Many people enjoy sunbathing, and it is naturally important to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. However, as science advances, we are learning more about how certain ingredients in sunscreens can potentially be harmful to our health.
One of the most common harmful ingredients in conventional sunscreens is chemical UV filters. These are substances that, when absorbed through the skin, can absorb the harmful UV rays from the sun. However, some chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, are suspected to cause hormonal disruptions and have been linked to certain types of cancer. Furthermore, these substances can also have environmental impacts as sunscreens wash off and enter lakes, oceans, or rivers.
Additionally, conventional sunscreens contain other chemical ingredients such as dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. These ingredients can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Of course, this does not mean that all sunscreens should be avoided. Today, there are many more alternatives available for natural and safe sun protection. For example, you can choose physical UV filters that stay on the skin and reflect the sun's rays without being absorbed into the skin. These ingredients are typically mineral-based, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
It is important to carefully read the labels of products and educate yourself about the ingredients in sunscreens. It is worth selecting products that contain natural, organic ingredients and do not contain harmful substances such as parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.
Sunscreens that include natural plant-based ingredients, antioxidants, and moisturizers can be a good choice.
Additionally, do not forget to apply other sun protection measures. Wear lightweight protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Avoid direct sunlight during the most intense hours and remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you are in the water.
Healthy and safe sunbathing is important, and proper sun protection is crucial for the protection of our skin.
Take care of your skin and enjoy the health benefits of sunlight.
Homemade Sunscreen
General Information:
Cocoa butter corresponds to SPF 5-8, shea butter to SPF 4-6.
To increase the SPF, do not use "nano zinc oxide." Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties and functions as a physical sunblock. It is also present in commercial sunscreens, although usually in the form of nano zinc oxide, which, according to some studies, may pose health risks when absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, until this is clarified, it is better to avoid it and replace it with the non-nano version.
The sun protection factor (SPF) of zinc oxide is as follows:
5% zinc oxide in the final product provides an SPF of 2-5.
10% zinc oxide provides an SPF of 6-11.
15% zinc oxide provides an SPF of 12-19.
20% zinc oxide provides an SPF of 20 or higher.
Be careful when adding essential oils to sunscreen or sun lotion; use only 100% pure oils.
Do not inhale zinc oxide powder. Wear a mask while measuring and mixing.
Sunscreen
Ingredients:
20 g shea butter
20 g cocoa butter
20 g beeswax
40 g coconut oil (VCO)
20 g zinc oxide
Melt the ingredients (except for zinc oxide) in a water bath, and when it has cooled slightly, mix in the zinc oxide. Stir several times during cooling to prevent the zinc oxide from settling at the bottom of the jar.
The sunscreen made from the above ingredients will have a chocolate-coconut scent. If you want to add fragrance with essential oil, choose one that is not photosensitive (e.g., lavender essential oil).
Sunscreen lotion ingredients
(approximately 110 ml) with an SPF of around 10
60 ml olive oil
15 ml almond oil
30 ml coconut oil
30 ml beeswax
2 tsp zinc oxide
2 tsp shea butter or cocoa butter
4 drops of vitamin E
3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
1 drop of peppermint essential oil
Instructions for making sunscreen lotion:
Melt the beeswax, cocoa butter or shea butter, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil in a double boiler. Stir while melting.
Continuously stir and cool the mixture. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the container containing the mixture in a larger container filled with cold water. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid clumping.
The next step is to thoroughly mix the zinc oxide into the cream. Then add the vitamin E and essential oils, mix well, and your natural sunscreen lotion is ready.
For easier absorption and additional hydration, it is recommended to apply the lotion on damp skin.
Reapply the lotion to your skin every one to two hours.
Storage of sunscreen lotion:
Store the lotion in the refrigerator at home and in a shaded area or cooler bag at the beach. Avoid direct sunlight.
Shelf life: approximately 6 months.
Notes:
Do not use the sunscreen lotion if you experience rashes, pimples, or redness. Test which ingredient you may be allergic to.
The essential oils used not only provide fragrance but also offer some sun protection.
Vitamin E functions as a skin conditioner and natural preservative.
The sun protection provided by the oils and butters added to the lotion contributes to an approximate SPF of 10. If you need a higher SPF, you need to increase the amount of zinc oxide accordingly.
Quelle: gyogyfuveskertem.hu
Foto: Dimitris Vetsikas, uluer servet yüce/ Pixabay