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We all love a sunny day, but too much sun can be dangerous to our skin. Research shows that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other problems (9). That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen when we’re outdoors. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Some contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin. Some ingredients, like oxybenzone, have been linked to hormone disruption and other health problems (7). If you’re looking for a safer option, you may be wondering if a natural sunscreen recipe is effective. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know before you make your own.
Sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from UV rays. Two types of UV rays can damage your skin: UVA and UVB (10).
UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging, like wrinkles and age spots. They can also penetrate glass, so you’re exposed to them even when you’re indoors. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns. They’re also the primary cause of skin cancer (8).
Sunscreen works by creating a barrier on your skin that absorbs or reflects UV rays. The active ingredients in sunscreen, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin and deflect or scatter UV rays.
Some sunscreens also contain chemical ingredients that absorb UV rays. These ingredients work by converting UV rays into heat, which is then released from the body. But these ingredients can also be absorbed into the skin, which is why some people look for natural sunscreen recipes.
While shopping for sunscreen, you’ll see the terms below. Here’s what they mean and how they contribute to an effective product.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection.
For example, if you normally start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes without burning. But it’s important to remember that no sunscreen provides 100% protection from UV rays.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They’re the best type of sunscreen to use because they provide the most comprehensive protection.
You may also see sunscreens advertised as water-resistant or waterproof. This means the sunscreen will continue to work even after you’ve been in the water for a while. Water resistance is rated by how long the sunscreen will remain effective:
Keep in mind that even water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating. And no sunscreen is truly waterproof.
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You may have seen sunblock and sunscreen advertised as two different types of products. But in reality, there’s no difference.
The term “sunblock” was once used to describe products that contained zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. But now, all sunscreens are considered sunblocks.
The only difference is that some sunscreens also contain chemical ingredients that absorb UV rays. These products are sometimes advertised as “chemical sunscreens.”
Chemical sunscreens are generally less expensive than physical sunscreens. But they’re not always the best choice, especially if you have sensitive skin. That’s because chemical ingredients can be absorbed into the skin and cause irritation.
Some ingredients that have come under scrutiny in recent years include (7):
If you’re looking for a natural sunscreen recipe, your best bet is to choose one that contains physical ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Yes, natural sunscreen can be effective. For this to happen, it must contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
When used correctly, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays (6). They’re physical ingredients, so they sit on top of the skin and don’t get absorbed into the body.
But it’s important to remember that no sunscreen is 100% effective. That’s why it’s important to use other sun safety measures as well, like wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade when possible.
If you’re looking for a natural sunscreen recipe, there are plenty of options available online. But it’s important to choose one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
When choosing a recipe, also look for one that includes other skin-friendly ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. These ingredients can help to moisturize and protect the skin.
Below is a basic recipe for natural sunscreen that you can make at home.
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Aloe vera is a natural plant that has been shown to have skin-healing properties. Coconut oil is a natural oil that can help to moisturize the skin. While this recipe isn’t waterproof, it will provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Notes:
This recipe is courtesy of healthline.com
Cocoa butter is a natural plant-based fat that’s extracted from cocoa beans. It has a rich, chocolatey scent and can help to moisturize the skin.
This recipe is courtesy of bumblebeeapothecary.com
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Red raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF of 28-50 and also contains vitamins A and E, which can help to protect the skin from free radicals.
This recipe is courtesy of wellnessmama.com
There’s a ton of research that shows just how important sunscreen is for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But in case you need a reminder, here are a few key points (1):
Whether you choose commercial sunscreen or make your own natural sunscreen, the important thing is that you wear it every day, especially when you’re going to be spending time outdoors.
The pros of using a natural sunscreen recipe are that you know exactly what ingredients are going into it, and you can avoid harmful chemicals. But the cons are that it may not be as effective as commercial sunscreen, and it may not last as long.
Natural sunscreen can also never be waterproof, as the ingredients required to make it waterproof are also harmful chemicals.
It’s important to apply sunscreen correctly if you want it to be effective. This means using enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an amount that’s equivalent to a shot glass full (1 ounce) (3).
You should also apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. This gives the ingredients time to bind to the skin. And don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
If you’re using a natural sunscreen recipe, it’s important to note that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can leave a white cast on the skin. This is especially true of zinc oxide. To avoid this, be sure to apply the sunscreen evenly and rub it in well.
So, is natural sunscreen effective? It can be, but it’s important to remember that no sunscreen is 100% effective. That’s why it’s important to use other sun safety measures as well, like wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade when possible.
While making your own sunscreen at home, it’s important to choose a recipe that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You should also apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours.
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