the skin to keep it clear. For this reason, people purchase oil-free skin care products in hopes of achieving clearer skin. According to researchers, there are surprising benefits to applying oils on the skin. In fact, certain oils have soothing and calming properties that can benefit irritated or inflamed skin. Other oils can help cleanse the skin, remove makeup, and reduce the risk of breakouts. 

What Is Cleansing Oil?

A cleansing oil is an oil-based cleanser that has the ability to remove makeup, surface debris, and excess oil from the skin. They work differently from water-soluble cleansers, which have a gel, cream, or foaming texture. Those traditional cleansers use surfactants, which are ingredients that interact with makeup, surface debris, or oil on the skin in a way that allows you to rinse them away with water. If a cleanser contains hydrating ingredients, it will feel smooth and soft on the skin. Cleansing oils may also contain surfactants, but they are not the primary ingredients; rather, the oils do the work to cleanse the skin.

Benefits Of Cleansing Oils

First of all, the best cleansing oils for the skin contain non-fragrant plant oils. Those oils offer beneficial glycerides, which help remove grime, makeup, and more, while simultaneously hydrating your skin. Some of the primary benefits of using a cleansing oil include:

• They leave the skin feeling smooth and supple
• Compatible with most cleansers, should you want to double cleanse
• They aid with the quick and easy removal of most sunscreens and makeup types

How Do Cleansing Oils Work?

Oils do not simply moisturize or hydrate the skin, even though there is a difference between those two actions (click here for more info). Oils work as solvents, which are a group of ingredients that dissolve similar substances. If you remember chemistry class, like dissolves like, meaning polar compounds dissolve polar compounds. Polar and nonpolar compounds do not dissolve in each other, hence why oil and water don’t mix. 

Oils are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to other oils, including sebum, which is what the skin produces. They are also attracted to oil-like ingredients in makeup, which is what gives them their ability to quickly dissolve makeup and excess oil.

Who Should Use A Cleansing Oil?

If a cleansing oil is made to be rinsable with water, then it is generally safe for all skin types. The use of a cleansing oil depends on a couple things: personal preference and how much long-wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen you wear. A good cleansing oil will break these products down easily. Just make sure that your cleansing oil does not contain any problematic ingredients, such as fragrances. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with the following cleansing oil recipe. Please enjoy and let us know if it works for you in the comments below. 

Homemade Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
• 2.5 teaspoons castor oil
• 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cromollient SCE
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil 

Instructions: 

• Once you’ve measured out all of the ingredients for the cleansing oil, pour them into a glass bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use as needed to help remove makeup or sunscreens.

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How many products have you seen that are intended to get rid of bags under the eyes? So many creams and serums claim to de-puff and lighten the area under the eyes, but they don’t always work. That’s especially true if you genetically inherited dark circles or eye bags. It’s also true if you have sensitive skin and easily react to ingredients in skin care products. Common causes of bags under the eyes include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Pigmentation issues
• Aging
• Allergies
• Eczema
• Sun exposure

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. Since nearly half the world’s population doesn’t meet daily water intake recommendations, drinking water is a great place to start. How much water you need to properly hydrate the body will depend on weight and level of physical activity. Generally speaking, drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day to hydrate the body. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. 

Apply Tea Bags

It’s lovely to sip a warm cup of tea, but what do you do with the tea bag once you finish your cup? You probably throw it away, which is a huge mistake. If you drink a cup of green tea, chamomile tea, or peppermint tea, save the tea bag and put it on your eyes to help fight dark circles. Caffeinated teas work best because they help increase blood flow to the skin. According to research, green tea exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease puffiness. 

Wear Sunscreen Daily

One of the main reasons to apply sunscreen every day is to reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and skin discoloration. The American Academy of Dermatology Association encourages all people to wear sunscreen. Broad spectrum sunscreens help protect against UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, choose a mineral sunscreen and it may help protect against darkness under the eyes. You can also protect your eyes even more by wearing sunglasses and hats.

Wash Your Face Before Bed

If you improve your nightly skin care routine, you may not notice dark circles or bags when you wake up. You should always cleanse your face and remove makeup before bed. Sleeping with makeup, especially makeup around the eyes, can cause general irritation, allergic reaction, or infection that causes puffiness, redness, or other symptoms. Forgetting to wash your face at night may also increase your risk of wrinkles or general skin damage. 

Use A Cold Compress

If you need relief from under-eye bags, a cold compress may help relieve the inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the eyes also works to constrict the blood vessels quickly, which provides temporary relief. If you don’t have a cold compress, try some chilled cucumbers, a cold teaspoon, a wet washcloth, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Before you apply your cold compress, wrap it in a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too clothes. Allow the cold compress to sit on your skin for about five minutes. 

Eat More Collagen-Rich Foods

The muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken as you get older. That means that you can experience sagging or bags under the eyes. If you increase your intake of vitamin C, the body has an easier time absorbing more hyaluronic acid, which naturally exists in the body. The amount that’s stored in the body, however, decreases with age. Foods that are rich in vitamin C work to boost collagen production by increasing hyaluronic acid levels. Great sources of vitamin C include kiwis, oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli.

Cut Back On Alcohol

Decreasing your intake of alcohol relates to the first tip we gave in this article. Alcohol contributes to dehydration, and dehydration can increase the risk of under-eye bags or darkness under the eyes. If you crave that special drink, consider swapping it for sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruits and herbs. 

Keep Your Head Elevated While You Sleep

If you can fall asleep while elevating your head higher, then experiment with this method. Add an extra pillow to prop your head up higher in order to prevent fluid from accumulating in your lower eyelids, which creates puffiness while you sleep. If that is not doable, causes pain, or makes it too difficult to fall asleep, try to elevate the top end of your mattress a couple inches. There are special bed risers that can make this process easier.

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There’s nothing wrong with brewing a fresh cup of coffee to get your day started. What if you ground some coffee beans and didn’t pour hot water over them, though? What if you incorporated them into a sugar scrub that helps exfoliate and nurture your skin? The beauty industry recognizes coffee as a beneficial skin care ingredient, and we’ll cover why that is in this article. 

Body exfoliation is an essential part of skin care, and a coffee scrub is one of the best products to benefit your skin. Depending on the ingredients you pair coffee grounds with, a coffee scrub will have different benefits. For example, pairing it with jojoba or coconut oils can help infuse the skin with more moisture. Not only does coffee help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides the following benefits. 

Reduces Cellulite Appearance

Although coffee doesn’t make cellulite vanish magically, it may diminish the appearance of cellulite on the skin. The caffeine in coffee works to dilate blood vessels under the skin and stimulate blood flow. That works to improve the skin’s appearance, making it look tighter by shrinking those small dimples. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Coffee exhibits a high amount of polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds. According to research, the specific anti-inflammatory effects of coffee are attributed to chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee. Including coffee in your body scrub, or other skin care products may help reduce redness, breakouts, or flare-ups on acne-prone skin. 

Works To Moisturize Skin

Some studies suggest that coffee bean oil contains essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid. These fatty acids are building blocks for ceramides, which enhance your skin’s barrier (the outermost layer). Not only does that help lock in moisture, but it also helps keep out irritants. Research suggests that coffee’s polyphenols work to reduce skin dryness and improve microcirculatory function. 

Anti-Aging Properties

Due to the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols, coffee works to fight free radicals to help enhance the overall appearance of skin. One study found that the caffeine in coffee helped reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles in middle-aged women. Additional research suggests that coffee exhibits antioxidant activity, thus improving fine lines, wrinkles, and overall appearance of skin.

Protects Against Sun Damage

Can you replace your sunscreen with coffee grounds? Absolutely not, but studies show that the caffeine in coffee helps protect against ultraviolet (UV) damage. Some research notes that coffee may protect against sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer caused by sun damage. Researchers state that caffeine acts similarly to sunscreen and preliminary test-tube studies show it may help kill skin cancer cells. 

Bean There, Done That

Was that overly corny? Regardless of your stance on puns, we want to urge you not to throw away your coffee grounds after you finish brewing a hot cup of coffee. Save the coffee grounds and add them to your beauty regimen. As with so many other foods, coffee provides a host of skin care benefits. In fact, it helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, which is why coffee extract is a common ingredient in under-eye creams.

Homemade Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 20 drops vanilla essential oil
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla essential oil to a medium mixing bowl and stir well. 
• Add in the coffee grounds (fresh or used is fine) and stir well to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into some four-ounce mason jars and store in a cool-dry place. This scrub will last about two to three weeks, so consider giving some of it to a close friend or family member if you don’t think you’ll use it all in time.

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The environment affects your skin, whether you are indoors or outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, blue light, pollution, and more are environmental factors that cause oxidative damage to the skin. This process breaks down collagen and may even damage the skin barrier, which compromises the skin. A damaged barrier makes you more prone to dry skin, cracking, and damaging effects of environmental factors. 

UV Rays Are the Biggest Threat To The Skin

UV rays from the sun are the most significant environmental factor that can damage the skin. Not only do they increase signs of aging, but they also increase the risk of skin cancer. UV rays trigger the production of free radicals, which can surpass neutralizing antioxidants according to research. These free radicals can break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. UV rays also stimulate melanin production, which can cause skin discolorations. Over time, too much exposure to UV rays without proper protection can dramatically increase the risk of numerous forms of skin cancer, especially melanoma. 

Air Pollution Plays A Role

Not only can air pollution affect your breathing, but it can also cause free radical damage on the skin, just like UV rays. Exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and hydrocarbons can cause skin inflammation and oxidative stress. According to research, skin inflammation can impair collagen synthesis, which causes the skin to sag and wrinkle over time. The last thing you want is for pollution to chew up your collagen and elastin! 

If you want to take action to protect your skin from environmental damage, consider the following tips. They may come in handy more than you know!

Pick A Functional Powder For Sun Protection

If you are on-the-go, consider getting your hands on a functional powder. These types of powders have built-in SPF and are great options because you can dust them over existing lotions or makeup. They are great if you work in an office and need a little midday touch-up. 

Try A Mineral Sunscreen

If you spend time in the sun, dermatologists agree that you must wear sunscreen in order to protect your skin. Ideally, you want to use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both of which physically block UV rays. Chemical sunscreen may be invisible after applying on the skin, but they allow some absorption of light. That’s why skin care experts recommend mineral-based sunscreens to effectively protect the skin. They may leave a whitish appearance on the skin, but better to be protected than not! 

Consider Supplementing With Vitamins C & E

UV rays, air pollution, and blue light can all cause oxidative stress on the skin, a process that breaks down collagen and elastin. The best way to neutralize free radicals is by maintaining a steady intake or application of antioxidants. Vitamin C tends to work more efficiently with vitamin E, according to research studies. That’s why they are often together in different formulations. Vitamin C and E serums can help prep your skin in the morning, providing a natural defense that it needs to face the day. 

Opt For More Antioxidants

Not only do antioxidant serums have their place in the morning, but they also have their place at night. Opting for ingredients like glutathione and resveratrol can help repair damage that was done during the day. Resveratrol, which exists in grapes, peanuts, soy, and other foods, can sop up free radicals. Glutathione is another antioxidant that works to address dark spots, according to one study. There are many antioxidant creams or ointments that work to fight sun-damaging effects, but don’t neglect the consumption of antioxidants from colorful plant-based foods. Those do great things for your skin and other bodily systems and organs. 

Wash Up Carefully Before Bed

After being out and about all day, you need to wash off all that grime that the skin accumulates. Before you go to bed, use a gentle cleanser that works to both clean out pores and keep the skin barrier intact. If you use a cleanser that is too rough, then you increase the risk of skin irritation. 

Always Protect At Night

In addition to cleansing after a long day, you may want to apply other skin-nourishing ingredients before you hit the hay. Moisturizers or serums that contain antioxidants can help clear up environmental damage and support collagen production throughout the night.

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A study from a few years ago found that the body can absorb seven chemicals, commonly found in sunscreens, after a single application. Researchers noted that the presence of these chemicals in the bloodstream exceeded safety thresholds. While that is alarming in and of itself, another alarming point is that those chemicals weren’t fully tested for safety, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

If your skin absorbs an ingredient and it goes into the bloodstream, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research doesn’t deem that to be unsafe. Rather, it just calls for further industry testing to determine the safety and efficacy of an ingredient. Additionally, more studies are necessary to determine the systemic exposure to sunscreen ingredients, especially with chronic use in the summertime. That’s why people should not stop using sunscreen, but they should pay closer attention to the ingredient lists. 

What Do Findings Reveal About Sunscreen Chemicals?

The 2020 study tested whether or not six common sunscreen ingredients exceeded 0.5 nanogram per milliliter of blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends additional safety testing for products that enter the bloodstream in higher concentrations. Scientists conducted blood tests on 48 adults to look for those six common chemicals in commercial sunscreens. Those chemicals are detailed below:

• Oxybenzone
• Avobenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate

Those chemicals are found in chemical sunscreens, while the two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. On the first day of the study, participants were required to apply one of four different types of sunscreen: three sprays and one lotion. For the next three days, researchers asked the participants to reapply one of those four options every two hours. 

All six chemicals entered the bloodstream at levels that exceeded the FDA threshold for recommending additional safety testing after a single application. The concentration of those chemicals increased throughout the study. 

What Do Researchers Think? 

For years, researchers have known that certain chemicals in sunscreens can seep into the bloodstream. That study from 2020 indicated that chemicals from commercial sunscreens can soak into the blood after a single application. Additionally, they can remain in the body at levels above the FDA threshold for safety tests for more than two weeks. Those results matter because you should be aware of what you put on and in your body. That study, however, doesn’t suggest that all chemicals in sunscreens are harmful. 

Previous research, however, found that certain chemicals in sunscreens were linked to neurological and hormonal problems. The results from those human and animal studies were mixed. Plus, those studies tested exposures that were much higher than people would typically have from applying sunscreen in real life scenarios.  

Minerals Sunscreens May Be Great Alternatives

In 2019, the FDA proposed a rule asking sunscreen manufacturers to provide more safety information on active ingredients. The two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens don’t enter the bloodstream at concentrations that raise safety concerns. That means that consumers who want to avoid harmful chemicals should opt for zinc oxide-based formulations, according to dermatologists. Although mineral sunscreens are safe, they can leave a sticky or chalky residue behind after application. 

You should not stop using sunscreen because it is an important part of protection against UV rays. Ideally, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and don’t apply sunscreen if you are wet (straight from the water) or sweaty. If you plan on going in the water, make sure to wait at least 15 minutes after sunscreen application for optimal protection.

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The Fourth of July is a day for Americans to celebrate their independence by doing three things: drinking, eating, and blowing stuff up. Would it be America’s birthday if those three things didn’t happen? Some argue that this holiday is more about food than fireworks. Just because it is a holiday weekend that involves gatherings with friends and family, it doesn’t mean that you should completely let yourself go. 

It’s easy to let food and drink get the better of you during holiday festivities. Even if you happen to be on a diet already, hotdogs, ribs, burgers, beers, and the array of chips and dips can make you weak in the knees. Temptation exists on every picnic table, grill, and in every fridge. You don’t have to lock yourself away from the good times, though, because there are ways to make your Fourth of July weekend a little healthier. You don’t have to take wheatgrass shots and eat smoothie bowls (nothing wrong with that plan, though) this weekend, but you don’t have to ignore your health either. Stay healthy this Independence Day with the following tips. 

Swap The Soda For Seltzer

This is an easy way to limit your sugar intake during the holiday weekend. A common 12-ounce can of soda can contain between 35-42 grams of sugar. Depending on the beverage, the sugar content can be higher or lower. Since it’s common for the average person to crack open more than one can of soda during Independence Day festivities, it’s a healthier option to switch to seltzer water. There are so many seltzer waters in existence, some of which have crispy carbonation and subtle flavors with no added sugars. Enhance your bubbly water game by adding lemon or lime slices, muddled blueberries, or fresh mint to the glass. 

Keep It Light

Most food that people make for Independence Day festivities is very hard on the body. It can lead to sluggish digestion, dehydration, and fatigue, especially if you spend the day in the sun. Instead of feeling like you can’t even get up from a chair, opt for lighter food options that balance the main course. Make a collection of salads, a veggie tray, a fruit medley, or homemade hummus and salsa recipes. Just don’t eat an entire bag of chips!

Keep The Grains Whole

It’s hard to convince people to let go of the familiar and make healthier choices on a classically unhealthy holiday. Rather than white bread or buns that contain enriched flour and refined sugars, choose whole wheat or sprouted grain varieties. If you make pasta dishes like pasta salad, consider using one of the many gluten-free pasta options that exist. There are lentil-based, quinoa-based, brown rice-based, and spinach based pastas! You can also add cold barley or quinoa to salads in order to increase your fiber and protein intake. 

Protect Your Skin

While the focus of this article is predominantly on diet tips, the skin deserves equal attention and care. Don’t neglect your skin while grilling, swimming, or lounging out in the sun this weekend. In order to keep your skin sunburn-free, apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Ideally, the sunscreen should be water resistant and environmentally friendly. Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to reduce the risk of UVA and UVB damage. If you take a dip in the ocean, pool, or lake, or you simply sweat a lot, reapply every two hours or so for optimal protection.

You Can Grill Veggies Too

Do you want to know the craziest thing? You can grill more than meat! The flames that provide lovely char to your meats have the same effect on veggies. If you have a grill basket, load it up with a vegetable medley of zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Alternatively, grill some asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice. Portobello mushrooms also hold up incredibly well on the grill, and marinating them only enhances the flavor. Don’t forget that veggie kabobs are great options too!

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Tanning is a form of sun damage. Either way you choose to tan can cause skin damage, wrinkles, and cancer. It’s never too late to start wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen can also repair sun-damaged skin!

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Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and that calls for a thorough application of sunscreen. Sure, you may lather your legs, arms and face, but chances are you skip over some important areas, according to dermatologists. In fact, most adults require one ounce (a full shot glass) of sunscreen to cover exposed skin on the entire body. That said, most people only use 25 to 50% of that amount. 

Dermatologists suggest wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of the weather. If you go swimming or sweat while wearing sunscreen, make sure to reapply after drying off. The reason that you should wear sunscreen on a daily basis is to reduce the risk of wrinkles, sun spots, and the overall appearance of the skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that if you experience five or more sunburns, your risk of melanoma doubles. Melanoma is potentially a deadly form of skin cancer, which is why dermatologists encourage regular sunscreen application. In fact, wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher reduces your risk of skin cancer by 50%. 

Now, as mentioned earlier, you need to apply sunscreen to all areas that are exposed to the sun. Most people neglect the following areas when applying sunscreen. Make sure to get them to reduce your risk of skin cancer and advanced signs of aging. 

The Scalp

If you think that your hair protects your scalp, think again. The scalp is the highest point of the body and can burn more easily than other areas. That’s usually why your head feels itchy or hot the following day after being in the sun. To help prevent skin cancer, always apply sunscreen to your scalp and hairline. Although skin cancer on the scalp only accounts for 2-5% of all melanomas, you should still apply sunscreen as a protective measure. There are many sunscreens specifically formulated to protect the scalp without leaving behind a greasy residue. 

The Eyelids

The skin around your eyes is very thin, which makes it more susceptible to skin cancer, in addition to wrinkles and sun spots. According to available data, skin cancer on the eyelids accounts for 10% of all skin cancer cases. Many people don’t apply sunscreen around the eyes because of sensitivity issues. In order to avoid the sting, choose a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You can also use an eye cream that contains SPF if you don’t want to use sunscreen. Lastly, don’t forget to wear sunglasses, preferably ones that have polarized lenses. 

The Ears

All the folds in the ears make them a little difficult to cover in sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. Your ears get plenty of sun exposure, especially if you don’t wear a protective sun hat. Skin cancer can affect all areas of the ears, not just the tops and ear lobes. Make sure to apply sunscreen behind the ears as well because those are common areas for skin cancer development. Make sure that the sunscreen you apply is a broad-spectrum variety with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

The Feet

Obviously, you do not need to apply sunscreen to the soles of your feet. The reason for this is because a thick layer of dead skin cells offers protection. If, for whatever reason, you expose the soles of your feet to the sun, make sure to apply some sunscreen. The tops of your feet are exposed to the sun if you are not wearing full-coverage shoes. About 3-15% of melanoma skin cancer cases occur on the foot or ankle. Always self-examine your feet on a regular basis to ensure that you don’t have any irregular spots or moles. 

The Lips

As you probably know, the skin on the lips is very sensitive, which is why they are prone to dryness and chapping in the winter. Fortunately, it is easy to protect because you just need a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Applying a lip balm with an SPF is a great step towards preventing the development of skin cancers and wrinkles on the lips.

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The days are getting longer and warmer, which means summer is approaching. That means days spent by the lake, beach days with friends, picnics in the park, and hiking trails. Sounds like fun, right? Yes, but these activities expose your skin to the sun, which means that you need to protect it at all costs. What better way to do that than by applying an all natural, skin-safe sunscreen!

Most commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that are both harmful to your skin and ocean reefs. That is why certain places, such as Hawaii, passed laws to ban the sale of sunscreens that are not considered reef-safe. Sunscreens typically contain chemical SPF ingredients, in addition to other potentially harmful chemicals. You want to protect your skin, not harm it! 

That’s why we are bringing you an easy, safe DIY sunscreen that offers protection even if you get your skin wet. That makes it an excellent option if you plan on going in the lake, pool, or ocean, or even if you work up a sweat. Because it is made with natural ingredients, you may need to reapply this sunscreen more often than the sunscreens you’re used to buying. Read on to learn what makes this sunscreen great for your skin.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Non-nano zinc oxide means that the zinc oxide particles are larger than 100 nanometers. A nanoparticle is smaller than 100 nanometers, which is one billionth of a meter. NonZinc oxide is the only UV filter for sunscreen that has been approved by the FDA as a single ingredient that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike oxybenzone, the skin does not absorb zinc oxide; rather, it sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Because this is an active ingredient in the sunscreen recipe in this article, you want to make sure that it remains on top of the skin for optimal sun protection.

Beeswax

In regards to making your own sunscreen, beeswax is a highly useful ingredient. While it may not offer protection from UVA or UVB rays, beeswax helps the sunscreen be more waterproof. When you consider the fact that the sunscreen in this article contains several oils and cocoa butter, it requires an ingredient that gives it a solid texture. That ingredient is beeswax, and the waterproofing power is what you need if you plan on using this and getting wet. 

Cocoa Butter

High in fatty acids, cocoa butter is touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. It also works to improve skin elasticity and works to form a protective barrier on the skin to seal in moisture. The phytochemicals in cocoa butter may improve blood flow to the skin and slow the aging process by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, the research is preliminary on cocoa butter’s sun protection abilities, so more research is still necessary. 

DIY All Natural Sunscreen Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
• 2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 1/4 coconut oil
• 1/4 cup non-nano zinc oxide
• 15 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the avocado oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and coconut to the top of a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, place those ingredients in a heat-safe glass measuring cup, and place that cup in a saucepan with an inch or so of water over medium-low heat. 
• Once the ingredients are melted, give them a stir and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before stirring in the non-nano zinc oxide. 
• Pour in the optional essential oil and whisk to combine. Transfer the mixture to a wide-mouthed glass jar. As a quick note, don’t add the essential oil if you plan to keep this in a plastic container for pool or beach use. The reason for that is because essential oils can break down plastics.
• This recipe is right around 20 SPF. Use as needed.

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Wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to protect your skin. It prevents premature aging. The question is, are we applying it effectively?

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