Are you concerned about protecting your family and your self from the sun? Does skin cancer concern you? Are you confused about the many articles that talk about unsafe ingredients being more dangerous than UV rays? It’s true. Some of the sunscreens out there are full of toxic ingredients. Why take a gamble with your health?

I share your concerns and have worked hard to get answers as well as a solution.

Here is what I have learned:

Sun exposure is not dangerous for everyone

Some people really need to protect themselves from the sun, and take it seriously

Some people do better when they get sun

Not all sunscreens are created equal

Not all sunscreens are safe (for you or the environment)

Sunscreens can give a false sense of security

Wearing sun hats, long sleeves and staying out of direct sun is the best protection

Most of us need a different type of sunscreen for our face than the rest of our body.

And, drum roll please. …

You can make your own sunscreen,  safely and inexpensively.

Why I Wont Use Most Sunscreens on my Kids

Did you know that most sunscreens, even FDA approved, contain petro-chemicals that absorb into the skin and enter our blood stream? Some of these mimic estrogen.

Most of them contain ingredients that aren’t approved for children, so people are trying to protect their kids from the sun, yet they’re covering them with a toxic substance. This is a serious situation.

Why I Don’t Use Citronella

It stinks. There are other reasons I will get into, but let me just start with this; to me, it smells like bathroom cleaner and that is not something I want to wear. I know my kids sure don’t want to smell like bathroom cleaner either.

Also, a lot of people are allergic to citronella.  It causes skin reactions, rashes, and redness. It is pretty darned strong and as such, I don’t feel that it is very good for small children. There has also been concerns about damage to airways when it is inhaled.

Eco-Safe

These petro-chemicals don’t biodegrade and they enter our waterways when we swim or shower, causing harm to aquatic life! Using an insect repellant that is not oil based reduces the amount of surfactants that end up our the water.

How Can I make My Own Sunscreen

My goal is not to scare you but rather to inform you and then help you out by teaching you how to make your own sunscreen. Isn’t that awesome! You’ll know what is inside of it and it will save you money.

Here’s What You Need To Make Your Sunscreen

Daily shield moisturizer

Zinc oxide (non nano particle)

A bowl

A metal stir stick

1/4 Ethyl alcohol

1/4 cup distilled water (not bottled drinking water as most of that is not actual bacteria free)

Clean spray bottle

Here is How You Make Your Own Safe Sunscreen

Mix 1/4 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of the alcohol. Pour into the spray bottle.  Shake well and spray into a sink or somewhere safe (don’t breathe it in and keep it away from your eyes). Mark this bottle as “disinfectant” and place a Mr. YUCK sticker on it. Spray the bowl and spoon so that all parts are coated. Allow to air dry. You are using the ethyl alcohol to disinfect the bowl and spoon.

Once the bowl and spoon are dry,  pour the moisturizer into the bowl,  add the zinc oxide and stir well until it is completely blended. Use the back of the spoon to work out any clumps. 

Pour the contents of the bowl back into the original Daily Shield Moisturizer bottle. Clean up any edges using a clean paper towel.  You can spray a little of the alcohol solution on the paper towel.

Screw the lid on tight.  Mark the bottle so you know it has the zinc oxide in it.

Use it as needed for moisture and sun protection. 

Even with a sun screen,  it’s still important to protect yourself from sun damage with

A wide brimmed hat and long sleeves.