It’s that time of year, again! Time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun! But, hold on, there there are some things you need to remember, like, don’t rush out and fry yourself!
What’s the worst that can happen with overexposure? Well, the answer to that question is not simple and we cannot do it justice here, but we all know about the link between too much sun and skin cancer.
Suffice it to say that if you get it, you WILL either be covering up and staying away from prolonged periods of direct sunlight, or you will become intimately familiar with “modern medicine practices”. I know which one I want!
You’re probably wondering, “why not just buy sunscreen”? Well, lots of people will do just that. But people who understand the connection between what we put on and in our bodies know it has everything to do with why we are the cancer and Alzheimers generation, and that we do not have to “go quietly” into such a future.
We can “fight back”, and the first line of defense is totally within our control. Read the chemicals list on the backs of these containers some time, and that should do it!
You can buy ready-made all-natural sun screens, if you don’t faint at the price, that is. But you must still do your homework and remember: things are not always what they claim to be.
Think there is an easier and safer way: make your own!
DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe
So, let’s make our own very simple Natural skin protection:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz. beeswax granules/pastilles (about 1/8 cup; or 2 Tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup shea butter (2 oz.)
- 1/4 cup pure coconut oil (2 oz.)
- 2 Tablespoons zinc oxide powder (1 oz.)
You’re going to need a “makeshift” double boiler, unless you’re lucky enough to have a vintage glass double boiler (I do!). Otherwise, use a glass bowl that will fit partially down inside one of your small cooking pans/pots. Put about an inch of water in the cooking pan/pot.
Directions:
- In your glass bowl, combine the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax granules.
- Gently melt your oils, while stirring (do not use a wooden spoon here – use stainless steel only).
- When oils are completely melted together, remove bowl from heat source.
- Add zinc oxide powder, stirring in gently (you do not want it to “fly”).
- Gently stir the oxide powder in until there are no “lumps”.
- Pour it into a glass jar or container and allow to cool. It will be a creamy white color upon cooling.
Use in delicate areas to prevent burn, such as nose, cheekbones, wherever protection is needed. It goes on “white” but disappears into the skin within a few short minutes.
This is a small batch for “trial”; you may want to double the recipe for larger batches.
Note: This is not intended to be used “all over your body and every time you go out in the sun.” We all need sun. 15 minutes a day in the sun will produce the right kind of Vitamin D, which is so healthy for us all, and you don’t want to block your skins ability to produce Vitamin D (A side note on supplements: if you’re going to rely on supplements for Vitamin D, make sure it’s D3; others will not do the job. I’ll leave you to research. But 15 minutes a day in the sun is a much better solution).
Other Ways To Be Wise About Sun Exposure
Expose yourself to the right amount of sun at the right time of day, and you should not need to “protect your skin” all over. 15-30 minutes a day in the sun will do the job for you; if you must be out longer than that, yes, you should protect your skin, especially in higher heat times of day. Of course, if you’re prone to “freckles” and you really don’t want more freckles, you are going to want to do more to protect your skin, but you still need sun to be healthy.
Time of day for exposure to sun is very important. Morning or late afternoon/early evening sun will produce Vitamin D very well; being out in the hot sun in the worst heat of the day is simply not wise. It’s important not to “rush into” sun exposure, either, particularly if your skin has not been subjected to sun in quite some time. Work into it slowly, to prevent sunburn, which is skin damage. Skin that is damaged today will come back to haunt you tomorrow – make no mistake about it!
I’m sure none of us wants to burn the skins of our wee ones, either. Here are some helps:
- A wide-brimmed hat is an absolute “must”, for babies, children, and adults
- A good pair of sunglasses to protect the eyes – absolutely!
- Light color clothing, as dark colors attract and hold heat. Long-sleeved white cotton or natural linen shirts to cover up when you want to stay “out” but know you’ve had all the sun you need on arms, and long pants of equal fabric that you can “slip on” at will.
You’ll still be cool and comfortable; you’ll still be enjoying time outdoors, but you won’t be damaging your skin (sunburn).
Wearing sandals? Your feet can get burned, too; be prepared to change shoes or protect your skin at the top of your feet, ankles, etc. White cotton socks may not be “sexy”, but neither is sunburn or sun poisoning up your ankles.
Do not neglect your hands – the backs of your hands are more likely to have sun damage (referred to as “age spots” as time goes on) than any other part; as you age, you WILL care about this.
DO NOT subject yourself to sunburn, and certainly make sure your children don’t get burned. It’s more than just temporary misery, it’s permanent damage to our delicate organ we call “skin”.
Don’t be afraid to carry a large umbrella, particularly on the beach or outdoors for long periods; it once was quite fashionable, and should be again, IMHO. Asian and European women still carry an umbrella (parasol, if you prefer) to protect their skin from the damaging effects of sun, while still being able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine outdoors. Start a wave!
Eat your fruits and veggies! Those antioxidants will be powerful in producing the right things for skin and avoiding the wrong things. And don’t forget that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants! Happy! Happy! Happy!
With all of this, I hope you’re ready to have safe and carefree fun in the sun!