These natural homemade zinc sticks provide long-lasting sun protection on areas that tend to cop the most sun.

Homemade Zinc Sticks

Whether it be just relaxing, lounging around or working around the property, we tend to spend a lot of time outside, especially during the warmer months.

Needless to say, our skin sees a lot of sunshine. Commercial sunscreen products contain a lot of questionable ingredients, so how do you protect your skin without lathering them in toxic chemicals?

These homemade zinc sticks are one way to help protect the skin that is prone to burn.

Obviously, it goes without saying. Make sure to wear a hat and a long sleeved shirt when outside.

Before Using this Zinc

Before using this stick, you will need to understand a few things.

Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Wash hands well after using.
DO NOT use homemade sun protection recipes if you are not comfortable with them. Sun safety is your choice and your responsibility!

Zinc Oxide

When purchasing zinc oxide, make sure to buy one with non-nano particles. Zinc oxide particles can be small enough to fit into your pores, absorbing into your body and has been linked with organ damage if inhaled, ingested or absorbed.

Though, if you use non-nano zinc oxide, you will end up with a white sheen on the areas that it these sticks are applied to. This can be dealt with by adding a tint to the zinc sticks.

So, wearing a mask while using any type of zinc oxide is a good idea.

Colouring the Zinc

If you want to add some colour to your zinc, you can. Just note, the colours will not be as vibrant as commercial products.

I like to keep mine plain, though if you do add colour, I wouldn’t add too much as I would be afraid that it may stain the skin.

To colour, add a small amount of mica, cocoa powder (for brown) or food colouring at the same time the zinc is being mixed through. Make sure to mix well. As the zinc begins to set, you may want to give it another stir.

SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to the ability of a sunscreen or zinc to block UVB or ultraviolet B rays. It is these rays that burn the skin.

Due to the process of working out an SPF of zinc or sunscreen, as well as the cost, I am unable to inform you of the SPF in this recipe.

It also does depend on the ingredients that you use as well.

In saying this, we have had good results when using these sticks.

It does need to be reapplied every few hours and after swimming.

Ingredients for Zinc Cream

To make around 4 sticks (240ml / 8oz), you will need:

½ Cup Coconut Oil or Sweet Almond Oil
½ Cup Beeswax
½ Cup Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter
2 TBSP Non Nano Zinc Oxide
Containers

Making Natural Zinc Sticks

Combine the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst. This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Mix in your non nano zinc oxide.

Make sure to mix it thoroughly.

Carefully pour into the containers.

As it cools down, continue to stir to help mix all the zinc oxide through.

Let sit until completely cool and firm, about 6 – 12 hours.

Using Zinc Sticks

Apply, as needed, to skin that needs extra protection from the sun.

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Cheeks

Storing Zinc Sticks

Store in the fridge for 6 to 12 months.

When taking it with you make sure that you store it in a plastic bag in a cooler so that it doesn’t soften in the warm weather.