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How to make a natural sunscreen at home


Although sun protection is extremely important to protect against harmful UV-rays and to prevent skin cancer, next time you pick out your sunscreen, consider what you’re buying. Many common sunscreens actually contain chemicals that can be harmful to your body.

Chemicals to avoid in common sunscreens:
Oxybenzone
Retinol palmitate
Methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate
Padimate O/PABA
Nano or Micronized mineral particles

There are several and easy ways to make effective and natural homemade sunscreen.

Natural Ingredients:
1 tbsp Jojoba oil or sesame or sunflower oil
3/4 C coconut oil
2 tbsp Zinc Oxide
2 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp Vitamin E oil
30 drops ( 15 of each) Eucalyptus and lavender essential oils

Directions: First step is to combine coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba/sesame/sunflower oil into a Pyrex measuring cup. Next, make a double boiler by placing the Pyrex inside a pot filled with 2-3 inches of water. Heat on low until the shea butter is melted. Remove from double boiler and let cool. After cooled, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you measure out the zinc oxide to avoid inhaling fine particles. Add the zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil and essential oils to the original mixture. Stir until ingredients are mixed. The last step is to pour the mixture into a dark jar and refrigerate.

Homemade sunscreen can last for around 6 months and should be refrigerated. Apply generously to skin and reapply every few hours while during periods of sun exposure. It gives a 15-20 SPF rating.

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