Summer is almost here! Summer is almost here! But along with beautiful, sunny, summer days comes the undeniable risk for a nasty sunburn and, in time, possibly even melanoma. With summer knocking at our door, protecting our delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays should be a top priority. Yet, who wants to lather on chemical-laden sunscreen numerous times throughout the day? Definitely not me! But did you know you can make (yes, I said “make”) your own natural sunscreen right at home?

According to Arthur W. Perry, MD, FACS (advisor to the Doctor Oz Show), most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients or endocrine disrupting chemicals that may actually increase the risk of various cancers as well as other endocrine disorders. However, with just a few simple, natural ingredients, you can have a safe, non-toxic  sunscreen right at your fingertips! And thanks to our natural-living guru, Sara, here’s how:

Natural Sunscreen Ingredients*

• 1/2 cup almond or olive oil
• 1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons micronized zinc oxide  (non-nano, uncoated)
• Option 1: 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• Option 2: 2 tablespoons shea butter (natural SPF 4-5)
• Option 3: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils (but stay away from citrus essential oils because they can be phototoxic)

DIY Directions

1. Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a glass jar.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a few inches of warm water and place over medium heat.
3. Place a lid on the jar loosely to prevent water from splashing into mixture and put in the warm water bath.
4. Stir occasionally to mix thoroughly. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide and stir until smooth.
5. Stir as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.

Tips

• This sunscreen is not waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming.
• This recipe has an approximate SPF of about 20, though adding more zinc oxide will increase the SPF.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The product will melt in warm weather so use caution in warm climates.
• Do not inhale zinc oxide powder. This very fine powder can irritate the airway. Use of a mask is suggested.

Looking to buy the above ingredients? Check out our shopping guide below for suggestions as to where to purchase all of the ingredients listed above.

• Almond or Olive Oil can be found at your local natural grocery store such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

• Organic Virgin Coconut Oil can be found at your local natural grocery store such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market or on Amazon.com.

• Beeswax can be found at Amazon.com or Mountain Rose Herbs

• Zinc Oxide can be found at Amazon.com

• Vitamin E can be found at your local vitamin store or natural grocery store such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market or on Amazon.com

• Shea Butter can be found at Amazon.com or Mountain Rose Herbs

*This DIY recipe for sunscreen has not been FDA approved. Always us caution when using natural sunscreen. Test sunscreen in a small area to assure effectiveness and reapply frequently. The above statement is not intended for use in the cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.