How To Make Homemade Sunscreen

During the summer season, many people like to take advantage of the sun and being in the outdoors. However, it is important to understand how powerful the sun is and learn how to protect yourself.

What Are the Dangers of the Sun?

Even though the sun can be relaxing and give you a nice glowing tan; however, it comes with its dangers too. For instance, too much sun can cause sunburns which can result to damage to the skin and body. As it can cause cells and blood vessels to become damaged and the skin will start to look dry, wrinkly and may have some dark spots. In addition, through long-term exposure the sun can cause changes in the skin cells and this can result to skin cancer.

Are There Benefits of Sun Exposure?

Many people think that sun exposure is a great way to get a good supply of vitamin D in the body. However, with today's technology there are many other ways you can get a good supply of vitamin D.

For instance, natural supplements and medications and food sources are a safer way of getting vitamin D while avoiding the dangers that sun exposure can cause.

And the one main benefit that that sun exposure has on many people is that it makes people feel good. But like anything moderation is key.

Who Can & Should Use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be used on anyone who will be spending time outdoors. This includes all skin types, skin color, age (except very young children), and gender.

When Should You Use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be used year round even if it does not seem that there isn't any sunlight or direct sun exposure. This is because the sun emits harmful ultraviolet rays even if the sun is hidden behind clouds. As on a cloudy rainy day, the sun can still emit up to 80% of harmful ultraviolet rays to your skin.

It is important to note after a rainfall or snow the sun is even more dangerous compared to a hot summer's day. This is because the rain and the snow can reflect the sun rays onto your skin. Therefore, it is important to wear sunscreen all year around.

How Should Sunscreen Be Used?

You should apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before you go outside; no matter if you're outside for just 15 minutes or a couple of hours. In addition, it is important to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours and especially if you are spending time in the water.

With regards to how much, it is important to have enough to cover all of your exposed skin. In addition, it is crucial not to forget about your lips as there are special lip balms that contain sunscreen to protect them from the sun.

For women, it is important to note to make sure that you wear sunscreen underneath your makeup; as this will keep your makeup in place and will make the sunscreen more effective than applying it afterward.

The Importance of Examining Your Skin

If you live in a city where there is direct sun exposure all the time or you tend to go away on holidays where you are also exposed to the sun; it is important to learn how to examine your skin to help find early indications of skin cancer. And if you spot skin cancer early there is a much greater possibility of treatments being successful.

In order to do a skin examination on yourself, you would need a full length mirror in a bright room.

Follow the ABCDE rule below to help you look out for signs:

Asymmetry: The shape and size of a mole does not match another mole on your body.
Border: The edges are ragged, uneven or fuzzy
Color: The color is not consistent in the colors black, brown and tan. There may be discoloring that appears in the color white, gray, red or blue.
Diameter: Is large and is the size or larger than a pencil eraser.
Evolving: The size, shape, color and appearance keeps changing.

Homemade vs. Commercial Sunscreen

Many people have concerns with regards how safe commercial sunscreen products are and if homemade sunscreens are the safer and healthier choice to make for your body. This is because commercial sunscreens have many hormone-altering and carcinogenic chemicals that can cause harm. Whereas, homemade sunscreen products are more natural and have fewer chemicals which are better for your skin and for your overall health.

However, the only disadvantage towards homemade sunscreens is that they are not as strong with regards to protection because they usually have a lower SPF levels. But if you add more zinc oxide to your homemade solution which is the sun-blocking agent; homemade sunscreens can just be as effective as commercial brands and are also safer for your overall health.