DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard
It’s almost summer, and we are loving the warm weather! It’s Memorial Day weekend, and we are celebrating with barbecues, camping trips, beach days, and picnics. The skies are blue, flowers are blooming, and sunshine is bright as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
As much as we enjoy spending time outside, we’ve all experienced a little too much time in the sun at one point or another and ended up with an uncomfortable sunburn. Too much time in direct sunlight can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even sun poisoning in the short term. In the long term, sun damage can cause premature aging, skin cancer, and other issues. To protect our skin, it’s important to wear hats, sun-protection clothing when possible, and use sunscreen. However, many commercial sunscreen brands can contain chemicals that can be harmful or pose as irritants to those with sensitive skin.
If you are looking for a natural alternative to sunscreen, we have put together a simple all-natural Sun Guard DIY for you. This recipe utilizes the benefits of essential oils with the protection of zinc oxide. Unlike many sunscreens, zinc oxide doesn’t absorb into the skin, creating a physical barrier against the sun.
The SPF of this recipe will vary depending on the type and the amount of zinc oxide you use, so do some research on the leading brands and adjust this recipe to your liking. The other ingredients in this recipe don’t have sun-blocking properties, but the shea butter and fractionated coconut oil can help moisturize your skin, and the Carrot Seed and Lavender EOs give it a calming, grounding scent.
Sun Guard Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 drops Carrot Seed
- 10 drops Lavender
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/3 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 4 Tbs zinc oxide
Directions
- Use a double boiler to melt the shea butter.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until smooth with a handheld mixer.
- Store in a dark glass airtight container. Keep somewhere cool between uses.
DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard: The Natural Shield You Need!
While the primary source of life and energy, the sun emits harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin damage. With an increasing number of people opting for natural solutions, the allure of essential oils as a protective measure has grown significantly. The DIY approach ensures that you know exactly what's happening in your skin and allows customization to suit individual needs.
The Need for Natural Sun Protection
Chemical sunscreens, although practical, often come with a host of unwanted side effects, including potential allergic reactions and environmental concerns. Hence the shift towards natural remedies.
Why Essential Oils?
Essential oils have properties that can protect the skin from UV radiation. Their natural composition ensures minimal side effects and maximum benefits.
Benefits of the DIY Approach
Creating your sun guard at home ensures transparency in ingredients and allows for personal tweaks to the recipe. Plus, it's kinder to your pocket!
Basics of Essential Oils
Understanding essential oils is critical to formulating an effective sun guard.
Definition and Extraction
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain their source's natural aroma and properties.
Popular Essential Oils for Sun Protection
Lavender, carrot seed, and raspberry seed oil are among the top contenders known for their sun-protective properties.
How Essential Oils Reflect UV Rays
These oils have compounds that scatter UV rays, acting as a natural shield for the skin.
Formulating Your DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard
To make an effective sun guard, one must thoroughly understand blending and concentrations.
Choosing the Right Carrier Oil
Carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oil can be the base, enhancing the SPF value.
Blending Techniques
Proper blending ensures even distribution of essential oils, providing uniform protection.
Determining the Right Concentration
Too little might be ineffective; too much can be harmful. Striking a balance is crucial.
Step-by-step Guide to DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard
Ready to make your sun guard? Let's dive in!
Gathering Ingredients
Ensure you have all the essential oils, carrier oils, and other ingredients like beeswax or shea butter at hand.
Procedure
Mixing in the correct order and technique ensures maximum efficacy of your sun guard.
Application & Storage
Apply generously and store in a cool, dark place for a prolonged shelf life.
Safety Precautions
Safety first! Always ensure you're using your DIY products safely.
Patch Test Importance
Before full-scale application, test on a small skin patch to rule out allergies.
Potential Allergic Reactions
While rare, some might react to certain oils. Being informed is critical.
Ensuring Proper Sun Protection
Even with sun guard, avoid prolonged exposure during peak hours.
Comparing DIY and Commercial Sunscreens
How does your DIY product stack up against store-bought ones?
Ingredient Overview
Natural vs. Chemical – the age-old debate!
Cost Efficiency
Sure, there might be some initial investment in buying essential oils, but in the long run? Your DIY sun guard can save you a pretty penny compared to those pricey commercial brands.
Effectiveness & Reliability
Commercial sunscreens are tested rigorously. But with careful research and formulation, your homemade sun guard can give them a run for their money!
Advantages of DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard
Let's explain why this DIY game-changer deserves a spot in your skincare routine.
Control over Ingredients
Ever glanced at the back of a sunscreen bottle and thought, "What on earth is that?" With DIY, you're in the driver's seat, choosing only what you trust on your skin.
Cost-Effectiveness
How much will you save? But really, think about it: a few upfront costs, and you're set for months!
Environmentally Friendly
Mother Earth will thank you! No harmful chemicals wash off into the oceans, harming marine life.
Potential Drawbacks
Let's keep it real – DIY isn't all sunshine and roses.
Time Consumption
While whipping up a batch might make you feel like a modern-day alchemist, it takes some time.
Variability in Protection
Lab tests make it easier to pinpoint your concoction's exact SPF. Always stay cautious in the sun!
Need for Frequent Reapplication
Natural products might not have the staying power of commercial ones. Keep that in mind and reapply more often.
Real-life Experiences
I've chatted with folks who've tried and tested this out. Let me share some tidbits.
Personal Success Stories
Jenna from Miami swears by her lavender and coconut oil blend, claiming it's her beach day essential.
DIY Failures & Lessons Learned
Then there's Ben from San Diego, who learned the hard way – never use citrus oils. They can increase sun sensitivity!
Maintenance and Shelf Life
Just like any product, your DIY sun guard needs some TLC.
Proper Storage
An excellent, dark place will ensure longevity. And remember, no double-dipping!
Signs of Expiry
If it smells off or changes consistency, it's time to bid farewell.
Making Batches for Future Use
A weekend DIY session can stock you up for months. But always note the creation date.
FAQs
How often should I reapply the sunguard?
Always after swimming or sweating, and every 2 hours during prolonged sun exposure.
Can I use this on my kids?
Absolutely, but always do a patch test first to ensure no allergic reactions.
What's the average SPF of DIY sun guards?
It varies, but it's generally lower than commercial sunscreens. Always use it in conjunction with other protective measures.
Can I add fragrance to my sun guard?
Yes, but ensure it's skin-safe and doesn't increase sun sensitivity.
Do I need a preservative?
A natural preservative like vitamin E can be beneficial if you're making batches for extended use.
Is it waterproof?
Not entirely. Constantly reapply after getting wet.
Conclusion
Embarking on the DIY Essential Oil Sun Guard journey can be rewarding. It's an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and skin-loving alternative to commercial sunscreens. While it has its set of challenges, the benefits outweigh them. And come on, there's a special pride in using something you've whipped up yourself. So, go on, give it a shot! Your skin (and wallet) will thank you.