Why are sunscreens important for our skin?

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) both from the sun and from tanning machines is now known to cause cancer in humans. The exposure to the sun or UVR causes damage that may lead to mutations of cells that lead to skin cancer. Luckily there are steps and strategies to limit your exposure to harmful rays, Wearing hats, protective clothing, sunglasses, staying in shaded areas and wearing sunscreen.

The most immediate result of not protecting yourself against the sun is a sunburn, which is the inflammation and/or blistering of the skin. Repeated exposure of sun to a previously burned area increases the risk of the cells mutating into cancer.

Sunscreen is redly available at drug stores and grocery stores. Another alternative to purchasing ready-made sunscreen is to simply make your own.

Follow the below recipe for an all natural sun protectant with an SPF 30-40.

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 2 tbsp-1/4 cup beeswax* (depending on how thick you want it)
• 1-2 tbsp shea butter*
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• 15 drops red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil
• 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder

Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil, almond oil, beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E oil in a double boiler until well combined
2. Remove from heat and add 15 drops of red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil
3. Very carefully add in the zinc oxide, taking care not to breathe any in. You might want to cover your mouth with a cloth if you do not trust yourself to be a careful mixer
4. Mix slowly and thoroughly until there are no more powdered clumps of zinc oxide
5. Pour into your desired container and let it return to room temperature
6. Use as you would any sunscreen of SPF 30-40

How do these ingredients protect me from the sun?

Natural SPF of about 2-8, antibacterial, Natural moisturizer, full of antioxidants and nutrients your skin needs

Almond Oil:

Natural SPF of about 5, deep moisturizer, soothes irritation

Beeswax:

Makes sunscreen waterproof, protects skin against damaging elements, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory

Shea Butter:

Natural SPF of 3-8, natural moisturizer, good source of vitamins for skin, anti-inflammatory

Vitamin E Oil:

Antioxidant, natural moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, helps preserve shelf life of sunscreen

Natural SPF of about 30-40, anti-inflammatory

Zinc Oxide:

Sun protection

Recipe by Susie:
http://pinsandprocrastination.com/how-to-make-homemade-sunscreen-spf-30-40-and-good-for-your-skin/

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