For the most part, I avoid sunscreen but I do use Young Living’s water resistant sunscreen when surfing for a few hours and my homemade sunscreen for everything else.
I completely avoid the other toxic stuff and I send my children to school with little bottles of homemade sunscreen to use when they are told they have to wear it.
Do you eat your sunscreen?
It is interesting to note that research has shown the foods we eat affect whether we burn or not. If we eat hydrating whole foods and avoid processed white foods we can prevent sunburn and provide our body with skin protection from within. I highly recommend hydrating smoothies, chia seeds and coconut water at this time of year as well as healthy fats such as avocado and olives.
It is also very interesting to note that wearing sunglasses can worsen sunburn…say what?! Yes, there is some research that shows the tint in glasses interferes with our body’s signalling of the intensity of the sun. The human eye can discern the intensity of light and therefore provide sun protecting accordingly. By wearing dark glasses, the body is falsely informed that its not bright or sunny and the skin can be more susceptible to burning.
I am not saying never wear sunglasses ever again, there is a time and a place for sure! But if you are a glasses addict, maybe this is something you can consider. Sunlight is also an antidepressant, and by allowing a little more light in moderation, this may have an impact on your overall mood.
I also advocate being SunSmart by using common sense. Always wear a hat and cover those shoulders during times of prolonged sun exposure. Limit sun expose at peak times and listen to your body when its had enough!
Natural Sunscreen
Makes approx. 1 cup
- 1/2 cup almond or olive oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 2 TBSP zinc oxide
- 2 TBSP shea butter
- 20 drops carrot seed oil and 10 drops lavender oil
Place all ingredients (except zinc & essential oils) into a double boiler and melt until liquid. Stir well.
Remove from the heat, add zinc oxide and essential oils & put in jars
Stir a few times as it cools to make sure the zinc oxide is incorporated.
Store in a cool place or fridge.
Apply generously and reapply after swimming or sweating as this recipe is not waterproof.
I hope you have a safe and sensational summer, enjoying this beautiful sunscreen free of all the nasties.
