Okay folks! Summertime is here! Time to break out the sunscreen!

 

Hold up!! Sunscreen from the store is full of toxic chemicals and substances that are actually terrible for you!

 

What to do?! Surely you can't make this magical sunburn-preventing substance at home?!
 

Yes, my Steemit friends, you CAN.

 
This is a container of my homemade sunscreen, which, incidentally, can double as diaper cream, for anyone interested...

Here's what you need:

• 2T beeswax
• 2/3C coconut oil
• 2T zinc oxide powder
• essential oils of choice for fragrance

 

Look how creamy!

Now, a note here about zinc oxide powder:

When shopping for the stuff, you want to look for a non-nano size particle. Some say nano particles being absorbed into your skin is dangerous, some say it's not. To be safe, I look for something like this with larger particles.
 

Making the sunscreen is simple.

First you must melt the beeswax. People say to use a double boiler, but I don't have one, so I just use a regular saucepan on low.

Next, add in the coconut oil and wait for it to melt, (unless it already is liquid).

Then whisk in the zinc oxide powder and any essential oils you wish to use!

I like rose geranium oil for insect repellent purposes, and lavender and peppermint are soothing to the skin.  

It is smooth, soothing, and rubs in pretty well. Yes, you will look a little paler than usual at first, but that's a small price to pay for non-toxic sun-protection, in my opinion.

 

I use this ALL THE TIME for myself, my kids, and my husband. A small container like this lasts a surprisingly long time.

 
The only downsides to this cream are that it's not as easy to apply as, say, the spray on kind from the grocery store. Also, it doesn't last as long as some kinds that supposedly last 'all day'. You'll want to reapply periodically depending on how pale the skin is, and how intense the sun is. I generally do it about every 3-4hrs. Also, don't forget, this makes an excellent diaper rash ointement as well! You may want to make a double batch and put a container on your changing table while you're at it.
 

I hope you all find this helpful and that some of you try and whip up a batch this summer! Here in south GA we are already experiencing temps in the 90's and the kids are spending lots of time in the pool, which means we are cracking out the sunscreen big time!

Have a blessed day, Steemians, and please drop a comment with any questions or thoughts you may have! ♥

 

badges courtesy of @daddykirbs








All photos are my own work unless otherwise stated.



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