Take care of your skin with this recipe

At Africana Skincare, we believe in the power of natural ingredients to protect and nourish your skin. One of our star products, shea butter, not only hydrates but also offers a natural way to create your own sunscreen. 

The environmental impact of sunscreens, particularly those containing harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, is significant. These chemicals can damage coral reefs by harming coral larvae and adult corals, leading to bleaching events. As a result, “reef-safe” sunscreens formulated without these harmful chemicals are gaining popularity. 

That’s where shea butter comes in. It’s all natural and has been used in Africa for its moisturizing and protective properties against the sun for centuries. Would you dare to try it? Here’s how you can make homemade sunscreen with shea butter. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations:

  • Efficacy: Formulating homemade sunscreens with guaranteed SPF protection can be challenging. It is highly recommended that a professional lab test them to determine their actual SPF.

  • Safety: Certain natural ingredients may irritate the skin. Before applying liberally, patch test a small area of your forearm.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • ¼ cup non-nano zinc oxide powder
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ⅓ cup arrowroot powder 
  • 1 tablespoon red raspberry seed oil (optional, for added SPF)
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for scent)

Instructions:

  1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler
  2. Cool Slightly
  3. Add Zinc Oxide powder. Whisk constantly to avoid inhaling the dust.
  4. Mix Arrowroot Powder and Whisk until smooth.
  5. Add Optional Ingredients like red raspberry seed oil for an additional SPF boost or some essential oil for a light scent.
  6. Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to solidify at room temperature.

Why is sunscreen important? 

Sunscreen is crucial for protecting skin from harmful UV radiation. Here’s three reasons why it is essential for a complete skincare routine, especially in summer. 

  1. Preventing Sunburn: Sunburns are not only painful but also damaging to the skin. Repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Sunscreen protects the skin from the UVB rays that cause sunburn, providing immediate and long-term benefits.
  2. Prevents skin cancer: The most critical role of sunscreen is in preventing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and lower the melanoma risk by 50%. 
  3. Preventing Premature Aging. Sunscreen is also essential in preventing premature skin aging. UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. By blocking these harmful rays, sunscreen helps maintain the skin’s hydrated appearance.

At Africana Skincare, we are committed to providing quality products that honor traditional methods and natural ingredients. Visit our online store to discover more about our shea butter and how it can enhance your skincare routine.