home made sun cream
I am really worried about my skin. Every summer, I try to be careful in the sun, but I don’t always feel like the store bought sunscreens are doing enough. Last year, I burnt while hiking, even tho I thought I'd applied enough. That’s when I started looking into home made sun cream. A friend of mine swears by it and says she’s been using her own mix for years with great results. I mean, she claims it works better than anything else. I tried a recipe I found online with coconut oil, zinc oxide, and a few essential oils, but honestly, I'm not sure how effective this home made sun cream is. I still read stuff that says you need specific SPF ratings, and I'm wondering if my DIY version really has any protection. I even did a patch test and everything, didn’t have any reactions or anything which is good. But like, how do I know if my home made sun cream is really doing its job? Are there any particular ingredients that should definitely be in it or avoided? Also, my sister thinks I’m just being silly, that it's better to go the commercial route, but I hate the idea of all those chemicals. Anyone here used home made sun cream regularly and can share their experiences? Would love some advice!
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Doctors' responses
DIY sun creams might sound appealing because they seem more natural, but they’re tricky in terms of effectiveness. Commercial sunscreens go through rigorous testing to determine their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) levels, which aren’t easy to replicate at home. SPF measures how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, no bonus points for looking “natural”. Coconut oil and zinc oxide are often used in DIY formulations — zinc oxide itself does provide some UV protection but the challenge lies in ensuring consistent coverage and correct concentrations to achieve a real SPF rating. Essential oils, on the other hand, don’t have proven UV protective properties and can sometimes even increase sensitivity to the sun.
A general problem with homemade creams is usually lack of consistent formulation which leads to unreliable coverage and protection. Major dermatological organizations and studies consistently highlight that, typically, homemade versions won’t offer the needed broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. So when choosing ingredients, if you still want to go the home-made route, the focus should be on zinc oxide in the correct concentration but really, ensuring you apply often and generously.
In case you’re worried about chemicals, look for sunscreens labeled as “mineral” or “physical” which primarily contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, less likely to have adverse skin reactions or absorb through the skin into the body. They can be safer options without skimping on sun protection. To be safe, I suggest speaking with a dermatologist who can provide guidance based on your skin type and preferences, they’re unlikely to advise going with a DIY approach for something crucial as sun protection.
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