I have extraordinarily sensitive skin, like annoyingly sensitive. The smallest shift in my skincare routine and I am in big trouble.
Summer is a problem. My skin hates sunscreen. I have literally tried them all; natural, organic, crazy expensive, you name it, I have lathered it on my freckles in hopes that I (A) wouldn't burn and (B) wouldn't develop some horribly unattractive rash. For about 20 years I have lost this battle, and then 2 summers ago I developed what doctors called an allergy to the sun. Fun. Real fun. All summer long and into early fall, for 2 years, I had a terribly attractive rash all over my face.
I tried every dietary change imaginable, to no avail. Last summer I threw in the towel and just resigned to covering up as best I could and wearing hats everywhere. Not cute. I don't pull off hats very well.
Enter last resort-ville:
As the warmer days approached this year I was determined to not live this summer as a covered up hermit. I was going to win this sun/sunscreen sensitivity battle. So I thought, how hard could it be to make my own sunscreen? I knew my skin could tolerate certain oils, what else did I need?
After much research what I discovered is that making your own sunscreen is not only super easy, it is also crazy affordable and actually kind of fun. Even if you don't have any of my serious skin sensitivity issues you may want to still consider whipping up your own batch of sunscreen. As it turns out, nearly 60% of commercial sunscreens on the market are full of hormone disrupting compounds that can cause cancer. Cause cancer, not prevent cancer (which is supposed to be the purpose of sunscreen, no?) It is known, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that what you put on your skin enters into your bloodstream. Transforming your skin care routine can prove to be just as important as eating more kale.
Homemade Sunscreen In A Snap: (SPF 20)
What You Need to Make Homemade Natural Sunscreen
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (this has a natural SPF of 10)
- 2 Tbsp Shea Butter
- 1/4 Cup Beeswax (this helps to make the sunscreen waterproof)
- 2 Tbsp Zinc Oxide (this amount will give you an SPF of 20, for a higher SPF use more)
- a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil (for a lovely smell AND a natural bug repellent!)
How to To Make Homemade Sunscreen
- 1. Combine olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a jar.
- 2. Over a double boiler heat mixture until beeswax melts
- 3. Remove from heat, cover your face, and carefully add zinc oxide. Stir very well.
- 4. Add lavender oil, stir well.
- 5. Pour into small jars.
- This should keep for 4-6 months.
I did not have zinc oxide or beeswax lying around so I purchased some from New Directions Aromatics for a super affordable price. Be cautious of inhaling the zinc oxide, cover your face and mouth during this step.
I even made you a little retro video of the process, watch below. The sunscreen turned out perfectly! It doesn't turn your skin chalky white, its super soft, and it works! I haven't had a sunburn or rash/breakout yet!
I happen to have enough ingredients to make about 400 of these little jars, so who is coming over for a sunscreen party?
