Whether you are in Georgia or across the bridge in South Carolina, those high heat temperatures can be a lot on the skin!
I recently went to a DIY Sunscreen class in the CSRA. I stumbled across a $5 class that was being held by Augusta Locally Grown at The Hub. This class couldn’t have come at a better time, because I’ve been feeling like I should start wearing sunscreen more frequently out here in this Georgia and South Carolina heat!
The class was taught by Ashley from ABECA Naturals, which is a local herb store located in North Augusta.
Many times people look for either the cheapest sunscreen or the highest SPF they can find thinking that will be best. But sunscreen promoting SPF over 50 tends to promise consumers false protection.
More importantly, I learned in the class that you should watch out for certain chemicals to avoid in sunscreen. Here is a list of chemicals to avoid in sunscreen.
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Cinoxate
- Dioxybenzone
- Ensulizole
- Meradimate
- Padimate O
- Sulisobenzone
One of the most healthiest products you can have in your sunscreen is Zinc Oxide, which was one of the main and most important ingredients used when we made the natural sunscreen.
How to make natural sunscreen that is safe for sensitive skin and coral reefs?
This is the recipe I received at the DIY Sunscreen class.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Non-Nano Zinc oxide
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Shea Butter
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
Directions
- Fill a small pot half way with water.
- Place each ingredient into a jar.
- Turn on the stove top at medium heat.
- Let all the ingredients melt together, stirring regularly.
- Once all ingredients have melted remove the jar from the heat. Be carful not to get any water inside of your jar.
- Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or shake your mixture until the cream thickens.
Now you have your natural sunscreen! You can also add an essential oil to your sunscreen for a scent, but you want to be careful that you don’t chose an essential oil that will burn your skin.
