Coconut oil has many benefits when used on the skin as a moisturiser. It’s nourishing, soothing our skin. Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-5 and contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Natural sunscreen! Obviously that low amount of SPF isn’t sufficient for a long day in the sun. Too much sun exposure can damage the skin, and frequent burns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles, and more.
To boost the sunscreen to more of a full-spectrum sunscreen, you can add zinc oxide to the mix. Zinc oxide is a very common ingredient in sunscreens, makeup, and other skin care products and it does help protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
There are two types of UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin damage from excessive sun exposure that can lead to cancer and skin aging. However, although UVB rays can also cause damage and sunburn, they are necessary for your body to produce its own cancer protective vitamin D via the skin.
Homemade Non-Toxic Coconut Oil Sunscreen Recipe
Ingredients:
½ Cup coconut oil
½ cup shea butter
¼ cup jojoba oil
4 tbsp beeswax granules
4 tbsp zinc oxide powder
2 tsp red raspberry seed oil
Carrot seed essential oil
Essential oils of choice
Method:
-Using a double boiler, melt your coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and shea butter together.
-Once the beeswax is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
-Whisk in the zinc oxide at this point.
-Move the mixture into the fridge and using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the mixture.
-Drizzle in the red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and any essential oil.
-Continue whipping the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
-Use as you would regular sunscreen. Store in the fridge!
Reference:
http://livingprettynaturally.com/natural-oil-sunscreens-what-you-need-to-know/
http://thecoconutmama.com/coconut-oil-sunscreen/
http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/homemade-coconut-oil-sunscreen-recipe/
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