Hello, sun lovers! Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the warm glow of the great outdoors. But before we grab our shades, flip flops, and giant sun hats, let’s talk sunscreen! We all know how important it is to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and there are so many spfs to choose from (seriously, where to start!?)… but what if we made our own sunscreen?
Why DIY sunscreen?
First of all, why go the DIY route? Well, making your own sunscreen means you know exactly what’s in it—no mystery chemicals or tongue-twisting ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun project that you can customize to suit your skin’s needs. And let’s be honest, telling people you make your own sunscreen is pretty cool!
What will you need?
Before we begin, let’s gather our materials.
- 1/2 fl coconut oil: Because who doesn’t want to smell like a tropical paradise?
- 1/4 fl shea butter: Smooth as butter, literally.
- 1/4 fl candelilla wax beads: To keep things nice and steady (just like your determination to avoid sunburn).
- 2 tbsp non-nanozinc oxide: The secret sauce for sun protection. Make sure it’s not nano so it won’t absorb into your skin.
- 10 drops of carrot seed oil: Packed with natural SPF.
- 10 drops of raspberry seed oil: Another superstar with SPF.
- Optional: Essences for perfume: Lavender, eucalyptus or whatever tickles your fancy.
The fun part: Making your sunscreen
- Melt the Base: In a double boiler (or a warming bowl over a pot of simmering water), combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and candelilla wax. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and well mixed. Try not to get too mesmerized by the melting magic!
- Cool it down: Once everything is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. We don’t want it to solidify, just cool enough to add our superstar ingredients.
- Mix in the Magic: Mix zinc oxide, carrot oil and blackberry seed oil. Be careful with zinc oxide—avoid breathing the dust. It’s powerful, but not for your lungs!
- Add some flavoring: If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Think of it as customizing your sunscreen’s personality.
- Pour and chill: Pour the mixture into a glass jar or mold and let it cool completely. You can speed up the process by putting it in the fridge if you are in a hurry to get to the beach.
Applying your sunscreen
Now that you have your own homemade sunscreen, it’s time to apply it. Remove a small amount and rub it into your skin. Remember, a little goes a long way! And don’t forget those spots you often miss, like the top of your ears, the back of your neck, and your nose. Your skin will thank you for the TLC!
A Few Notes
- Try it: Everyone’s skin is different, so do a patch test to make sure your skin loves your new creation as much as you do.
- Repeat often: Just like store-bought sunscreen, you should reapply every two hours, especially if you swim or sweat.
- Save: Keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place. If it gets too hot, it may melt, but don’t worry – just put it back in the fridge to solidify.
Embrace the Sunshine!
Congratulations, you’ve just made your own sunscreen! Now you can enjoy the sun knowing you have a layer of natural protection by your side. Whether you’re hitting the beach, hiking a trail, or just relaxing in your backyard, your skin is covered – literally. Wishing you sunny days and happy skin! 🌞🏖️🌿
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About Sunny (Profile of Sunny)
Long-time vegan, die-hard compassionate beauty geek, serious cake lover, and lover of all things fluffy and sparkly! If there’s anything in particular you’d like me to review, drop me a line at Sunny@VeganBeautyReview.com. You can also find me at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTubeand Google +.
Filed under: DIY vegan beauty products • vegan sunscreen
