Natural Sunscreen Balm

DIY natural sunscreen gets people talking… In my opinion, the commercial stuff should get people talking more… Hopefully one day…

This natural sunscreen formula has been tested on my family and many of my friends, and many of my workshop attendees have boasted about how effective it is. I feel 100% comfortable using this formula on myself, hubby and the kids, but I also use common sense. Most of us have that, yeah? Do your research. There are so many warnings out there when using homemade natural sunscreen, and I understand why – it’s serious business. But, I’ve done my research, and for me, weighing up the negative effects of the chemicals used in commercial sunscreens, and the potential ineffectiveness of homemade natural sunscreens, it’s an easy choice.

Still, this recipe comes with a disclaimer: DO NOT use a homemade sunscreen unless you are 100% comfortable with the idea.

It is your choice and you’re responsible for your own sun safety. This might surprise you, but the best UV protection practice you can adopt is avoidance.

That means covering up with long sleeves, hats and sunnies, and limiting your time in the sun during peak hours. By consuming a diet of fresh food, rich in antioxidants and good fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, berries, dark chocolate, leafy greens, fish etc., you may positively influence your risk of sunburn from the inside out.

When I need to wear sunscreen, or apply it on my children, because covering up is not an option, I opt for the natural DIY version. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which is rated as one of the best and safest defences against UVA and UVB rays. It works by scattering, reflecting and absorbing UV rays, protecting skin.

Take great care when working with zinc oxide, only purchase non-nano particles, and be careful not to inhale it. It is the zinc oxide that gives skin a bit of a ghostly white appearance. Before you go running, that is what you want for the best chance of UV protection. When my son, Lucas, calls himself Mr White Guy, I’m a happy mumma!

Of course, you need to be extra cautious when using DIY natural sunscreen. There are so many variables and you won’t be able to control them all. Making sure you apply a sufficient amount (1 teaspoon for face, head and neck; 1 teaspoon for each arm and leg etc.) is important, as is reapplying every one to two hours (especially when swimming). I can’t guarantee the SPF of these sunscreen recipes, although I estimate it to be approximately SPF 15. In your kitchen, that outcome may vary. Just be sure to mix the sunscreen really well to distribute the zinc oxide.

For more information about some of the nasty ingredients hiding in many mainstream sunscreen tubes, check out EWG.org and brace yourself.

One of the hideous chemicals you must read about is oxybenzone; rated 8/10 for toxicity by EWG, it absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. Check this out (from truthinaging.com) – “According to the Environmental Working Group, there are several suspected dangers associated with Oxybenzone. Despite its sun protective abilities, it has been shown to penetrate the skin and cause photo-sensitivity. As a photocarcinogen, it has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells; for this reason, it is believed to be a contributing factor in the recent rise of Melanoma cases with sunscreen users. Some studies have shown it to behave similarly to the hormone estrogen, suggesting that it may cause breast cancer. It has also been linked to contact eczema and allergies.” Now that is just one of many chemicals you need to watch out for in sunscreens. Also, watch out for octinoxate and octocrylene.

So, if you want to give this a go, DO IT!! If not, don’t.