Why should You Make Your Own Sunscreen Products

People use sunscreen due to the fear that exposure to the sun will cause skin cancer. The truth is that only 10% of cancer cases are attributed to radiation and out of that UV accounts for very little. In fact, studies suggest that exposure to the sun can help prevent the development and spread of skin cancer. Patients with melanoma seem to show a higher survival rate if they get regular sun exposure. People are so afraid of the sun and they need lots of sunscreen lotions to protect them from the sun rays when they go out under the sun. Your skin is the largest organ, the skincare products you put on your skin can enter your bloodstream directly through your skin. Sunscreens with chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone have been shown to cause health damages including skin cancer. Sunscreens also block the production of Vit.D in our bodies.

These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and cause skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and skin cancer. Studies have shown the harmful impact on the fetuses when pregnant women are exposed to oxybenzone, and women with higher levels of oxybenzone during pregnancy had lower birth weight children. Researchers suggested that oxybenzone, triclosan, parabens, and phthalates in sunscreens have the ability to disrupt hormone balances and increase the risk of breast cancer. Retinyl Palmitate or Vitamin A Palmitate is commonly used in skincare products because it is an antioxidant that reduces aging. However, research shows that rats that were treated with vitamin A formulation topically showed a faster spread of skin tumors and lesions.

Most plant oils block harmful radiation from the sun but still allow beneficial sun rays to reach our skins to boost our health and increase the production of activated Vit.D. Evidence shows that Vitamin D helps prevent bone diseases, muscle weakness, cancers, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Regular exposure to the sun is also crucial to our mental health. It boosts our happiness by increasing the level of the happy hormone serotonin in our body. The beautiful sunlight can directly stimulate the production of serotonin through our skins. Research indicates that the skin has the serotonergic machinery to perform this task. Moreover, the production of serotonin by the brain is also directly related to exposure to bright sunlight. Our body is a magical machine that is designed to enjoy the sun. This in turn prevents depression and anxiety. In fact, decreased production of serotonin in the body is also related to seasonal depression, this again demonstrates how important it is for our health to have regular exposure to the sun. The sun is also critical for our longevity and immunity because it is the source of Yang energy in our body. When the Yang energy declines in the body, people start to age rapidly and are prone to many illnesses due to their weakened immune systems.

If you are concerned about sunburns, you can consume more anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, cherries, grapes, leafy greens, etc. Your skin is much less likely to burn when you eat a diet with anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables. 

Here is a list of plant oils that have sunscreen properties based on their SPF (Sun Protection Factors) levels.

• Carrot Seed Oil: SPF 38-40
• Raspberry Seed Oil: SPF 28-50
• Wheat Germ Oil: SPF 20
• Hazel Nut Oil: SPF 15
• Avocado Oil: SPF 4-15
• Coconut Oil: SPF 2-8
• Olive Oil: SPF 2-8
• Macadamia Nut Oil: SPF 6
• Hemp Seed Oil: SPF: 6
• Almond Oil: SPF 5
• Shea Butter: SPF 3-6
• Jojoba Oil: SPF 4
• Sea Buckthorn Oil: SPF 2-4

With an SPF against UVB rays of 28-50 and an SPF against UVA rays of around 8, raspberry seed oil provides both UVA and UVB protection. The raspberry seed oil contains powerful antioxidants and vitamin E to help fight against free radicals, slow down skin aging, and improve skin tone/elasticity. Wheat germ oil is also a great choice with SPF around 20. It is a great source of Vitamin E, K, B, and Choline, which helps moisturize the skin and prevents free radical damage. Make sure to test these oils on your skin before using them to make sure you have no adverse reactions.

How to make your own homemade sunscreen skin product?
Besides essential oils, you need zinc oxide because it provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA wavelengths >360 nm. Nano or micronized zinc oxide has been treated to reduce the size of its particles and created an ultrafine powder, which makes it a popular choice in many commercial sunscreens. But these particles are so small that they can enter the body through the skin and cause potential health challenges. It is a good idea to purchase a non-nano zinc oxide (Anything with a particle size smaller than 100nm is considered a nanoparticle).

Ingredients:
• Carrot seed oil: 20 drops
• Coconut oil: 1 ounce
• Beeswax: 1 ounce
• Shea butter: 1 ounce
• Raspberry seed oil: 1/2 ounce
• Vitamin E oil: 1 tsp.
• Zinc Oxide: 1 tbsp.

Directions:
Place a double boiler over low heat to melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool a little. Put on a mask that covers your nose and mouth to avoid breathing in the fine particles of zinc oxide powder, and add the zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil, and rest ingredients. Stir well to combine. Seal the mixture in a glass jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.

The shelf life of this natural homemade sunscreen is about 6 months. Refrigerate it when not using it. do not leave your homemade sunscreen sitting out in direct sunlight because the ingredients are photosensitive. It is certainly worth your time and energy to do something good for your skin and your health. Your body will appreciate you in the long run. What do you think? For more information on holistic health tips and natural remedies, please visit https://optimalhealthsolutions.ca.