Natural Sunscreen: Exploring Safer Alternatives

Our skin goes through a lot of changes during summer. Hot sun rays and UV radiation harm skin, causing acne, blemishes, severe tanning, and wrinkles.   Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 30, and the market is flooded with high SPF  sunscreens.

When it comes to sun protection, Ayurveda offers powerful solutions with natural ingredients that have inherent SPF properties.These natural sunscreens are gaining popularity as people seek to protect their skin from harmful UV rays while avoiding synthetic chemicals.

There are so many benefits to using homemade sunscreen over store-bought products. First of all, when you make it yourself, you know exactly what is in it. You aren’t using any chemicals that could be harmful to your body or your skin.

Unlike chemical sunscreens,   natural sunscreens don’t get absorbed into the skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin and those looking to avoid synthetic compounds.   Homemade sunscreens are easy to make with ingredients like sandalwood, sesame oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, Aloe Vera, etc. that nourish and care for the skin.

They’re typically free of parabens, as well as the ingredients oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most used natural oils in India. It is widely used across the country because of its health benefits. But not many people know that it is a great way to protect against sun's rays. Coconut oil offers multiple skin benefits, including  SPF protection.

Take half a cup of virgin coconut oil, 2 Tablespoons of Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, 1 Tablespoon of Red Raspberry Seed Oil. Optional: 10 Drops of Essential Oils.

 Whip coconut oil up in a mixer. Carefully add the zinc oxide, red raspberry seed oil, and essential oils. Once the oils and zinc oxide are mixed well, pour them into a small container.

Take a cup of coconut oil, add half a cup of Shea butter, – Add water and mix well. Apply every morning to prevent the skin from sun damage.

Take 50  ml mineral water and add 1 tsp pure glycerine or aloe vera gel, and ½ tsp sunflower oil. Mix well to make a lotion and then add 3 to 4 tsp zinc oxide.   You can also add 4 drops of vitamin E oil if the skin is normal to dry.

Take 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 tablespoon Pomegranate oil, 3/4 cup Coconut oil,4 tablespoons Zinc Oxide, 2 tablespoons Arrowroot flour, 2 tablespoons Shea butter, and  4 capsules of Vitamin E

Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide and arrowroot flour in a jar.  Start a saucepan with 2 inches of water on the stove over medium/low heat.  Place the jar in the saucepan and stir the contents until the ingredients start to melt.  When all ingredients have melted and combined, add in zinc oxide and arrowroot flour, a tablespoon at a time.  Store in a cool place.

Wheat germ oil is equally effective as many great sunscreen options on the market. If you want to get the full benefit of wheat germ oil, you must apply it 30 minutes before leaving the house. If you have a long day of the sun ahead of you, carry the oil and reapply every 2 hours.

Always remember to apply homemade sunscreen at least 20 minutes before every period of direct exposure to sunlight. This is because you want the sun protection ingredients in your DIY sunscreen lotion to have enough time to bind properly onto your skin.  The best way to figure out how much you should be using is by considering how much SPF you want for your DIY sunscreen.