Home made Sunscreen Lotion

I know summer is over, but skin tanning and sun burns continue until end of October in India and until end of August, mid-september in the Western world. Sunblock is a must have when in sun. Many sun protection products contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the hormone system in humans. Considering to use a safe, natural, effective sun protection cream or lotion is the best, one that is made with essential oils.

These natural oils like carrot seed oil help maintain liver functions, myrrh oil works as a powerful anti oxidant, helichrysum and lavender oils act as armors protecting the skin from sun damage. Coconut oil contains a natural SPF of 4, zinc oxide has natural SPF of 20+.

To make a natural sun block at home:
20 drops each of lavender essential oil, carrot seed oil
10 drops each of myrrh oil, helichrysum essential oil,
1/2 cup virgin organic coconut oil ( at room temperature)
2 tbsp zinc oxide.

Combine all ingredients, except zinc oxide, in a large glass jar.
Place the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir the ingredients, this melts the coconut oil and helps mix all ingredients well.
Add zinc oxide to the melted mixture and stir in well. Pour into a squeeze tube, tin or lotion bottle.
Shake a few times after converting the mixture into the container, just to make sure zinc oxide doesnot settle separate.
Before applying, shake well.
**Caution: Use within 6 months of preparation.

Try this once and if you like it, you might make a few batches to prep for the harsh summer next year. This can even be a very nice gift to the other ladies you know. Our homemade sun protection block works pretty well as a scented application too, it has the sweet essences of natural oils...no reactions and no worries !!

----------- Prathyusha Talluri