Homemade Sunscreen Spray Recipe
If you’re looking for a light homemade sunscreen for everyday use, I have the perfect recipe for you. Made with skin healing essential oils, your skin will not only be protected from the sun, it will be absolutely glowing!
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Does Homemade Sunscreen Work?
So the first question I want to address is, does homemade sunscreen work? I have been using DIY sunscreen for several years and I have very sensitive skin that burns easily – it always works well for me. The key is reapplying after going in the water or after a few hours because homemade sunscreens are not water-resistant.
The key to figuring out if your homemade sunscreen works is…to use it! Start experimenting – with caution. For example, don’t try it for the first time on a super sunny, hot day at the beach, lake or pool.
Test it out when you are going outdoors for a bit, or to the pool for a few hours. Try some on your arms and legs first, then gradually move to your chest and face. If you get burned, then you probably want to stick to the best natural store-bought sunscreen you can find. I keep this sunscreen on hand when I’m in a pinch with the kids.
If you don’t get burned, then keep experimenting. Spend a few more hours with it on, so you can figure out if it’s working for you. If you go in the water, definitely reapply afterward!
This homemade sunscreen spray works really well for me as an everyday sunscreen, when I’m out and about running errands, maybe going to the pool or beach for a few hours. I always have to protect myself from the sun because I have had basal cell carcinoma in the past AND I had a pretty bad case of melasma that I don’t want returning (read how I got rid of it here).
I really don’t like the feeling of heavy sunscreens on my face all day which I why I opted to make an oil-based sunscreen. If you’re like me, then you will find this light homemade sunscreen works really well for you.
I also like to make my own sunscreen cream with non-nano zinc for beach days, but I find it feels too heavy on my face for daily use (like I mentioned above). I usually follow this recipe from the wellness mama.
Shouldn’t We Avoid The Sun?
Yes and no. We need a little sun on our bodies every day to keep the old Vitamin D levels up. That could mean 10- 15 minutes or so in the morning, or later in the day. Definitely not around noon at peak sun hours.
I personally like to get a little bit of sun every morning because it gives me energy and makes me feel great.
I absolutely do not like to roast out in the sun all day and I cringe thinking about all of the hours I spent doing this when I was a teenager! Ah, the things I wish I could tell my younger self.
So after your 15 minutes of sun is up, it’s shade time! Put the umbrella up, wear clothing with SPF, slather on your homemade sunscreen and protect that precious skin of yours.
DIY Sunscreen Spray Ingredients
The ingredients are very simple: essential oils, carrier oils and non-nano zinc oxide.
The essential oils in this recipe have a natural sun protection factor. I can’t make any guesses or claims as to what it is. The essential oils I use are Sandalwood and Lavender.
You could also use Helichrysum essential oil, but I just love the way Sandalwood and Lavender smell together. I also add Carrot Seed Oil (not essential oil) because it is known for its possible natural SPF protection (again – no claims just real-life people using it).
Side Benefits of this Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
Sandalwood essential oil is AMAZING for your skin AND your mood. From doTERRA’s blog:
“With its pleasurable aroma and mood-benefiting qualities, Hawaiian Sandalwood makes a great oil for massages and aromatherapy. Hawaiian Sandalwood oil is also renowned for its skin benefits and is frequently used in skincare products. This oil promotes healthy-looking and smooth skin and reduces the appearance of skin imperfections.”
Sun protection that puts me in a good mood and helps my skin? Yes, please!
How To Use a Sunscreen Spray
Every morning, I add spray a few drops of sunscreen in my palms and apply it to my face, neck hands and any exposed skin. This is my base for the day. Sometimes I don’t apply it again, especially if I’m working or I know I will be indoors all day.
If I plan on going to the beach or pool all day, then I usually layer my cream-based sunscreen on top for extra protection.
Important: Please use caution when using a DIY sunscreen. If you are very fair and burn easily, this might not be for you. If you like to lay out in the sun all day, this also might not be for you. I recommend doing your research to figure out the best option.
DIY Sunscreen Spray Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil
2 tsp Carrot Seed Oil
10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (buy them retail here OR email me for wholesale pricing)
1/2 Tbsp Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Directions:
Combine the fractionated coconut oil, carrot seed oil and essential oils in a small bowl. Whisk in the zinc oxide (wear a mask because you don’t want to breathe it in!) and just keep whisking until it the mixture is fully combined. Pour your mixture into a 2-ounce spray bottle. Shake well before each use because the zinc tends to settle on the bottom.
Happy Summer! Enjoy the recipe!
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