Choose The Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Why make your own sunscreen instead of buying sunscreen?
Sunscreen becomes even more crucial during the summer months when sun exposure is heightened. The sun's intensity and the duration of outdoor activities increase, elevating the risk of UV radiation-related skin damage. Sunburn, heat rash, and an escalated risk of skin cancer are common concerns.
Applying sunscreen helps shield your skin from these harmful effects by providing a protective barrier against UV rays. It prevents sunburn, reduces premature aging signs caused by UV exposure, and helps maintain overall skin health.
Crafting your own sunscreen can be particularly advantageous during summer due to the potential benefits of natural ingredients. Many commercially available sunscreens contain synthetic chemicals that might not align with the needs of sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Homemade sunscreens can offer a gentler alternative, using ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils that are less likely to cause irritations.
Customization is another advantage – you can formulate your DIY sunscreen with the desired level of SPF and additional skincare benefits, catering to your specific skin type and preferences. However, it's important to ensure that the DIY sunscreen is properly formulated to maintain its effectiveness and provide adequate protection against the intensified summer sun.
For Sensitive Skin
1/4 cup shea butter
1/4 cup sunflower oil
2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and sunflower oil together. Remove from heat and stir in the non-nano zinc oxide until well combined. If desired, add lavender essential oil and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before use. Apply generously to the skin before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
Don't have a double boiler? Place a heatproof bowl over a smaller saucepan of simmering water. The idea is to gently heat the bowl's contents with steam, without allowing the contents to come in direct contact with the water.
Shea Butter
Shea butter has natural emollient properties and a high content of fatty acids, which help moisturize and soothe the skin without causing irritation, making it a gentle option for those with sensitive skin.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is gentle, non-comedogenic, and it contains Vitamins E and F, which provide hydration and soothing effects without exacerbating sensitivity or causing breakouts.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate redness, irritation, and discomfort while promoting a calming effect on the skin. (Not to mention, it also adds a pleasant scent to your homemade sunscreen.)
For Oily Skin
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
10 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional)
In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel and grapeseed oil. Add the non-nano zinc oxide and mix well until it is evenly distributed. If desired, add tea tree essential oil and stir thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a container with an airtight lid. Apply a thin layer to your face and other sun-exposed areas and reapply every two hours.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is lightweight and has a non-greasy texture. It also has natural astringent properties, which help to control excess oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It can effectively moisturize your skin without clogging your pores, and its high linoleic acid content can help regulate sebum production.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil contains natural antibacterial properties, which can help control excess sebum production, prevent acne breakouts, and maintain clearer skin. (Not to mention, it also adds a pleasant scent to your homemade sunscreen.)
For Dry Skin
1/4 cup shea butter
2 tablespoons almond oil
1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
10 drops of chamomile essential oil (optional)
In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and almond oil together. Remove from heat and stir in the non-nano zinc oxide until well combined. If desired, add chamomile essential oil and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before use. Apply generously to the skin before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
Don't have a double boiler? Place a heatproof bowl over a smaller saucepan of simmering water. The idea is to gently heat the bowl's contents with steam, without allowing the contents to come in direct contact with the water.
Shea Butter
Shea butter contains a high content of fatty acids and Vitamins A and E, which deeply moisturize, nourish, and restore the skin's barrier, effectively alleviating dryness and promoting smoother, more supple skin.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is excellent for dry skin due to its emollient properties and high levels of fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, which help lock in moisture, soothe dryness, and improve the skin's overall hydration and texture.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, helping to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and provide gentle hydration to alleviate dryness and promote a healthier skin barrier. (Not to mention, it also adds a pleasant scent to your homemade sunscreen.)
For Combination Skin
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
10 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
In a double boiler, melt the grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax pellets together. Remove from heat and stir in the non-nano zinc oxide until well combined. If desired, add rosemary essential oil and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before use. Apply generously to the skin before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
Don't have a double boiler? Place a heatproof bowl over a smaller saucepan of simmering water. The idea is to gently heat the bowl's contents with steam, without allowing the contents to come in direct contact with the water.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic, which means it moisturizes your skin without clogging your pores. Its high linoleic acid content helps regulate oil production in oily areas while providing lightweight hydration to drier areas, promoting skin balance.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has the ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, helping to regulate oil production in areas prone to excess sebum while providing lightweight hydration to drier areas, achieving a balanced complexion.
Beeswax Pellets
Beeswax pellets are beneficial for combination skin due to their natural ability to create a breathable barrier on the skin's surface, helping to retain moisture in drier areas while preventing excess oil production in oilier zones, and promoting a harmonious balance.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil can be beneficial for combination skin due to its astringent and balancing properties, which can help control excess oil production in oilier areas while promoting a healthier complexion overall. (Not to mention, it also adds a pleasant scent to your homemade sunscreen.)
Additional Notes
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays doesn't mean you have to compromise on using natural ingredients. By creating your own homemade sunscreen tailored to your skin type, you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.
Keep in mind that homemade sunscreens may not have the same level of SPF protection as commercial products. Always perform a patch test before applying to larger areas of your skin to check for any adverse reactions.