Cosmetic industry offers us a variety of sunscreen products, many of which are harmful to our health.

It is good to know that there is a natural and safe alternative in the form of natural oils and minerals.

You can, by yourself, make natural products for sunbathing!

It will be just as effective as the most commercialized product on the market, but it will not contain any toxic ingredients.

Natural products for skin protection are especially recommended to people with the sensitive skin, people suffering from allergies and especially to children.

Vegetable oils and butters should be combined with natural minerals (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or seaweed extract - Helioguard 365).

This is because oils generally protect us against UVB radiation, which causes sunburns, while minerals filtrate UVA radiation which causes skin aging and affects pigmentation.

Natural oils with a high SPF

Raspberry seed oil

Raspberry seed oil has the highest natural protective factor, which ranges from 28 to 50, depending on the growing conditions.

It can be used independently or as a supplement in mixtures.

It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is very suitable for skin prone to irritation, rashes, eczema and lesions.

Hazelnut oil

Hazelnut oil is a popular addition to natural beauty products.

It is highly regarded as a sun protection, because it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.

It is absorbed quickly, prevents photo-aging and adverse impacts of external factors.

It is suitable for the care of mixed and dry skin. It may be used alone or in a mixture. Its estimated natural SPF is between 10 and 30.

Carrot seed oil

Carrot seed oil improves the general condition of the skin and gives it elasticity.

At the same time, it works against various skin problems: eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, vesicles, and also prevents wrinkles and age spots.

Estimated natural SPF ranges from 38 to 40.

Wheat germ oil

Wheat germ oil is the best natural source of vitamin E, which makes it excellent for skin care.

It is particularly favorable for dry skin, it is recommended for preventing the signs of aging, deep skin regeneration and healing irritation. It can be used pure or in a mixture.

Only people allergic to wheat can not use this product.

Estimated natural protective factor is 20.

Soybean oil

Soybean oil makes our skin more beautiful and evens out the complexion and prevents wrinkles.

It is rich in vitamin E and is quickly absorbed.

This oil has an SPF of 10. It is also used as a mosquito repellent.

Oils with lower SPF

These oils have a lower SPF. And they can be used in the preparation of a mixture from protecting skin against the sun.

•     macadamia oil - SPF 6
•     jojoba oil - SPF 4
•     sesame oil - SPF 2-4
•     Shea butter - SPF 3-6
•     coconut oil - SPF 2-8
•     olive oil - SPF 2-8
•     avocado oil SPF - 4-15
•     castor oil - SPF 6
•     almond oil - SPF 5

 

Minerals for protection against UVA radiation

Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that effectively protects against UVA radiation, which in combination with oils provides protection from the entire spectrum of solar radiation.

In addition to sunscreen products, it is used in the care of children's skin and as a soothing lotion. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is used as a natural preservative in skin care preparations.

Zinc oxide is usually added to creams and lotions in a concentration from 2 to 10%. You are not allowed to breathe in, while using it for making natural cosmetics.

Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is a mineral that is often combined with zinc oxide.

By adding five percent of powder into a mixture for sunbathing, you will achieve a protection factor of 10.

Caution should be exercised when adding higher concentrations of this mineral because it affects the density of the mixture.

You are not allowed to breathe in, while using it for making natural sunbathing mixture.

Helioguard 365

Helioguard 365 is an extract of a red algae Porphyria umbilicalis which serves as an effective natural UVA filter.

It is suitable for everyday use and protects the skin from premature aging.

The recommended concentration in the natural preparations is from 1 to 5%.

Skin protection begins on the plate

Skin protection begins on the plate. No cosmetic product can protect you better than your diet.

The most important thing is that your food is rich in carotenoids which prepare the skin for the sun, and vitamin C which protects and restores our skin.

Daily consumption of these food items will protect your skin from UV rays, encourage regeneration and reduce the possibility of allergic reactions.

 

Foods that protect the skin:

•     cocoa
•     black and green tea
•     micro-algae (chlorella and spirulina)
•     foods that contain carotenoids (peach, mango, apricot, papaya, sweet potatoes beets ...)
•     foods containing lycopene (watermelon, tomatoes, red peppers, red grapefruit)
•     pomegranate, broccoli, green leafy vegetables
•     foods containing tocotrienol (barley, rye, oats, palm oil ...)
•     foods that contain vitamin C (acerola, pomegranate, berries, citrus ...)
•     foods that contain omega-3 (hemp seeds, chia seeds)
•     foods that contain histidine (rice, wheat, rye, dairy products)
•     water

Recipes for making natural products for sunbathing

If you are inspired to create a sunscreen, we give you these two recipes.

Recipe for skin protection with beeswax

Ingredients:

•     1/2 cup of almond or olive oil
•     ¼ cup of coconut oil
•     ¼ cup of beeswax
•     2 tablespoons of zinc oxide
•     2 tablespoons of shea butter
•     essential oil or vanilla extract for flavoring of your choice

Melt the oil, butter and wax over a low fire in a bowl with a double bottom.

Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool a little, and then add the zinc oxide. When using zinc oxide take care not to breathe it in. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.

Use this mixture as you would use any other product for sun protection. Use the mixture within 6 months of making it.

Recipe with aloe vera 

Ingredients:

•        ½ cup of pure aloe vera gel
•        20 drops of carrot seed oil
•        5 tablespoons of wheat germ oil
•        tablespoon of hemp oil
•        5 drops of lavender oil

Mix the above ingredients. Shake before use.

When buying vegetable oil and butter, make sure they are unrefined, cold-pressed and from trusted manufacturers.

Diluting reduces their protective factor, but if you combine more oils at a time, you will get effective preparation, because the solar protection factor (also known by the English acronym SPF) is variable.

Regardless of using protection products, you are advised to avoid the sun between noon and 4 p.m., or to wear protective clothing and hats.

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