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natural sunscreen for face at home
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14952
45 days ago
91

natural sunscreen for face at home - #14952

Navya

I am really worried about my skin lately. I've started trying to be more careful with what I put on my face because I read a ton about the chemicals in store-bought products. I don’t wanna risk damaging my skin even more. It all started when I noticed my face getting super dry and red after using a popular sunscreen, which, of course, was supposed to protect me from sun damage. I’ve been trying to find a natural sunscreen for face at home, but honestly, I’m kinda confused about what ingredients to use. I mean, I’ve heard about coconut oil and zinc oxide being good, but is that enough? Is such a natural sunscreen for face at home really effective, or is it just a myth? I tried mixing some shea butter and essential oils as a DIY thing but did I do it wrong? My friend told me to add aloe vera too, but how much of everything do I add? What if it doesn’t even work? All these thoughts are racing in my head, I just need some clear guidance on making a natural sunscreen for face at home without ruining my skin anymore. Any help or tips would be super appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Exploring natural alternatives for sunscreen is understandable, especially if you had reactions to commercial products. However, creating a truly effective natural sunscreen at home can be challenging. While ingredients like zinc oxide are frequently cited for sun protection due to their ability to cover skin and reflect UV rays, the effectiveness of homemade mixtures in providing adequate protection compared to commercial formulations is often inadequate. The consistency, particle size, and concentration may not provide a reliable SPF. Coconut oil and shea butter offer low SPF protection (approximately 4–6 for coconut oil), which is far below what’s generally recommended to prevent sun damage. To create a more effective blend, zinc oxide should be the main active ingredient; you might aim for approximately a 20-25% concentration to achieve moderate protection, though this is inherently less precise than commercial products. Aloe vera, when added, can soothe the skin, but it doesn’t provide sun protection. If you do decide to make a DIY mixture, ensure you use non-nano zinc oxide to prevent absorption into the skin. Combine it with oils you know you tolerate well, but remember, these mixtures are hard to get right in terms of effectiveness. It’s crucial you monitor your skin closely for signs of damage or reactions. For comprehensive protection, seeking out products labeled with ‘broad-spectrum’ and SPF 30 or higher is still advised. Also, employ additional protective measures like wearing hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. If your skin is experiencing ongoing issues like dryness and redness, consider consulting a dermatologist; they can help determine if there might be an underlying condition that needs addressing or recommend suitable products tailored to your skin type. Be cautious with essential oils, as they can occasionally cause irritation or allergic reactions. In summary, while exploring homemade solutions is an interesting path, balancing safety and efficacy requires understanding potential limitations and complementing them with other protective behaviors.

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