Come summer, suntan becomes a problem for many. Here’s a natural DIY Sunscreen that helps protect your skin when you have to head out.
Sun isn’t always bad. After all, we get the much-needed Vitamin D, popularly dubbed as Sunlight Vitamin from the sun. Exposure to sun during early mornings and early evenings is an easy and affordable way to get Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that can be difficult to get from food or other sources, and the supplement costs run high for Vitamin D.
Having that said, sunscreen is a must when you step out in harsh sun, depending on where you live – it is anywhere around 9 AM or 10 AM until about 4 PM. It could be a little earlier or later, depending on your location. However, during peak hours, you will need a sunblock or sunscreen to protect yourself from harsh UV radiation.
I was looking at preparing a simple lotion, which would work as a sunblock and also soothes the skin. So, here’s what I came up with.
Ingredients
Coconut Oil – 80 Ml
Beeswax – 15 Gms
Lavender Essential Oil – 15 – 25 Drops
Shea Butter – 60 Gms
Zinc Oxide Powder – 3 Tbsp.
Vitamin E Oil – 1 Tsp.
Instructions
In a double boiler, melt the Beeswax (granules or pastilles or shredded) along with Shea Butter.
When beginning to melt, add Coconut Oil. When all the three ingredients combine, add Vitamin E Oil and Zinc Oxide. Stir to combine.
Whip the ingredients to combine them thoroughly using a hand blender or stand-in blender.
Add the Lavender Essential Oil when blending the ingredients.
When fully combined, transfer contents to a sterilized jar.
Why These Ingredients?
Zinc Oxide is the key ingredient to this recipe, which is added to block UV rays from hitting your skin. We have discussed this in our earlier recipes. So, we’re not going a lot more into it.
Coconut Oil can be liquid or solid depending on where you live and the SPF rating varies from 4 – 6 or more, depending on the quality of the oil.
Shea Butter has an SPF rating of 4 – 6, depending on the quality of the butter.
Beeswax gives texture to this recipe and also, has healing properties that would do wonders to soothe your skin.
Lavender Essential Oil has a nice floral aroma, but also has a soothing property that comes in handy when your skin is irritated after sun exposure.
Vitamin E Oil is added as a preservative for this recipe, though it is also good for your skin.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
I have used Coconut Oil for this recipe, as I like that it is light and also offers sun protection. It is widely available and affordable for most and suits most skin types. However, you can any carrier oil with sun protection properties.
You can use Titanium Dioxide instead of Zinc Oxide.
Don’t prefer Lavender EO? Opt for other EOs that also offers sun protection.
What to Expect?
This is not exactly like a lotion, more like a cream. But when you apply and rub into your skin, it gets absorbed real nice and doesn’t leave a residue behind.
If you don’t want to use Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, you can check the other recipe listed here. We will be adding more versions for you to choose from soon ☺ Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try Aya Naturals for your skincare requirements.
