By now, your presence on any social media platform must have made you realise how important it is to moisturise your skin and apply sunscreen. No matter which celebrity or beauty influencer you follow, they always emphasise that you should never skip SPF.

But choosing the right sunscreen can be challenging. You don’t want it to be sticky or leave a white residue, and there are so many options to choose from.

Interestingly, some people have taken the craze to another level by making sunscreen at home.

Yes, you read that right. After influencer Nara Smith’s DIY recipe went viral, many people have tried making sunscreen at home.

But can you really make effective sunscreen at home, and should you try? india today To find out if this DIY recipe can be effective, we spoke to some experts.

It’s probably a good idea, maybe not

Talking about the viral recipe, Dr Seema Oberoi Lal, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told us, “If you don’t promise that it has sunscreen in it, then it is a good idea to make a good emollient or a good moisturizer by mixing some homemade ingredients. But thinking of it as a sunscreen and relying on it to protect yourself is definitely not a good idea.”

Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, says though such homemade sunscreens have become popular, their efficacy and safety are major concerns.

“Although the idea of ​​using natural ingredients is appealing, it is important to prioritise skin safety and rely on scientifically proven products,” says Dr Mahajan.

Let’s talk about the content

In a video originally shared on TikTok, Nara Smith’s husband, Lucky Blue Smith, uses coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and zinc oxide powder to create a sunscreen. Experts believe these ingredients have several benefits and side-effects.

• coconut oil: It is a moisturizer and also has some antibacterial properties. However, it can clog pores and cause acne.
• Wax: It acts as a skin softener and creates a barrier to keep moisture in. It is generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Shea butter: Highly moisturizing and anti-inflammatory, shea butter is beneficial for dry and irritated skin. However, it may cause reactions in people with allergies to nuts.
• cocoa butter: Cocoa butter, known for its deep moisturizing properties, helps improve skin elasticity. It can also clog pores and cause acne in acne-prone skin.
• jojoba oil: It closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer without clogging pores. It is generally well tolerated, but may cause a reaction in very sensitive skin.
• Zinc Oxide Powder: A mineral that provides broad-spectrum sun protection by reflecting UV rays. It is generally safe but may cause dryness and irritation in some individuals.

Can you make sunscreen with these ingredients?

Dr Mandeep Singh, head of the department of plastic, dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Gurugram-based Paras Health, says, “Zinc oxide is a recognised UV filter and may provide sun protection.” He further adds, “The effectiveness of this homemade sunscreen is questionable.”

Doctors explain that it is impossible to accurately determine SPF at home without special equipment and proper testing protocols.

Dr. Mahajan agrees and says that by combining these ingredients, a product with moisturizing and barrier properties can be created, but it is not certain how effective this product will be as a sunscreen.

They also pointed out that zinc oxide concentration and particle size significantly determine SPF value, and at-home formulations lack precise measurements.

Dr Lal is of the same opinion, “I don’t think a sunscreen can be made by mixing these ingredients. We have micronized zinc oxide in laboratories. But if you mix it with so many emollients, the product will become too greasy.”

Should you experiment?

Experts strongly discourage experimenting with homemade sunscreens.

• Commercial sunscreens undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy, guaranteeing a reliable SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
• Without such testing, homemade sunscreens can pose the risk of inadequate protection, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
• Additionally, improper formulation may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• It is important to use products that are dermatologically tested and certified for sun protection.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh said, “I do not approve of homemade sunscreens because they do not guarantee consistent and effective protection from the sun.”

“As a dermatologist, I cannot approve of homemade sunscreens,” says Dr. Mahajan.

Sunscreens should provide broad-spectrum protection and be formulated to ensure even and adequate coverage. DIY formulations often fail to meet these important requirements.

Before buying sunscreen, remember these things…

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Make sure it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection.
• Apply liberally: Use about one ounce (about a shot glass full) to apply to the entire body. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Don’t leave it on cloudy days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, so daily application is important regardless of the weather.
• cover all open areasDon’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
• Use extra protectionWear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
• Check expiry dateSunscreen’s effectiveness decreases over time, so make sure it’s within its expiration date.