Safe Sunscreen Options for All Year-Round

Go Green in 2014: Week 31

We are constantly told to wear sunscreen, yet how many of us actually wear it on a daily basis? I used to wear face moisturizer with sunscreen every day, but since I quit buying commercial products, I don't anymore. I don't spend a lot of time outdoors anyway, and I think a small amount of daily unprotected sun exposure can be a good thing. But what about those days when we spend a lot of time in the sun? I haven't bought sunscreen in a while because I have heard conflicting information about its benefits, including that it may promote skin cancer growth (source), and have decided that I would rather go without. However, that's actually not necessary. Did you know that you might already have a safer alternative in your home?

There are various products, which you might find in your kitchen, that can help filter the sun's rays.

Natural sunscreen options

• Coconut oil, SPF 4-6
• Shea butter, SPF 4-6
• Almond oil, SPF 5
• Carrot seed oil, SPF 35-40
• Red raspberry seed oil, SPF 25-50

Any of these products could be applied directly to the skin as a daily moisturizer that will also protect against the sun. I haven't tried them all, so I'm not sure if there are any negative effects caused by using them. I do know that coconut oil leaves my face looking a bit greasy, but in small doses, it might work for you.

Some of these products have a higher SPF than others; however, they don't have to be used alone. They can also be combined into a custom sunscreen blend.

Homemade sunscreen recipe

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup lotion (non-toxic, preferably homemade)
• .4 - 1.6 oz. uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide

Directions:

1. Warm the lotion (using warm bath water) and mix it with the zinc in a food processor. The more zinc you use, the higher sun protection you will get.
2. Store the sunscreen the same way you would store the lotion; certain oils may require it to be stored in the fridge.
3. Apply before sun exposure. There is no need to wait before going outside because it will be effective immediately.
4. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, since it is not waterproof.

Notes: You can add essential oils for fragrance and cocoa powder to tint the sunscreen; the zinc oxide can leave you looking a bit pasty.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, think about trying one of the above natural sunscreen options.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**