Surviving Multiple Chemical Sensitivity!
Make your own suncream!
Discussion started by Jodie 11 years ago
I have done this for about 7 years now, it works really well and you get an excellent tan. You need a moisturing cream you can tolerate, I use Aqueous Cream BP, it's cheap and basic.
Into that mix titanium dioxide powder (titanium appears to be one of the least troublesome chems for folks who react badly to chems) - the ratio for Factor 20 suncream would be 1 tablespoon of titanium powder to 10 tablespoons of moisturing cream. Mix well & put in fridge ready for use.
Microfine titanium has very fine particles which create little mini-clouds as you scoop it out of the bag, so you might want to wear a mask while measuring it out.
Here's where I get mine http://www.aromantic.co.uk/buy-microfine-titanium-dioxide-uk.htm - they're apparently out of stock at the moment but have a google around, I'm sure you'll find some more. :)
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Jodie
hmm sporty stuff and still not water resistant? Think u r supposed to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours anyway, but I'd be looking for something more oil based if I wanted water-resist. Pure nuff Stuff do one based on almond oil I believe. Coconut oil might be a good base to add zinc or titanium powder since its approx SPF 8 anyway.. not tried it but sounds like it should be water resistant..
9 years ago
Jodie
Interesting, the one I saw was aimed at surfers. Maybe theres more than one high SPF Badger..I just clicked on the first one I saw in Amazon.
9 years ago
CazNZ
The Badger sunscreen leaves a bit of a white sheen on the skin but it does work. My little grandchildren do not burn when using it. We have found it hopeless in the water though.
9 years ago
Jodie
oo the Badger sunscreen looks really interesting! I've sent a link round on FB , hope the family will use it, & for visiting cynics who don't believe my homemade version works *sitting here with glorious golden suntan* ..
9 years ago
CazNZ
Gee that's helpful Jodie. I have just been covering up. I have Badger Broad Spectrm SPF35 unscented for visitors to use - if anyone is interested in catering for their visitors.
9 years ago
Jodie
More info - looks like this study shows Olive Oil & Coconut as SPF 8, Olive oil comes out slightly higher than Coconut -
Useful to know if you run out of suncream
uck for some reason that link is not working - more gremlins...it will only work if I add it separately (above). You can also google "In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics" & the paper should come up..
Useful to know if you run out of suncream
uck for some reason that link is not working - more gremlins...it will only work if I add it separately (above). You can also google "In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics" & the paper should come up..
9 years ago
Jodie
oo good point! if u can tolerate coconut oil, give it a go. I've not tried mixing these powders with oils, only moisturising creams, but obv the company below do that with almond oil so it must be possible. It will be more water resistant than using a light cream, I'll trial it for hols next month, we'll be getting some surfing in ! BTW foks don't be put off by the opaque stripes sported by surfers - that would be F50 or similar, that won't happen with lower factor suncreams. My homemade titanium powder F30 doesn't show at all.
Enjoy the summer! :-D
Enjoy the summer! :-D
9 years ago
Maff
This is exactly what I was thinking Jodie! You beat me to suggesting that adding zinc or titanium powder to the coconut oil might be a great way of increasing the SPF. It might also have the added benefit of making it a thicker cream?
9 years ago
Jodie
And I should have added in the orignal mssg that you can use zinc powder instead of titanium if you prefer, usually instructions as to proportions for SP factors in suncream will come with the zinc/titanium powder. Those white/coloured stripes you see on surfers faces are usually zinc sunblocks.
9 years ago
Jodie
Bumping this up again, it is gorgeously HOT here in Blighty right now ! I also have it on good authority that plain coconut oil works well as suncream, approx SPF 10 .
9 years ago
Maff
Wow, great find Jodie! Exactly what we need...the protection of non-absorbable microfine titanium dioxide in a base of almond oil with water and vitamin E being the only other ingredients. No nasties at all - I'm going to order a bottle and look forward to testing it out!
I like the light-hearted but informative nature of the sales blurb from the company too
I like the light-hearted but informative nature of the sales blurb from the company too
10 years ago
Jodie
Oo I've just discovered a company which is doing exactly this, in case ppl don't fancy making it themselves
www.purenuffstuff.co.uk/sun-protection/… like a good set up, I've just ordered a items from them.
www.purenuffstuff.co.uk/sun-protection/… like a good set up, I've just ordered a items from them.
10 years ago
Maff
Many thanks for sharing this with us Jodie! While I no longer suffer from MCS I do like a good sunbath and am always in two minds about whether it is better to use sun cream or not (I am lucky enough to have skin that tans rather than burns). A homemade solution seems like a good compromise between UV protection and absorbing all the carcinogens and what not in commercial sun creams. Thanks again!
11 years ago
