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Do you want to have a sunscreen that you don’t have to worry about it being worse for you than a sunburn? I have learned so much in my quest for the best sunscreen. I have searched far and wide for a nontoxic homemade recipe. Commercial sunscreens manufactured in America fall short. Not only do the majority have troublesome ingredients such as oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor and allergen, or retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that may harm skin, these commercially manufactured products offer inferior protection.

Even though sunscreen sales show record growth, American melanoma (skin cancer) diagnoses are significantly increasing. There is no definitive explanation for this rapid increase in melanoma cases. One factor could be the inferior ultraviolet A (UVA) ray protection provided by American sunscreens.

Most other industrialized nations require a stronger proportion of UVA protection in sunscreens and a cap on SPF (sun protection factor) at 50, to ensure a better balance between UVA and ultraviolet B (UVB) ray protection.  European sunscreens are superior to American made varieties due to use of better UVA filters. Also, Europeans have stricter guidelines about having UVA and UVB protection more balanced. In Europe, the UVA protection must be at least one third as strong as the UVB protection. This is not the case in the US.

People tend to pick sunscreen based on the SPF and assume that the higher the number, the better. Well, this is not necessarily true.  SPF measures protection from sunburn, but not other types of skin damage. There is a false assumption that preventing sunburn means their skin is protected from all skin damage. NOT TRUE. So what is needed to have the best sunscreen?

Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the skin, including skin cancer. The UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns and pre-cancerous DNA mutations. UVA rays cause tanning and more subtle damage. The UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are most responsible for generating free radicals – energized molecules that are highly reactive and can damage DNA and skin cells, promote skin aging and cause cancer.

The most common UVA filter used in American sunscreens is avobenzone.  It is a relatively safe chemical ingredient that protects against UVA and UVB rays (particularly UVA rays). However, it breaks down quickly in the sun. Usually, less safe (in regards to toxicity) chemical stabilizers are added to make it last longer.

There is a better alternative – zinc oxide. It is the second most commonly used substance to block UVA rays.  Zinc oxide does not penetrate the skin, it sits on top of the skin, providing a protective layer against both UVA and UVB rays. The chemical sunscreens DO penetrate the skin, so the worrisome ingredients are getting into the bloodstream.

Many of the chemicals used in commercial sunscreens are toxic to coral, sea urchins, algae, fish and mammals. An “organic” label does not mean that sunscreen is safe for the environment. Read more here – Marinesafe.org.

If you want to read more in-depth about sunscreens, check this out – Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide.

Years ago, I knew I wanted to try my hand at making my own sunscreen. I tried a few recipes, but hadn’t done my research and didn’t pursue it. Now I have done the research and I am convinced that my own recipe is the best sunscreen I can use for my family and me.

Nontoxic Homemade Best Sunscreen Recipe

1/3 C Coconut Oil

1/4 C Sweet Almond Oil

2 T Beeswax pellets

2 T Shea Butter

3 T Zinc Oxide (non-nano)

1/2 t. Vitamin E oil

Instructions:

1. Melt together the coconut oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax pellets and shea butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Add in the zinc oxide and stir well. Be careful not to inhale the zinc oxide. Use a mask if necessary.
3. Stir in the vitamin E oil. Stir well.
4. Pour into your container. Use a funnel if necessary. I used a wide mouth mason jar. Or you may prefer plastic jars, which would be better for going out and about.
5. Apply generously and reapply if in the sun or water for extended periods.

This sunscreen will feel somewhat greasy on the skin. You will also notice a slight white color on the skin from the zinc oxide. This sunscreen provides an approximate SPF of 20. I myself don’t mind the somewhat greasy feeling or slight whitening of the skin. Especially when I know that this sunscreen does not contain harmful ingredients!

Sunscreen should be just one of the safeguards used to protect you and your family from the sun. We need to limit sun exposure during the peak hours of the day 10 am to 4 pm, seek shade and wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

This Nontoxic Homemade Sunscreen can be one item in your toolkit to protect your family!

Please post your comments below.

Enjoy your summer!