turn that tube into a spray with this sunscreen hack!
Gonna go deep here.
Though we typically think of sunscreen during the summer months (or when we’re actively “sunning”), sunscreen should really be worn all year round. The UVB rays, or “burning” rays are what we think of protecting ourselves from, but it’s the UVA rays that should be of concern. These are the aging and cancer-causing rays and are present year round – in cold weather, on cloudy days, and penetrating windows and car glass.
So what should you look for? Well, to start, you want what’s called “broad spectrum” protection – that is, protection against UVA AND UVB rays. Next, you want a mineral (or physical) sunscreen, as opposed to a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens work by being absorbed into the skin, and ultimately into your bloodstream. Not good.
Mineral, or physical, sunscreens, work like a mirror – sitting on the surface of the skin and “bouncing” the sun’s rays away from you.
Chemical sunscreens also often contain oxybenzone – a BIG NO. Oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor (!!) and destroys coral reefs. So if – like us – you spend summers in the ocean, your sunscreen gets washed away and can do damage to the coral reef system.
Enter Young Living Sunscreen.
I LOVE this sunscreen. It’s a mineral sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. It blends in beautifully, leaves no residue and does NOT contain:
PABA
phthalates
Oxybenzone
artificial colors
synthetic fragrance
And it is reef safe.
It also contains skin-loving oils like Myrrh, Lavender and Carrot Seed.
What I DON’T love about the sunscreen is that it is in a tube. I AM LAZY. I like a spray. And I REALLY like a spray for Noah. Particularly at the beach where I just want to get that sunscreen sprayed on and rubbed in.
You too?
Here’s a great “hack” for turning any tube sunscreen into a spray!
All you need is a continuous mist sprayer and a carrier oil. Mix it all up, transfer to the sprayer and you are good to go. If you head over to Instagram and click on my “Sunscreen Hack” highlight, you can see a video showing how I make it, but the recipe is right here!
I add in a 1/2 bottle of Lavaderm spray which just feels so good on sun-parched skin; this is totally optional.
Let me know if you try this hack, and tag me on Instagram @sherisilver if you do!
continuous spray bottle
tube of sunscreen (mine is 3 ounces; adjust the recipe accordingly)
1/2 bottle Lavaderm (optional)
8 ounces fractionated coconut oil
20 drops Lavender essential oil
20 drops Carrot Seed essential oil
Open your continuous spray bottle and empty the contents of your sunscreen in. Add the 1/2 bottle of Lavaderm if using, followed by the fractionate coconut oil and essential oils. Shake well to blend.
Note: if your sunscreen is very thick you may want to mix everything up in a small bowl and pour it into your sprayer.
This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2021/07/16/sunscreen-hack/
15 Comments
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
Thanks for this. Would a different carrier oil work with this hack? I’m not a fan of coconut oil.
🙂
Yes! You can use jojoba or sweet almond oil just as well!
Is the lavender and carrot seed oil necessary or optional?
Not at all! They are wonderful oils for skin but not necessary!
Is there a substitute for lavaderm?
There really isn’t but you can absolutely omit it! 🙂
The spray bottle is no longer available on Amazon. As I go to find another one, how big should it be? How many ounces should it hold? Thank you!
Hi! Thank you for letting me know – I just updated the link so you should be able to order the appropriate size. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Could I use the v-6 from young living instead of coconut oil?
Yes!
How often should it be re-applied?
I like to apply every 2 or so hours – more frequently if I get wet/towel off!
Splendid idea! Would this work if I just add coconut oil to my sunscreen?
That’s a good question – I’ve never tried it so I can’t answer for sure but let me know if you do and how it works!
Still seems so thick in the base of the spray bottle. I heard you leave it overnight. Hoping it works and blends together.