Does Homemade Sunscreen Work? Dermatologists Want You to Know the Risks of the Popular Trend

The general shift toward all-natural health and wellness products is not inherently good or bad. However, while ingredients, environmental impact and cost are important, safety and efficacy should still be a chief consideration. Amongst the many current trends in favor of natural products is homemade sunscreen, but doctors caution that there is no real DIY sunscreen formula that provides ample UV protection . Keep scrolling to learn more about the efficacy of homemade sunscreen and how you may be increasing your risk of sun damage.

The importance of properly formulated and broad spectrum sunscreens

SPF  is vital for both cosmetic and health purposes. Sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays by blocking them. It can also help reduce your risk of skin cancer, sunburn and hyperpigmentation, as well as improve your skin texture, slow down wrinkles and help your skin maintain elasticity.

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As you get older, it becomes harder for skin to repair itself, notes the National Institutes of Health . Over time, UV damage can take a toll on your skin and its underlying connective tissue, which can cause your skin to develop more wrinkles and lines. Excessive and prolonged sun exposure can also raise your risk for skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is a key factor in maintaining health , no matter your skin type.

Does homemade sunscreen work?

“One of the most significant misconceptions is that natural ingredients like oils or butters can provide adequate sun protection,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO , dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “I frequently hear about people using ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter or even essential oils in their DIY sunscreens. While these ingredients might be beneficial for moisturizing the skin or providing a pleasant scent, they are far from effective when it comes to blocking UV rays.”

Coconut oil, for example, has an SPF of about one to eight, which is nowhere near sufficient to protect against the harmful effects of the sun, Dr. Kopelman explains. Dermatologists typically recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use.

Ultimately, the most prevalent problem with homemade sunscreens is that they lack the rigorous testing and formulation that commercial sunscreens undergo, Dr. Kopelman explains. This quality assurance is necessary because sunscreen is not just about ingredients that contain some SPF value, but a precise combination of ingredients in specific ratios that work together to provide broad-spectrum protection, covering both UVA and UVB rays, she says.

Another common factor in many homemade sunscreen recipes is zinc oxide. This is an ideal mineral sunscreen ingredient, says Rosanne Paul, DO Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University. However, she says, once it becomes mixed with other substances outside of a scientific research setting, the concentration will differ, reducing efficacy.

Which sunscreen is safest?

The intent behind creating homemade sunscreen is to avoid potentially harmful chemicals or adverse reactions is valid, doctors say, but it is also possible to find safe and effective commercial sunscreen.

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Be sure to thoroughly read ingredient labels on all packaging and ensure you can find the words “water resistant,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association . This tells you that the sunscreen will stay on wet or sweaty skin for 40 or 80 minutes before you need to reapply.

Additionally, Dr. Kopelman recommends looking for products labeled as mineral-based or reef-safe. These typically contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide optimal broad-spectrum protection and are less likely to cause skin irritation, she explains. Additionally, these ingredients are often considered safer for the environment, particularly marine life.

Mineral-based sunscreens that are free of chemicals are unlikely to cause systemic absorption of harmful substances, says Dr. Paul. These products have been tested on the skin and do not penetrate past the top layer of skin, she says. Dr. Paul typically recommends Vanicream products.

Keep reading for more ways to enhance your skin health:

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .