How to make homemade sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a fundamental element in protecting our skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can have harmful short- and long-term effects, such as sunburn, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate sun protection into our daily routine, whether we are on the beach, walking in the city or doing outdoor activities.

While there are a wide variety of commercial sunscreens on the market, many of them contain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and the environment. Plus, some can be expensive. Fortunately, you can opt for a natural and economical alternative: homemade sunscreen.

Why opt for a homemade sunscreen?

Making your own homemade sunscreen has several advantages:

Natural and safe ingredients
Homemade sunscreens usually contain natural ingredients, such as plant oils, butters, essential oils, and zinc oxide, which are safe for the skin and do not contain harmful chemicals. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions.

Personalization
You can tailor your homemade sunscreen to meet your specific needs. You can adjust the recipe to obtain a desired level of sun protection, whether broad spectrum or to block only UVB rays. Additionally, you can add essential oils to give it a pleasant aroma and additional properties, such as protection against insects.

Economic
Making your own sunscreen is usually cheaper in the long run compared to commercial products. The natural ingredients used are usually affordable and last a long time, meaning you can make multiple batches with minimal investment.

Environmentally friendly
Commercial sunscreens often contain ingredients that can harm coral reefs and the aquatic environment. By making your homemade sunscreen with natural ingredients, you can contribute to the preservation of marine life and marine ecosystems.

Key ingredients for your homemade sunscreen

Before we delve into homemade sunscreen recipes, it's important to know the key ingredients that will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are some of the essential components used in homemade sunscreen recipes:

Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil, are common ingredients in homemade sunscreens. These oils help hydrate the skin and act as vehicles for protective ingredients, such as zinc oxide.

Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is a non-toxic mineral that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is one of the most effective ingredients for creating a homemade broad-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure you buy non-nano zinc oxide, which is not absorbed through the skin.

Butters
Butters, like shea butter or cocoa butter, add a thick, creamy texture to your homemade sunscreen. Additionally, they offer additional benefits to the skin by providing hydration and nutrition.

Essential oils
Essential oils can not only add a pleasant scent to your homemade sunscreen, but they also offer additional skin-friendly properties. Some essential oils, such as lavender oil or carrot oil, have natural sun protection properties.

Homemade sunscreen recipes

Now that you understand the key ingredients, here are three homemade sunscreen recipes. Each one has different levels of sun protection and additional properties.

Recipe 1: Homemade Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
This sunscreen offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, thanks to zinc oxide. It also contains coconut oil and cocoa butter to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Ingredients :

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
• 1 teaspoon beeswax (optional, for a more solid texture)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter over low heat. If you are using beeswax, add it and mix until melted.
2. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the zinc oxide, making sure it is fully incorporated.
3. If you wish, add lavender essential oil to scent your sunscreen.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify.
5. Apply generously to skin before sun exposure and reapply as needed.
6. This recipe is effective in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while moisturizing and nourishing it.

Recipe 2: Homemade Sunscreen with Carrot Oil

Carrot oil is known for its natural sun protection properties. This recipe is ideal if you are looking for moderate sun protection with a pleasant carrot aroma.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon carrot oil
• 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
• 1 teaspoon beeswax (optional)

Instructions :

1. Melt the coconut oil over low heat in a heatproof bowl.
2. If desired, add the beeswax and mix until completely melted.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the carrot oil and zinc oxide, making sure they are well mixed.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify.
5. Apply this sunscreen before sun exposure for moderate protection and a pleasant carrot scent.

Recipe 3: Homemade Sunscreen Based on Red Fruit Oil

This recipe is ideal if you want light sun protection and a pleasant red fruit aroma. Red fruit oil contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from sun damage.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon red fruit oil
• 1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil over low heat in a heatproof bowl.
2. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the berry oil and zinc oxide, making sure they are well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify.
4. Apply this sunscreen before sun exposure for light protection and a delicious red fruit scent.

Important considerations

Although homemade sunscreens have many advantages, it is important to keep some considerations in mind:

Not all homemade sunscreens are the same
The recipes above offer different levels of sun protection, but none of them are as waterproof or long-lasting as commercial sunscreens. You should reapply homemade sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Perform a patch test
Before using homemade sunscreen all over your body, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions or irritation.

Don't forget other sun protection measures
Homemade sunscreen is an important part of sun protection, but it is not enough on its own. You should also take other measures, such as wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

Consult a dermatologist
If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions that require special care, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before using a homemade sunscreen on a regular basis.

Remember that sun protection is crucial to prevent burns, premature skin aging and the risk of skin cancer. Homemade sunscreen can be a great addition to your skin care routine, but you must make informed decisions and properly care for your skin when exposed to the sun. Enjoy the sun in a safe and healthy way!