Making your own sunscreen
Look for a sunscreen with at least one of the following ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and/or Avobenzone. These three are the only ingredients that are effective at blocking the (aging) UVA rays instead of just the (burning) UVB rays. Don't rely on anything that doesn't have one of those 3 ingredients, even if it is marketed as "UVA/UVB" or "Broadspectrum".And please be aware that the SPF factor of a sunscreen only refers to the UVB (burning) rays, not UVA (aging) protection. It's better to get a lower SPF and have a UVA blocking ingredient, than have a high SPF but only be blocking UVB. here's the recipe if you still need it:
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil/ olive oil1 Tablespoon Shea Butter/beeswax
1/2 Teaspoon Jojoba Oil (optional)
1/2 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel
2 Teaspoons Titanium Dioxide or zinc oxide
It is important first to be aware that zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are products that should not be inhaled (toxic). First put on gloves and a mask then place small pan on stove.Pour the oils and butter/wax and take a disposable spoon and stir the contents until the butter/wax has melted into the oil.After you have carefully mixed these two items then take 1 to 2 tablespoons of zinc oxide / titanium dioxide powder into pan.
The zinc oxide is a white powder that, again, should not be inhaled so wear a mask and gloves. Once it is completely stirred pour contents into a ceramic or glass bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.The mixture may become runny when you add the TD but it will set up overnight. Store in a tightly covered container. This has the consistency of butter at room temperature. keep them in a separate area from cooking items. Once you have mixed the sunscreen with any of the items whether it is the bowl or the pan you should not use it again to prepare food.Keep in the refrigerator during the summer months if your house is warm as the coconut oil will become liquid at higher temps.The sunscreen is not oily as the aloe vera gel helps the oils absorb into your skin.Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide both work by physically blocking the Sun's Rays. Titanium Dioxide reflects the light better than Zinc Oxide. Both are pure white powders if you add too much your skin will turn white. If you want to add a little color to your sunscreen add a little mineral makeup for color.
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide can be used together if you wish. Zinc Oxide has anti-inflammatory properties to it.ETA: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide block both UVA and UVB rays.