What's the SPF of Your Favorite Oils and Butters? Plus Recipe

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Considering the weather conditions around the country, this post may be a little too optimistic for most, but I figure it will give us enough time to be prepared for the upcoming warm weather or learn that we should start applying sunscreen now! Besides, the American Melanoma Founfation suggests that people wear sunscreen of at least (sun protection factor) SPF 15 every day if you are exposed to more than 20 minutes of sunshine a day. That would be most of us, since the commute to and from work usually includes some sun and plenty of time... Anyway, SPF is, as I wrote above the sun protection factor of the product, and the number attached means how much more time one can spend in the sun with the product as opposed to wearing nothing at all. So if you have on a product with SPF 2, you can stay in the sun twice as long with the product as you could/should have without the product. For more information on SPF, sunscreens, UVA and UVB exposure please go to http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm. 

You know that most of the recipes for skin and beauty products are based on the belief that the products, oils, gels and butters that are purchased to make hair products can be used to make other natural health and beauty aids. In this instance, upon doing some research, I've also learned that traditional sunscreens can also be harmful to our health because they often block the vital Vitamin D from being absorbed into our skin. Vitamin D is important in that its presence assists in the prevention of certain cancers. 

I got a little off topic, but I've included some of the most popular oils and butters below, then shared some of the real SPF powerhouses, so you can work them into your hair and skin routines, or use them as part of the sunscreen recipe I've included below.

Coconut Oil:  SPF 2-8

Olive Oil:  SPF 2-8

Shea butter:  SPF 3-6

Jojoba Oil:  SPF 4

Sweet almond Oil:  SPF 5

Avocado Oil:  SPF 4-15

Powerhouses of Natural SPF!

Carrot Seed Oil: SPF 38-40

Raspberry Seed Oil: SPF 28-50

Wheatgerm Oil: SPF 20

Source - livelovefruit.com

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Powerhouse Sunscreen - as an oil or a body butter

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup shea butter (optional)

1/4 cup aloe vera gel (optional)

1/8 cup sesame or jojoba oil

2 tbsp. beeswax granules (optional)

1 tsp. red raspberry seed oil

20-30 drops carrot seed essential oil

Essential oils of your choice (but don't use citrus because it may cause a bad reaction when exposed to the sun)

Instructions for body butter

1. Using a double boiler (or your microwave), melt your coconut oil, sesame or jojoba oil, beeswax, and shea butter together. The beeswax will be the last to melt.

2. When the beeswax is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

3. Move the mixture to the fridge for 15-30 minutes. You want it to start to set up, but still be soft enough to whip.

4. Take the mixture out of the fridge and using a stand mixer or hand mixer, start to whip it. Drizzle in the red raspberry seed oil, the carrot seed oil, and any essential oils of your choice, and continue whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.

6. Use as you would any regular sunscreen. Application rates will depend on your activity and exposure to water. Store in a glass container in the fridge between uses.

As an oil (do not use shea butter or beeswax)

1. Simply whip together all ingredients. Note that in warmer weather, this mix will likely liquefy. 

Recipe modified from healthimpactnews.com

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Write by: Unknown - Thursday, March 27, 2014