As many of you know Pete recently developed a type of allergic reaction to the sun and/or
the sun’s reflection on the water. We have been experimenting with different natural 
remedies as we believe is an auto-immune issue known to be aggravated by free radicals. Most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients or endocrine disrupting chemicals that in many cases may actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body. Below is a recipe for natural homemade sunscreen. What I love about this option is you can choose your scent or omit it and keep it somewhat fragrance free. If you choose a fragrance, men can use a more manly oil such as balsam or nutmeg while women can use lavender or lemongrass. Enjoy!
Natural Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
1/4 cup beeswax
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide
(This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder). This makes a natural SPF of 20+ or more can be added.
Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5)
Optional: Essential Oils of your preference
Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. A mason jar works great or glass jar from pickles, olives or other foods.
Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated. Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months. Reapply after swimming or sweating.
