Natural Sun Protection for a Safe and Fun Summer
Enjoy the Sun Safely: Natural Sun Protection Tips for Parents This Summer
Summer is here, and that means plenty of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and family fun. However, it also means taking extra precautions to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While traditional sunscreens can offer protection, they are often packed with chemicals that may not be safe for our children or ourselves. This summer, let’s explore natural sun protection methods that allow you to enjoy the beach, or lake, or just simply playing outside without worry. Plus, I threw in a delicious summer treat recipe at the end!
Why Choose Natural Sun Protection?
Before we dive into the tips and recipes, let’s talk about why natural sun protection is a great choice:
- Safe for All Ages: Natural ingredients are gentle on the skin and safe for everyone, including young children.
- Chemical-Free: Avoiding the harsh chemicals found in many commercial sunscreens reduces the risk of skin irritation and other health concerns.
- Environmentally Friendly: Natural sun protection methods are often more eco-friendly, reducing harm to marine life and the environment.
- Get my FREE list of resources to help turn our house into a home HERE
Natural Sun Protection Tips
Here are some effective and easy ways to protect your family from the sun naturally:
1. Wear Protective Clothing
One of the simplest ways to shield your skin from the sun is by wearing protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide excellent coverage. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool while staying protected.
2. Seek Shade
When the sun is at its strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Set up a beach umbrella or find a spot under a tree to enjoy your outdoor activities without direct exposure to the sun.
3. Use Natural Sunscreens
If you prefer using sunscreen, opt for natural, mineral-based options. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals. These ingredients sit on top of the skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays.
DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe
Making your own sunscreen at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple recipe for natural sunscreen that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (non-nano)
- 10 drops carrot seed oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and shea butter together.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Stir in the zinc oxide, carrot seed oil, and lavender essential oil.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool completely.
5. Apply generously to your skin before sun exposure and reapply as needed.
Bonus: with this recipe you won’t deal with the fight of spraying your kids in the face with the spray sunscreen LOL! Mom win!
Get my FREE list of resources to help turn our house into a home HERE
Additional Natural Sun Protection Tips
- Eat Sun-Protective Foods: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens, can help protect your skin from the inside out. These foods help combat free radicals caused by UV exposure.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and resilient, reducing the risk of sun damage.
Summertime Treat: Homemade Banana Pudding Ice Cream
After a fun day in the sun, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a delicious treat. Here’s a recipe for homemade banana pudding ice cream that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup banana pudding (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana mixture until well incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix gently.
- Fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and banana pudding.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Scoop and enjoy your homemade no-churn banana pudding ice cream!
Protecting your family from the sun doesn’t have to mean resorting to chemical-laden sunscreens. With these natural sun protection tips and our DIY sunscreen recipe, you can enjoy the great outdoors safely and naturally. And don’t forget to treat yourselves with some delicious homemade banana pudding ice cream! I hope you and your family has the best summer!
For tips on natural bug repellant, read here:
If you enjoyed this, please leave a comment on what you thought! I love hearing new ideas! Thank you so much for reading!
For more advice on easy dinner ideas, daily recipes, meal plans, and learning about the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, follow me, Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking for themselves and their family! After all, home is where the best things are made!
Get my FREE list of resources to help turn our house into a home HERE
