The weather has been amazing in Texas and if you’re like me, you like to take your workouts outdoors. As you sweat and put in the work, don’t forget about the thing that covers all of your assets (no pun intended… or maybe a just a lil’ pun intended, hehe)- your SKIN.
Besides sunburn and skin cancer, the sun can have many effects, such as premature aging, wrinkles, and after time the appearance of leathery skin (think beef jerky). The last thing I want to do when I am older is regret not wearing sunblock, while I look like the old lady from “There’s Something About Mary.”
Many sunblocks are full of harmful chemicals, so I wanted to share with you how you can make it yourself. Below are two recipes for making your own sunblock.
Convenient recipe:
- Get a bottle of your favorite natural lotion (one that does not contain citrus oils)
- Add a couple of tablespoons of zinc oxide (you can purchase at store, but make sure it’s pure zinc oxide)
- Mix ingredients
Natural Sunblock Recipe:
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 5 tsp zinc oxide
- 1 tbsp beeswax (add more to make it thicker)
- 3 tbsp natural aloe vera gel (alcohol free)
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 2 capsules of vitamin E oil
You can add essential oils to your sunblock for fragrance, but make sure it’s not citrus oil. If there’s a Whole Foods Market around you, stop by the Whole Body department and ask for advice.
NOTES:
- Don’t inhale zinc oxide- wearing a mask would be beneficial.
- Because it doesn’t contain preservatives, you may want to use it quickly.
- Do not mix the ingredients in your cooking bowls.
- As with any new product, always test a patch of skin before using it all over.
So remember, this summer feel free to eat jerky… but make sure you don’t look like a piece : )
Till next time, keep that skin protected and hydrated!
