HARNESS THE POWER OF NATURE

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural alternatives for sun protection. People are becoming more aware of the potential risks of chemical-based sunscreens and are looking for safer, healthier and better choices. This is how essential oils have attracted the attention of people looking for ways to protect themselves and their loved ones and yet expose them to harmful chemicals as little as possible.

Essential oils have gained attention for their potential SPF properties while at the same time offering a natural and holistic approach to sun protection. In the next few minutes, you will have the opportunity to read about the effectiveness of essential oils in providing protection against harmful UV rays, their SPF properties, and how you can make your own protection preparations with the help of essential oils. With this approach, you will know what you are applying to your body and what quantity and benefits you are getting.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT THE SKIN FROM THE SUN?

You all know at least some answers to this question, but if some need clarification, here is what it is about. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, categorized as UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage. In contrast, UVB rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, i.e., they can cause burns. So, everything we want to avoid.

In recent years, people are increasingly repulsed by the thought of using chemical preparations, creams and the like that are used for protection precisely because of all the artificial and unknown properties they put on the skin. Also, some of the products offered on the market seem "heavy" on the skin, as if they do not allow it to breathe correctly. That is why people are increasingly choosing essential oils as an alternative solution that is more sustainable and much gentler on the skin.

ESSENTIAL OILS THAT PROTECT THE SKIN FROM THE HARMFUL INFLUENCE OF THE SUN

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have been used for various purposes for centuries and are especially popular in skin care, as well as helping to protect against the adverse effects of the sun's rays. Although essential oils cannot wholly replace sun protection creams, some essential oils are believed to have a certain percentage of SPF that represents natural protection from the sun.

As we have pointed out, these essential oils cannot wholly replace the need for protection from the sun. Still, they can act as a complementary measure to reduce the sun's damage to the skin.

Certain essential oils, such as those from peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender, are believed to have specific properties that protect the skin from the sun's rays. For example, essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint have a lower degree of protection, between five and ten.

It is important to mention that the SPF values in essential oils are lower than those found in conventional sunscreens, so do not rely solely on essential oils for sun protection as they will not provide adequate protection against the harmful effects of UV rays.

HOW TO COMBINE CREAMS WITH PROTECTION FACTORS AND ESSENTIAL OILS?

In addition to people, more and more companies are starting to include essential oils in sunscreen creams, all because of their beneficial properties for the skin. Such creams combine the benefits of essential oils with additional natural ingredients that offer a broad spectrum of sun protection.

Natural SPF creams often contain mineral-based ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are physical barriers against UV rays. These minerals work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin. When combined with essential oils, which can provide additional antioxidant and soothing properties, these creams can offer a higher level of sun protection than crucial oils alone.

Below is a simple recipe for making natural SPF cream with essential oils. To make this cream, you will need these ingredients:

• ¼ cup of shea butter
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of zinc oxide powder (non-nano)
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

HOW TO MAKE CREAM FROM THE INGREDIENTS? FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

In a double boiler or heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the shea butter and coconut oil until well combined. Then remove the mixture from the heat and cool for a few minutes. After the mixture has cooled, add the zinc oxide powder and make sure everything is well mixed into the whole. We recommend that you use a mask or cover your nose and mouth during the preparation of the cream to avoid inhaling the powder.

After the mixture has cooled, the essential oils are added and mixed with the variety. Add the recommended amount of essential oils, and in addition to lavender essential oil, you can also add other essential oils of your choice, which will nourish your skin and protect it from the sun's rays.

Then transfer the resulting mixture into a clean and sterilized jar or container and let everything harden completely and cool before use. Before exposure to the sun, apply your all-natural SPF cream liberally and enjoy the scents, care and protection it provides to your skin. Using the cream every two hours or more often would be ideal, depending on how often you bathe or sweat a lot.

By creating your own natural cream with a protective factor, you can take control over the ingredients used on the skin and have complete freedom to adapt the product to your wishes and needs. However, it is crucial to remember that "homemade" SPF creams may not provide the same level of protection as those purchased from pharmacies and/or drugstores, especially in extreme conditions or with prolonged exposure to the sun.

However, in addition to creams, seek natural protection from the sun by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing and limiting exposure to the sun during the hours when the influence of UVA and UVB rays is most substantial during the day.