Sunscreen Protection. Is It As Harmful As The Sun?

Hey there lovelies. I hope you are all doing great. I have been having a lovely time on my break from work. We visited Spitalfields market and the Cutty Sark in Greenwich on Sunday. On Tuesday we went strawberry picking then on to Whitstable where we ate chips and doughnuts on deck chairs by the sea. I have been waiting to have a long break from work since January so I am loving it :)

Recently I was contacted by Michelle who works in the Skana Spa in a small town in Upstate NY. Michelle contacted me in the hope of passing on some useful information to my readers.

We all know that prolonged sun exposure can be harmful to our skin as it can cause sun damage in the way of sun spots, sunburn, ageing (wrinkles) and more importantly Cancer. Michelle informed me though that there are chemicals found in most sunscreens that are in fact dangerous for our skin. Here is some information that Michelle sent to me on this topic.

We all know that excessive exposure to the summer sun can be dangerous to our skin. The mineral and chemical filters that make up the active ingredients of most sunscreens help protect the skin in sunlight. The more common sunscreens available to consumers contain chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate to just name a few. However, what most people do not know is these sunscreen ingredients can also be harmful and actually pose risk to human health.

The most problematic chemical that is used for making sunscreens in the United States is oxybenzone. This chemical is found in nearly 80 percent of sunscreens, even though it is recommended that people avoid it. Oxybenzone can penetrate through the skin, cause an allergic skin reaction, and even disrupt hormone levels.  Research has found a correlation between higher concentrations of this chemical with increased risk of endometriosis and low birth weight in daughters.

It seems as though sunscreens are just as much an enemy as the sun is to our skin, with these harmful chemicals. That means the health risk far outweighs all the benefits. So how can you protect your skin? The best method is to find a sunscreen that is pure and natural. These can be found within stores, but it is just as easy to make at home so that you are in complete control of what is put on your skin. 

So here is the recipe for the DIY Natural and Safe Sunscreen.

What You Need

1/4 cup Diaper/Nappy Rash Cream

1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

1 tablespoon Cocoa Butter

1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel

1 teaspoon Sesame Oil

1 teaspoon Beeswax

Place all of the above ingredients into a glass bowl. Set it on top of a pan of boiling water to allow all of the ingredients to melt together. After the mixture has been thoroughly combined together, let it cool. Finally, store the sunscreen in a cool and dry area, such as inside the refrigerator.

The oils included in the homemade natural sunscreen offer a great natural source of SPF protection without all those harmful toxins seeping through your skin. They also moisturise, so that you are left with smooth skin without all the sticky white mess. Unlike store products that leave you surrounded by an unpleasant odour, the natural oils give a pleasing fragrance. This recipe will allow you to enjoy the summer sunshine, while also keeping your skin looking bright and healthy! 

The SPF of this DIY sunscreen is 30. It should be applied as if it were a shop bought product so every time you go back out into the sun or every few hours.

I have not tried making this recipe myself, but if you do try it please let me know how it works for you. 

Please be aware that everyone's skin type and the level of sun protection that they need is different so I can not be responsible for if this DIY sunscreen works for you. Please be careful and follow the recipe correctly and apply as often as needed to suit your skins needs. I can not guarantee that this sunscreen will protect you as I am passing on this information without trying the recipe. Besides what may work for your skin might not work for mine and vice versa.

Have you ever made your own sunscreen or other skin care products? Does your skin respond better to them and are they more cost effective? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all