DIY SPF

Even though summer is officially over with tomorrow's autumn equinox, the sun's UVA and UVB rays don't give a hoot. Sure, their intensity wanes a bit as we move toward winter, but a flimsy ozone layer means damaging ultraviolet rays are still finding their way to your dermis. End result? Wrinkles, sun spots, and even worse, cancer. 

While researching a story on natural sunscreens a few months ago, I discovered something that almost qualifies as life-altering: some oils that I have in my very own pantry--coconut oil, and olive oil, for example--have built in SPF. So does sesame oil, and after some experimenting, I've found this works best for my skin. It soaks in quickly, feels good, and has a light, unobtrusive scent.

The recipe for making sunscreen at home is simple: Just add sesame oil to a small bottle, and voila! I also like to add a few drops of essential oil, usually a blend of lavender and rose geranium. (Note: avoid essential oils in the citrus family in this recipe; they can cause photosensitivity that amplifies rather than negates the sun's burning potential.)

This cruelty-free, vegan, and organic sunscreen costs literally pennies per application and really works. I promise! Give it a try and let me know what you think.
​--Aurelia

 

Sesame oil's sun protection factor is approximately 30. This means that if you normally burn after five minutes of direct sunlight, with the application of a 30 SPF, you can stay in the sun 30 times longer--which is to say 150 minutes, which is a little longer than two hours--without burning. Reapply frequently! This oil works well as a regular old skin moisturizer, too.