 | |
|
Did you notice that the sun feels a weee bit more harsh? Going outside used to be a fun, carefree activity, but thanks to the growing gap in the ozone layer -- the sun flat out hurts. From the beaming UV Rays, causing skin to feel as though its literally cooking, to the heat rashes, peeled skin or sun burn; getting your daily dose of vitamin D has turned into a hop-scotch game where you must jump in and out of the great outdoors to avoid detrimental effects to the skin.
No matter your complexion we all have to take necessary precaution when it comes to sun exposure. Not only is it best to drink plenty of water, wear breathable fabrics and a sun hat; but it's also absolutely vital to apply sunscreen -- natural sunscreen of course.
According to researchers at Missouri State University...
"...when exposed to sunlight, zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sunscreens, undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals seek to bond with other molecules, but in the process, they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells. This in turn could increase the risk of skin cancer."
Which further drives home the point that when it comes to skin protection, natural skin care is the best option. Using natural and whole ingredients will not only protect your skin, but also nourish it as well. The skin is your body's largest organ in which particles applied to it eventually seep into the bloodstream. In similar fashion as an anti-smoking or birth control patch would. Read more about natural ways to nourish skin in my previous post on healthy skin care tips.
In case you're wondering where you can find a natural sunscreen moisturizer, here's a recipe on how you can create your own. You can alter the recipe to best suite your needs:
What You'll Need to Make Waterproof SPF 45 Sunscreen Lotion
3 Tblsp: Butter (raw shea or cocoa) - SPF 4
1/4 Cup: Coconut Oil - SPF 4
2 Tblsp: Aloe Vera Gel
32 drops: Carrot Seed Oil - SPF 35
10 drops: Eucalyptus Essential Oil - SPF 2
15 drops: Citronella Essential Oil (helps repel bugs naturally)
10 drops: Vitamin E
1/2 Tblsp: Beeswax (for waterproofing)
1 Mason jar or empty squeeze bottle (use an old lotion bottle, but wash VERY thoroughly as the chemicals can be difficult to fully remove from the bottle)
It is important to note NEVER to use citrus oils (like lemon, orange or grapefruit) in your sunscreen as this heightens sensitivity to the sun's UV Rays and can cause adverse reactions.
How to Make It Yourself:
1) Melt beeswax in a crock pot or double boiler,
2) Pour the remainder of contents in a large mixing bowl, adding melted beeswax,
3) Blend on high speed until what remains is a creamy mixture,
4) Pour into a mason jar or lotion container and store in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life
NOTE: Without storing in the fridge, sunscreen lotion may last up to 2 weeks or a wee bit longer if you're lucky, assuming it's in a room temperature environment.
SHORT CUT: Personally, when I don't have a batch of natural sunscreen prepared, I add about 10 drops of carrot seed oil to my moisturizer (carrot seed oil on its own provides a SPF of about 35. Specifically, its SPF abilities usually ranges between 30-40 depending on the brand). When I do this, my skin still feels great at the end of the day, no peeling or sunburned skin.
However, if you expect to be in the sun for a long time the above mixture is a better option.
Side note, did you ever wonder what SPF stood for, well it's an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. Now you know!
~ Enjoy!
