Did you know that plants produce their own SPF to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun? And did you know that you can harness that for your own natural, nature-loves-you sunscreen? Most amazingly of all, did you know that when you mix SPF plant ingredients together the plant with the highest SPF rules? In other words, even if it is not the largest quantity, everything aligns to the highest SPF. Did you know that?
I didn’t. But learning it was another confirmation that Mama Earth just loves and loves and loves. Isn’t it great to have such a smart, generous and beautiful MA?
So when we had 14 middle school girls for Camp earlier this month, this is what we made.
Easy, Nature Loves You Sunscreen
- 3/4 cup Coconut Oil – SPF 4-6
- 1 T Red Raspberry Seed Oil – SPF 25-50
- 1 T Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 35-40
Warm the coconut oil so it is soft. Stir in the raspberry and carrot seed oils. Put in a cool place to solidify.
When you apply, try not to rub it in. Re-apply after swimming, sweating or spending hours in the sun. Remember: it is not industrial. Thankfully.
Our sunscreen was inspired by this detailed article at Wellness Mama, but simplified, thanks to the inspiration of nature who is always reminding us that true elegance is simple ~ also intelligent and easy.
Morgan Anderson was our Self Care Devi at Camp. For three days in a row she lead the girls in making delicious, edible beauty products for themselves and their moms. The girls adored Morgan, and so do we!
We also love and send out an immense embrace of gratitude to Tah Groen who took all the photos here – except the third which was taken by our host Carolyn Sanders Kull, and the last which, after Morgan used the shea butter as a lip balm, I simply had to take!
What about you? How do you keep life simple? What inspires you? How do you bathe in light, yet not burn in the sun?
I look forward to hearing and wish you endless joy under this late August sun. Namaste!
Fabulous thank you! All this just as a basil cell (sp?) has been discovered on my face. So we DO need protection – despite low vitamin D levels…whats a girl to do? I can never bear to put on toxic sunscreen and have been using coconut oil but this is even better! Thank you – as always most grateful for all that you share. xo
Oh, I am sorry to hear that Robyn. Hope you got it in time. You are such a healing force of nature yourself, and such a healing presence in our world. Thanks for sharing your story so others can benefit. Hope you had a great summer holiday. It is good to have you back. XO
This is fabulous!
Your light shines so bright, Bhava-ji, I’ll soon need to make this just to be around you!
I LOVE this sunscreen made for me by my daughter at camp! I use mine everyday. I just could never bring myself to use store-bought sunscreen on a daily basis because it feels gross! But this? YUM!!!!!
I feel the same way. Now that we have the natural way, there is no going back. Thanks Eva!
This is soooo cool! I’m going to whip some up. Thank you for sharing nature’s bounty in this summer-essential way! The mineral sunscreens, with zinc and titanium, are “more” natural than the chemical-laden ones but still my skin says ‘I can’t breathe, let me free!’ Thank you for this beautiful skin solution Laura and Sophia Camp!
You are the best, Rebecca! We love you.
And I love YOU!
I had no idea making your own sunscreen could be so accessible! I use Badger sunscreen which is a pretty good organic, natural, non-nano product. But when I run out I may be making this instead. Thank you Laura for another post to expand my horizons!
Amazing, isn’t it? Thanks Katie. Can’t wait to try your med rata pasta.
Awwww, this is great! Loved teaching the girls how to make their own self care from the kitchen. Was so wonderful watching them connect the dot about the importance of ingredients we use in our life. Both internal and external are important for our well being. Thank you! <3
We love you. The girls love you. The world loves you. You are Morgan A for awesome.
Yay…this is awesome! I stopped using sunscreen this year because of the yucky things I was hearing about it—even the organic kind. I’ve just been limiting my exposure to keep from burning. I’ll give this a try!