DIY SUN SCREEN

Before the recipe, I should mention what I've learnt and practised myself. The best sunscreen I've found is to stop wearing sunglasses. They cheat the body's light sensors, disabling the body's ability to cope with the run, whose rays are so critical for us. Until eleven years ago, I was rarely seen without sunglasses or perched on my head. Once I realised how the eyes are light sensors, I've rarely burned since. Of course, go steady as you build natural protection and avoid direct sun if it's strong, but letting your brain and body gauge the light intensity is key.

DIY SUN SCREEN RECIPE

Basic homemade sunscreen (roughly SPF 20, water-resistant)

Be careful with zinc dust and don't use the nano version!

The SPV factor is of course variable and dependent on the zinc concentration.

Ingredients

• 60g coconut oil

• 30g shea butter

• 15g beeswax (pellets)

• 20g non-nano zinc oxide powder

• Optional: 10 drops carrot seed oil, 10 drops raspberry seed oil (add mild UV support)

Method

1. Melt coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler until liquid and clear.

2. Remove from heat, let cool for 2 minutes.

3. Wearing a mask (do not inhale zinc dust), whisk in the zinc oxide thoroughly until evenly dispersed.

4. Stir in any optional oils.

5. Pour into a clean glass jar. Stir once or twice as it sets to keep the zinc suspended.

Shelf life: about 6 months in a cool, dark place.