Homemade Sun Block
Most people assume that sun block purchased at the store is the only kind available to them. This poses a problem for people with sensitive skin that can be offended by chemicals in sun block. Not to mention that it can put a dent in your wallet after spending a summer outdoors, especially if you have an entire family to protect from the harsh rays of the sun. With a few inexpensive ingredients that are easily purchased online, you can make your own sun block at home tailored to your skin needs.
Making Sun Block Out of Your Favorite Lotion
The first thing you should know is that the active ingredient in store-bought sun block is either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both of them are white powders. They occur naturally and are non-toxic, but should not be inhaled. Use gloves and a disposable face mask when you are mixing ingredients. You can purchase either of these ingredients online at camdengrey.com, an online store that sells essential oils. You can add one tablespoon to one cup of your favorite lotion for SPF30 protection.
Making Sunblock From Scratch
Homemade sun block from scratch has many advantages over buying it at the store. You won't have to worry about any kind of skin rashes or breakouts from your own sun block. Nor will you have to be subjected to the chemical smell of industrial sun block. You can add any essential oils you like to your sun block to give it any smell you like, such as geranium, orange, lavender, etc. This part is optional, but is an attractive option nonetheless. You'll need to have coconut oil, distilled water, vitamin E oil, shredded cocoa butter and shredded beeswax. Some recipes call for other types of oil, but coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4. Beeswax makes the lotion waterproof.
Mix oil and wax together on high heat. Then mix in your oxide. At this point you can add in any essential oils to give it a desired smell. Put the mixture into a plastic baggie, snip one corner off, and squeeze it into a bottle of your choice for storage and later use. You can find a recipe with ingredient portions at simpliving.net.
Tags: essential oils, your block