Toss the Bottle, Make Your Own: The Case Against Commercial Sunscreen
The sun is a beautiful, powerful thing. It warms our skin, brightens our days, and gives us life-giving Vitamin D. But we've been conditioned to fear it, to slather on a chemical shield every time we step outside. We've all been told that sunscreen is our first line of defense against skin cancer. But what if that's not the whole story?
At We3Wolves, we're all about getting back to basics, about ditching the processed and chemical-laden for the natural and nourishing. We believe in getting our hands dirty, in understanding what goes into the products we use. And when it comes to sunscreen, that's no different, we spend a lot of time outside and when UV's are bearing down on us, we make our own protection naturally.
The Problem with Conventional Sunscreen
Let's be clear: we're not saying to go out and get a sunburn. Sunburns can cause real damage especially with these fair skinned Irish wolves! But the conventional sunscreens we’ve been told to trust are full of the very things that are harming our skin & bodies. They often contain a cocktail of endocrine disruptors and other harmful chemicals. Many of these chemicals, like oxybenzone, are not only bad for us, but they're also devastating to marine life, killing coral reefs and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
It’s a cruel irony that we put on sunscreen to prevent cancer, when some of the very ingredients have been linked to health problems. It's a risk we don’t need to take.
Your Best Defense: Shade and Common Sense
The truth is, sunscreen should be your last resort, not your first. Your best defense against the sun’s powerful UV rays is shade, a wide-brimmed hat, knowing your own body, and getting out of the midday sun when it’s at its strongest (typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). The sun is not the enemy, but a healthy dose of common sense is key.
For those times when you can't be in the shade, or you're out and about during peak sun hours, a natural sunscreen is the way to go.
A DIY Sunscreen That's Good for You and the Planet
This recipe uses non-nano zinc oxide, which sits on top of your skin to physically block the sun's rays, rather than being absorbed into your bloodstream like chemical sunscreens. It’s important to use non-nano zinc oxide, as this means the particles are too large to be absorbed into your body or harm marine life.
Important Note: When working with zinc oxide powder, be careful not to inhale it. Wear a mask if necessary!
Natural Sunscreen Recipe
Materials:
* ½ cup sweet almond oil (or avocado oil or olive oil)
* ¼ cup coconut oil
* ¼ cup beeswax pellets
* 2 TBSP non-nano zinc oxide powder
* 1 tsp red raspberry seed oil (optional)
* 1 tsp carrot seed oil (optional)
* 2 TBSP shea butter (optional)
* 25 drops essential oils (use non-phototoxic ones like frankincense, lavender, or chamomile)
* ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for scent)
* ½ tsp vitamin E oil (optional, to extend shelf life)
Instructions:
1. Combine all the ingredients except the zinc oxide in a pint-sized or larger glass jar. You can also use a double boiler instead of a jar.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a few inches of water and place it on the stove over medium heat.
3. Loosely place the lid on your jar and put it in the pan with the water.
4. Stir occasionally to mix the ingredients as they melt.
5. Once all the ingredients are completely melted, stir in the zinc oxide. You'll need to stir for a bit to ensure it's fully incorporated.
6. Pour the mixture into the jar or tin you'll be using for storage.
7. Stir a few more times as it cools to make sure the zinc oxide doesn't settle.
8. Store your finished sunscreen at room temperature or in the refrigerator to increase its shelf life.
Notes:
* This sunscreen is not waterproof. Reapply after sweating or swimming.
* Want a thicker sunscreen? Add a little more beeswax. For a smoother texture, use less.
* Remove the zinc oxide from this recipe, and you have a wonderful, natural lotion!
Making your own sunscreen is another step in reclaiming your health and a part of our wild and wonderful journey. You're not just protecting your skin; you're also protecting the world around you. Now go out there, enjoy the sunshine responsibly, and live like the wild wolves you are!