May 30 2014
Happy Friday, everyone!!
Is it just me or is it truly hard to believe that it is the end of May, already?
I feel like it was just a few weeks ago that we were still having snow/ice storms and before we know it summer will come and go and we will be back to the terrible cold…
I am definitely a summer girl. Whenever I get the chance I will put my swimsuit on and go outside just to catch some rays! I always feel happier when the sun is shining and warm.
“Sun exposure” has been a tricky subject over the years, especially recently. We are told to lather up on sun screen, wear protective clothing, and stay out of the sun as much as possible, because sun causes skin cancer!
Well, I have some interesting news for you. It doesn’t. A study shown in the National Cancer Institute proved that sun exposure will actually reduce your chances of skin cancer. They proved that your chances of cancer are increased by lack of sufficient sun exposure! Kind of interesting, don’t you think?
My personal theory (and of course I have no medical background, this is purely my thoughts and observations from what I know) is that store bought sunscreen is what causes cancer.
I know I probably sound crazy to you, but if you think about it… how many chemicals are in those lotions and oils that you smother all over your body? Yes, it does wonders on blocking the sun from burning your skin, but it is not healthy for you. Most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients or endocrine disrupting chemicals that in many cases actually promote cancer growth and free radical production in the body. Which is why I have a solution!
Here at WCC we are all about taking the healthier route to wellness. And for the most part, that means natural and organic ingredients.
How do you make your own homemade sunscreen? You’ll need…
- 1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder). This makes a natural SPF of 20+ or more can be added.)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5)
- Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference
- Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives, or other foods.
- Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
- Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
- As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
- Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
- Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months.
For additional information…
- This sunscreen is somewhat, but not completely, waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming
- Make sure not to inhale the Zinc Oxide- use a mask if necessary!
- This recipe has an SPF of about 20, though adding more Zinc Oxide will increase the SPF
- Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen
- I recommend coconut or vanilla extract or lavender essential oils for fragrance
- Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
- I prefer to store in a small canning jar and apply like a body butter. It will be thicker, especially if you use coconut oil in the recipe.
- Remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes an excellent lotion recipe!
HAPPY SUNNING THIS SUMMER! :)