Sunscreen and sun exposure have become something of a divisive topic in the natural skincare and health worlds. Some people swear by the necessity of regular sunscreen application while others declare it completely unnecessary and harmful. The reality is that some people require more sun protection than others, and it s always a good idea to pay attention to your own individual needs rather than listening to somebody else s biased opinion. If you have fair skin and burn easily, you will consequently need more sun protection sooner than someone with a darker complexion. But this doesn t mean that the sun is bad for you. It just means that everyone has their own individual threshold that needs to be respected. So if you or someone you know could benefit from mindful, natural sun protection for those days when covering up or finding shade in time isn t an option, consider this easy to make, natural sunscreen recipe.
You will need:
¾ cup shea butter
3 Tbsp red raspberry oil
2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder (non-nano uncoated is best- be sure not to inhale!)
Double boiler (or equivalent)
Jar or container for storing
Into your double boiler place the shea butter and red raspberry oil and let the shea butter slowly melt into the red raspberry. The heat shouldn t be above medium in order to protect the oils from oxidizing from the heat. Once melted, add the zinc oxide powder and mix together until smooth. You might find that a whisk is helpful in properly incorporating all the ingredients together. Once mixed, pour into your jar of choice and let it cool and set either on the counter or in the fridge.
Because this is not a standardized and tested product, there is no way to give it any kind of SPF rating. However, zinc oxide is the best natural ingredient for sun protection and the non-nano uncoated variety won t soak into your skin, but instead sits on the outside and absorbs the UV rays you re trying to avoid. The natural private label oils help to keep the skin moisturized and soft even while out in the drying sun and won t feel greasy or runny. Feel free to get creative and add some essential oils for a nice scent, or experiment with adding other oils to it like coconut or cocoa butter for a more customized experience.