Friday, May 22, 2009

Make Your Own Sunscreen

Protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and the environment is the key to maintaining a youthful complexion, and wearing sunscreen is an important part of a daily skincare regimen. Sunscreen of varying strengths is widely available sold in many stores, but there is also a way to make sunscreen in the comfort of your home. Making your own sunscreen allows you to use organic ingredients of your choice to prepare this important skincare item.


Instructions


1. Place 1 tsp. beeswax, 2 tbsp shea butter, and 2 tbsp. cocoa butter into a double boiler. Place the double boiler onto a stovetop and heat on a medium setting.


2. Add 1 tsp. almond oil, 3 tbsp. unrefined sesame oil, 1 tbsp. unrefined jojoba oil, and 1 tbsp. unrefined avocado oil into the double boiler.


3. Blend the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden mixing stick. Heat the mixture until it melts.


4. Add 1 tsp. soy lecithin to the mixture. Stir with the wooden mixing stick. Remove the double boiler from the stovetop and set it aside.


5. Pour 3 tbsp. lavender water into a small saucepan. Add 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel and 1/2 tsp. borax powder to the saucepan and stir with the mixing stick.








6. Place the saucepan on the stovetop and heat on a medium setting. Heat the pan for approximately 30 seconds, then remove from heat.


7. Fill the bottom of a large bowl with ice. Place the saucepan in the bowl.


8. Pour the wax mixture from the double boiler into the saucepan.


9. Blend the mixture together completely with a whisk. Continue stirring until a cream forms.


10. Pour the mixture into an air-tight jar and store in a refrigerator.

Tags: double boiler, mixing stick, tbsp unrefined, heat medium, heat medium setting, into double