Get Ready for Beach Days – DIY Gluten-Free Sun Care Essentials

Why Choose Natural After-Sun & Sunscreen Products?

Many store-bought sunscreens and after-sun sprays contain questionable ingredients that can do more harm than good. While they may provide sun protection or soothing benefits, they often include synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and potential irritants, such as oxybenzone, parabens, artificial fragrances, and even alcohol-based ingredients that can dry out the skin. It’s easy to make your own gluten-free sun care products!

Why Are These Ingredients a Concern?

✔ Oxybenzone & Chemical Sunscreens – Linked to hormone disruption and skin allergies. ✔ Parabens & Preservatives – Can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. ✔ Artificial Fragrances – Often contain undisclosed chemicals that may trigger allergic reactions. ✔ Alcohol-Based After-Sun Sprays – Can dry out already irritated, sun-exposed skin.

Many store-bought products also include hidden gluten, which can be an issue for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. For those with sensitive skin, allergies, or autoimmune conditions, switching to natural sun care is a simple way to protect yourself from unnecessary toxins while nourishing and repairing the skin.

Commercial after-sun sprays and sunscreens often contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and potential irritants, including oxybenzone and artificial fragrances. While they may provide some protection, they can also lead to skin irritation—especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Many store-bought products also include hidden gluten, which can be an issue for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The good news? You can easily make your own natural, gluten-free after-sun spray and sunscreen using simple, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and zinc oxide. These homemade solutions will help you soothe sunburn and protect your skin naturally—without unnecessary chemicals.

DIY Soothing Aloe & Lavender After-Sun Spray

Perfect for calming sunburned, dry, or irritated skin, this cooling mist provides instant relief and hydration. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, while lavender and peppermint essential oils soothe and refresh the skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure aloe vera gel (cooling and hydrating)
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (reduces redness and irritation)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (calms inflammation)
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil (provides a cooling effect)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.
3. Spritz onto sun-exposed skin for instant relief.
4. Store in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

💡 Tip: If you prefer a more hydrating formula, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vitamin E oil for added moisture.

DIY Natural Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide

This homemade sunscreen is gentle, chemical-free, and nourishing for the skin. The key ingredient, non-nano zinc oxide, provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays without absorbing into the skin. Take care when handling zinc oxide, avoid breathing in any dust, wear a mask when you’re making the sunscreen.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil (naturally SPF 4-6, moisturizing)
• 1/4 cup shea butter (nourishes and protects skin)
• 2 tablespoons beeswax (helps water resistance)
• 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide (provides sun protection)
• 10 drops carrot seed oil (natural SPF boost)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (calming and skin-soothing)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide (wear a mask to avoid inhaling powder).
3. Add essential oils and mix well.
4. Pour into a glass jar or tin container and let cool until solid.
5. Apply generously before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

💡 Tip: This sunscreen is water-resistant but not waterproof. Be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating.

DIY Chocolate Peppermint Lip Balm for Sun Protection

Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun! Many commercial lip balms contain gluten, artificial flavors, and petroleum-based ingredients that can dry out your lips rather than keep them hydrated. This DIY Chocolate Peppermint Lip Balm is deeply moisturizing, gluten-free, and naturally protects against the sun.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (moisturizing, light SPF protection)
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (locks in moisture and adds a protective barrier)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter (deeply hydrating, adds a natural chocolate scent)
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil (cooling and refreshing)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint essential oil.
3. Pour into small lip balm tins or tubes and let cool completely before use.
4. Apply before sun exposure and reapply throughout the day. This lipbalm will melt in the heat, so best store it in the cooler.

💡 Tip: You can add a small amount of non-nano zinc oxide to increase sun protection for your lips!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does zinc oxide work as a sunscreen?

Zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen, meaning it sits on top of the skin and reflects harmful UV rays instead of being absorbed. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it begins working immediately after application and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Can I use this sunscreen on my face?

Yes! This DIY sunscreen is gentle and non-toxic, making it great for both the face and body. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider replacing coconut oil with jojoba or argan oil for a lighter formula.

How long does homemade sunscreen last?

Homemade sunscreen should last about six months if stored in a cool, dry place. To extend its shelf life, use a clean applicator each time and avoid introducing water into the container.

Does homemade sunscreen provide the same SPF as store-bought options?

While zinc oxide provides effective sun protection, homemade sunscreens are not tested for exact SPF levels. It’s best to apply generously and reapply every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating.

Can I add other ingredients to customize the formula?

Absolutely! You can add: ✔ Raspberry seed oil – Naturally high in SPF, provides additional UV protection. ✔ Aloe vera – Helps with hydration and cooling after sun exposure. ✔ Non-nano titanium dioxide – Another natural mineral that blocks UV rays.

Protecting your skin naturally doesn’t have to be complicated! By using simple, nourishing ingredients, you can create an effective, gluten-free after-sun spray and sunscreen that soothes and protects—without any of the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products.

Would you like to see more DIY skincare recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Protecting your skin naturally doesn’t have to be complicated! By using simple, nourishing ingredients, you can create an effective, gluten-free after-sun spray and sunscreen that soothes and protects—without any of the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products.