Difference between revisions of "Make Sunscreen"
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| − | {{fa}}Many commercial sunscreen products contain chemicals that can be harmful to one’s health.<ref>http://www.ewg.org/analysis/toxicsunscreen</ref> As a result, some people have begun making their own sunscreens using natural oils, waxes, and oxide powders. Note that although it is possible to make a viable sunscreen with these ingredients, health professionals advise against it as there is no way to confirm the level of UV protection that homemade sunscreens provide. | + | {{fa}}Many commercial sunscreen products contain chemicals that can be harmful to one’s health.<ref name="rf1">http://www.ewg.org/analysis/toxicsunscreen</ref> As a result, some people have begun making their own sunscreens using natural oils, waxes, and oxide powders. Note that although it is possible to make a viable sunscreen with these ingredients, health professionals advise against it as there is no way to confirm the level of UV protection that homemade sunscreens provide. |
[[Category:Handmade Cosmetics]] | [[Category:Handmade Cosmetics]] | ||
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#Add 1 ounce of beeswax to the saucepan. If it’s not already in pearls or broken into pieces, you’ll need to grate or chop the beeswax into small pieces before adding it to the oil. This will help it melt faster. | #Add 1 ounce of beeswax to the saucepan. If it’s not already in pearls or broken into pieces, you’ll need to grate or chop the beeswax into small pieces before adding it to the oil. This will help it melt faster. | ||
#* The beeswax makes the resulting product viscous, like a skin cream. It’s what holds the oxide in suspension so that it doesn’t all sink down to the bottom of the container. | #* The beeswax makes the resulting product viscous, like a skin cream. It’s what holds the oxide in suspension so that it doesn’t all sink down to the bottom of the container. | ||
| − | #* For a thicker, heavier sunscreen, add more beeswax. For one that is lighter and smooths on more easily, add a little less beeswax.<ref>http://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen/</ref> | + | #* For a thicker, heavier sunscreen, add more beeswax. For one that is lighter and smooths on more easily, add a little less beeswax.<ref name="rf2">http://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen/</ref> |
#Stir constantly until the beeswax is completely melted in the hot oil. You want the ingredients to be completely melted together before you add the oxide powder. | #Stir constantly until the beeswax is completely melted in the hot oil. You want the ingredients to be completely melted together before you add the oxide powder. | ||
| − | #Add your essential oil (optional). If you want to add a fragrance to your sunscreen via an essential oil, now is the time to do it. Lavender oil is a popular choice, and has a natural SPF of up to 6.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528</ref> | + | #Add your essential oil (optional). If you want to add a fragrance to your sunscreen via an essential oil, now is the time to do it. Lavender oil is a popular choice, and has a natural SPF of up to 6.<ref name="rf3">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528</ref> |
#*Just use a couple of drops to ensure that it’s not an overly strong or irritating smell, especially if you intend to use it on your face. | #*Just use a couple of drops to ensure that it’s not an overly strong or irritating smell, especially if you intend to use it on your face. | ||
| − | #Put on your protective gear. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect you from coming in direct contact with the oxide powder. In particular, you want to protect yourself from inhaling it, which can be dangerous to your health.<ref>http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/zinc.htm</ref> | + | #Put on your protective gear. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect you from coming in direct contact with the oxide powder. In particular, you want to protect yourself from inhaling it, which can be dangerous to your health.<ref name="rf4">http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/zinc.htm</ref> |
#*As an extra precaution you can also wear safety goggles, which will protect your eyes in case anything splashes up when you add the powder to the hot oil solution. | #*As an extra precaution you can also wear safety goggles, which will protect your eyes in case anything splashes up when you add the powder to the hot oil solution. | ||
#*As you’ll be dealing with hot oil, make sure that the gloves you wear are heat-resistant and won’t melt if any oil splashes up on to them. Heat-resistant rubber gloves will work well. Just make sure they fit you well so that you can still use your hands without feeling clumsy. | #*As you’ll be dealing with hot oil, make sure that the gloves you wear are heat-resistant and won’t melt if any oil splashes up on to them. Heat-resistant rubber gloves will work well. Just make sure they fit you well so that you can still use your hands without feeling clumsy. | ||
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#*Depending on the thickness of your mixture, you might be able to get away with a squeeze bottle. A wide-mouthed jar will make it easier for you to stir the solution while it cools though, and less of the solution will be likely to go to waste. | #*Depending on the thickness of your mixture, you might be able to get away with a squeeze bottle. A wide-mouthed jar will make it easier for you to stir the solution while it cools though, and less of the solution will be likely to go to waste. | ||
#*If you’re pouring the mixture into a container with a narrow neck, use a [[Improvise a Pastry Bag|pastry bag]] to squeeze the sunscreen through. It will likely be too thick for a funnel. Just make sure that the sunscreen isn’t still very hot while you do this lest you burn yourself. | #*If you’re pouring the mixture into a container with a narrow neck, use a [[Improvise a Pastry Bag|pastry bag]] to squeeze the sunscreen through. It will likely be too thick for a funnel. Just make sure that the sunscreen isn’t still very hot while you do this lest you burn yourself. | ||
| − | #Stir while cooling to ensure even distribution. As the mixture cools, stir it every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that the oxide powder remains evenly distributed throughout the mixture.<ref | + | #Stir while cooling to ensure even distribution. As the mixture cools, stir it every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that the oxide powder remains evenly distributed throughout the mixture.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Allow to cool to room temperature before use. Once the sunscreen is room temperature, you can put it on your skin. Note that the sunscreen should be opaque. If it looks translucent, the oxide has likely sunk to the bottom of the container. | #Allow to cool to room temperature before use. Once the sunscreen is room temperature, you can put it on your skin. Note that the sunscreen should be opaque. If it looks translucent, the oxide has likely sunk to the bottom of the container. | ||
#*The oxide can settle when the sunscreen is cooling. It can also sink to the bottom of the container if it is out in the heat for too long. It’s important to stir it or shake it up before use in these situations, so that you get the full protective benefits of the oxide. | #*The oxide can settle when the sunscreen is cooling. It can also sink to the bottom of the container if it is out in the heat for too long. It’s important to stir it or shake it up before use in these situations, so that you get the full protective benefits of the oxide. | ||
| − | #Label, date and store in a cool place. It’s best if you can use this, or any other homemade sunscreens, within six months of making it.<ref | + | #Label, date and store in a cool place. It’s best if you can use this, or any other homemade sunscreens, within six months of making it.<ref name="rf2" /> Make sure you keep it in a cool, dry place. |
#*If the sunscreen gets too hot or too cold, the ingredients might shift. If the oxide powder isn’t evenly distributed throughout the sunscreen, it will not be effective. | #*If the sunscreen gets too hot or too cold, the ingredients might shift. If the oxide powder isn’t evenly distributed throughout the sunscreen, it will not be effective. | ||
#*If the sunscreen melts or hardens, you will need to stir the sunscreen to evenly distribute the oxide powder once it’s back at room temperature and a regular thickness. | #*If the sunscreen melts or hardens, you will need to stir the sunscreen to evenly distribute the oxide powder once it’s back at room temperature and a regular thickness. | ||
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=== Creating Your Own Sunscreen Recipe === | === Creating Your Own Sunscreen Recipe === | ||
#Explore other DIY sunscreen recipes. Explore what recipes other DIY sunscreen makers are using. This will give you a sense of what ingredients are popular, and what ingredients you may want to use. | #Explore other DIY sunscreen recipes. Explore what recipes other DIY sunscreen makers are using. This will give you a sense of what ingredients are popular, and what ingredients you may want to use. | ||
| − | #Try this DIY sunscreen recipe. One DIY sunscreen maker suggests the following recipe, which combines several different oils. Simply melt all of the ingredients EXCEPT the zinc oxide together, then add the zinc oxide, cool, and you’re done.<ref | + | #Try this DIY sunscreen recipe. One DIY sunscreen maker suggests the following recipe, which combines several different oils. Simply melt all of the ingredients EXCEPT the zinc oxide together, then add the zinc oxide, cool, and you’re done.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*1/2 cup Almond or olive oil | #*1/2 cup Almond or olive oil | ||
#*1/4 cup Coconut oil | #*1/4 cup Coconut oil | ||
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#Change DIY sunscreen recipes to suit your own tastes. Once you’ve read or even tried other DIY sunscreen recipes, such as the ones in this article, you can add your own ingredients to the sunscreen to tailor it to your tastes. | #Change DIY sunscreen recipes to suit your own tastes. Once you’ve read or even tried other DIY sunscreen recipes, such as the ones in this article, you can add your own ingredients to the sunscreen to tailor it to your tastes. | ||
#*As an example, you might add lavender oil and cut the beeswax content of the DIY recipes in this article for a lighter, lavender-scented sunscreen that easily smooths over your skin. | #*As an example, you might add lavender oil and cut the beeswax content of the DIY recipes in this article for a lighter, lavender-scented sunscreen that easily smooths over your skin. | ||
| − | #Know the different base oils. The base oil is the oil that you will use the most of in your homemade sunscreen recipe. Popular base oils include olive oil (SPF 7-8), coconut oil (SPF 7), castor oil (SPF 6), and almond oil (SPF 5).<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/</ref> | + | #Know the different base oils. The base oil is the oil that you will use the most of in your homemade sunscreen recipe. Popular base oils include olive oil (SPF 7-8), coconut oil (SPF 7), castor oil (SPF 6), and almond oil (SPF 5).<ref name="rf5">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/</ref> |
| − | #Check the SPF of essential oils before using them. Popular essential oils to use in sunscreen include peppermint (SPF 7), tulsi (SPF 7), and lavender (SPF 6).<ref | + | #Check the SPF of essential oils before using them. Popular essential oils to use in sunscreen include peppermint (SPF 7), tulsi (SPF 7), and lavender (SPF 6).<ref name="rf5" /> Avoid citrus oils (e.g. Bergamot or Citron) as they will boost your chances of burning.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Try red raspberry seed oil. Red raspberry seed oil is a popular choice amongst DIY sunscreen makers, who claim that it has an SPF of 25 to 50.<ref | + | #Try red raspberry seed oil. Red raspberry seed oil is a popular choice amongst DIY sunscreen makers, who claim that it has an SPF of 25 to 50.<ref name="rf2" /> You can add a small amount of it to your sunscreen to boost its SPF level. |
| − | #Try carrot seed oil. With an SPF of 35 to 40, carrot seed oil is a DIYer favorite.<ref | + | #Try carrot seed oil. With an SPF of 35 to 40, carrot seed oil is a DIYer favorite.<ref name="rf2" /> Try adding a small amount of carrot seed oil to your homemade sunscreen to enhance its SPF level. |
#Experiment with shea butter. Shea butter is believed to have a natural SPF of 4 to 6. Adding it to your sunscreen will help thicken it. Shea butter is also a great moisturizer, and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. | #Experiment with shea butter. Shea butter is believed to have a natural SPF of 4 to 6. Adding it to your sunscreen will help thicken it. Shea butter is also a great moisturizer, and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. | ||
#Always add an oxide to your sunscreen. The most important ingredient in homemade sunscreen is oxide, which comes in the form of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both of these offer protection against UVA and UVB rays, and are an absolute must. | #Always add an oxide to your sunscreen. The most important ingredient in homemade sunscreen is oxide, which comes in the form of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both of these offer protection against UVA and UVB rays, and are an absolute must. | ||
| − | #*The more oxide you use in your sunscreen mixture, the more protection you’ll get. Sunscreens commonly come in concentrations of between 5% and 25% oxide.<ref>http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body</ref><ref>http://modernhippiehousewife.com/2014/04/07/homemade-moisturizing-sunblock-with-zinc-oxide/</ref> | + | #*The more oxide you use in your sunscreen mixture, the more protection you’ll get. Sunscreens commonly come in concentrations of between 5% and 25% oxide.<ref name="rf6">http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body</ref><ref name="rf7">http://modernhippiehousewife.com/2014/04/07/homemade-moisturizing-sunblock-with-zinc-oxide/</ref> |
| − | #*Both types of oxide are effective, but zinc oxide is believed to offer broader, more effective sun protection.<ref | + | #*Both types of oxide are effective, but zinc oxide is believed to offer broader, more effective sun protection.<ref name="rf6" /> |
=== Learning About Sun Protection === | === Learning About Sun Protection === | ||
#Know the risks involved in making your own sunscreen. The efficacy of your homemade sunscreen is not only based on your ingredients, but on the way in which you’ve made the sunscreen. This is the primary concern expressed by doctors when discussing DIY sunscreen. | #Know the risks involved in making your own sunscreen. The efficacy of your homemade sunscreen is not only based on your ingredients, but on the way in which you’ve made the sunscreen. This is the primary concern expressed by doctors when discussing DIY sunscreen. | ||
| − | #*Doctors worry that even if the ingredients are effective, the way in which they are mixed might undermine them. For instance, if your oxide powder isn’t properly blended with the rest of the ingredients, it might only protect your skin in patches, or worse, not at all.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2702190/Alert-DIY-organic-sunscreens-oils-Doctors-warn-against-following-nonsense-internet-advice-oils-offer-protection-rating-50.html</ref> | + | #*Doctors worry that even if the ingredients are effective, the way in which they are mixed might undermine them. For instance, if your oxide powder isn’t properly blended with the rest of the ingredients, it might only protect your skin in patches, or worse, not at all.<ref name="rf8">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2702190/Alert-DIY-organic-sunscreens-oils-Doctors-warn-against-following-nonsense-internet-advice-oils-offer-protection-rating-50.html</ref> |
| − | #*Doctors also warn that since DIY sunscreen makers don’t usually have labs or testing environments for their sunscreen, there is no scientific way to properly measure the level of UV protection their mixtures provide.<ref | + | #*Doctors also warn that since DIY sunscreen makers don’t usually have labs or testing environments for their sunscreen, there is no scientific way to properly measure the level of UV protection their mixtures provide.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #Learn the difference between SPF and broad-spectrum protection. SPF only measures the ability to block UVB rays, which are the rays that burn you. It does not protect against UVA rays, which are what age you. Both types of rays can cause skin cancer.<ref>https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-great-sunscreen-cover-up/</ref> | + | #Learn the difference between SPF and broad-spectrum protection. SPF only measures the ability to block UVB rays, which are the rays that burn you. It does not protect against UVA rays, which are what age you. Both types of rays can cause skin cancer.<ref name="rf9">https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-great-sunscreen-cover-up/</ref> |
#*To be properly protected, you must have a sunscreen that protects against booth UVA and UVB rays. | #*To be properly protected, you must have a sunscreen that protects against booth UVA and UVB rays. | ||
| − | #*This is why it’s so important to have a good amount of oxide powder in your sunscreen. Zinc oxide in particular is good at blocking UVA and UVB rays.<ref | + | #*This is why it’s so important to have a good amount of oxide powder in your sunscreen. Zinc oxide in particular is good at blocking UVA and UVB rays.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Eat UV-fighting foods. If you’re interested in boosting your skin’s natural protective barrier against the sun, there are foods that you can eat to help. Note that consuming these things is not enough to protect you from the sun. You must wear sunscreen.<ref>http://www.drfranklipman.com/natural-sun-protection/</ref> | + | #Eat UV-fighting foods. If you’re interested in boosting your skin’s natural protective barrier against the sun, there are foods that you can eat to help. Note that consuming these things is not enough to protect you from the sun. You must wear sunscreen.<ref name="rf10">http://www.drfranklipman.com/natural-sun-protection/</ref> |
#*Cocoa, green and black tea, micro-algae (chlorella and spirulina), and carotenoids and antioxidants found in fruits and veggies are all great for boosting your skin’s natural ability to fight the sun’s harmful rays. | #*Cocoa, green and black tea, micro-algae (chlorella and spirulina), and carotenoids and antioxidants found in fruits and veggies are all great for boosting your skin’s natural ability to fight the sun’s harmful rays. | ||
#Seek alternatives to homemade sunscreen. As reports of dangerous chemicals in store-bought sunscreens have scared people off buying them, natural options have become more popular and affordable. | #Seek alternatives to homemade sunscreen. As reports of dangerous chemicals in store-bought sunscreens have scared people off buying them, natural options have become more popular and affordable. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *A quick option for making your own sunscreen is to add a couple of tablespoons into a bottle of your favorite lotion and then shake it up.<ref | + | *A quick option for making your own sunscreen is to add a couple of tablespoons into a bottle of your favorite lotion and then shake it up.<ref name="rf2" /> Just make sure the lotion doesn’t contain citrus oils or any other phototoxic ingredients that could make it unsafe for wearing in the sun. |
*To boost your sunscreen’s SPF you can add more oxide powder, but note that this will likely also make the sunscreen go on whiter. | *To boost your sunscreen’s SPF you can add more oxide powder, but note that this will likely also make the sunscreen go on whiter. | ||
| − | *If you cannot find the ingredients needed to make your own sunscreen, consider buying a zinc oxide cream from the drugstore. Make sure the content is high enough that you can safely use it as a sunscreen.<ref | + | *If you cannot find the ingredients needed to make your own sunscreen, consider buying a zinc oxide cream from the drugstore. Make sure the content is high enough that you can safely use it as a sunscreen.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | *Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect from UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, however, is even more effective than titanium dioxide.<ref | + | *Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect from UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, however, is even more effective than titanium dioxide.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | *If you’re worried about the white film that zinc can leave behind when applied to your skin, use nano zinc oxide, which has smaller particles than non-nano zinc oxide and won’t leave you smeared in white.<ref | + | *If you’re worried about the white film that zinc can leave behind when applied to your skin, use nano zinc oxide, which has smaller particles than non-nano zinc oxide and won’t leave you smeared in white.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | *Some people recommend using non-nano zinc oxide, as it is not absorbed into the skin and is thus believed to be healthier than nano-zinc oxide. The drawback is that non-nano zinc oxide is more likely to leave a white film on your skin.<ref>http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/</ref> | + | *Some people recommend using non-nano zinc oxide, as it is not absorbed into the skin and is thus believed to be healthier than nano-zinc oxide. The drawback is that non-nano zinc oxide is more likely to leave a white film on your skin.<ref name="rf11">http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
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*Inhaling zinc oxide fumes can be dangerous for your health. For this reason, is important to wear a face mask while adding the powder to your oil solution. | *Inhaling zinc oxide fumes can be dangerous for your health. For this reason, is important to wear a face mask while adding the powder to your oil solution. | ||
*If your sunscreen is not opaque, the oxide has sunk to the bottom and you will not be protected from the sun’s rays. If it is translucent, you’re not protected. | *If your sunscreen is not opaque, the oxide has sunk to the bottom and you will not be protected from the sun’s rays. If it is translucent, you’re not protected. | ||
| − | *Do not use citrus oils in your homemade sunscreen, as they are phototoxic and can cause your skin to burn badly.<ref | + | *Do not use citrus oils in your homemade sunscreen, as they are phototoxic and can cause your skin to burn badly.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | *Many health professionals warn against making your own sunscreen, as there is no way to test its efficacy before it is used. For example, the way you combine the ingredients could render them ineffective, and you won't know that until you wind up with a sunburn.<ref | + | *Many health professionals warn against making your own sunscreen, as there is no way to test its efficacy before it is used. For example, the way you combine the ingredients could render them ineffective, and you won't know that until you wind up with a sunburn.<ref name="rf8" /> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
