DIY: After-Sun Lotion

Written by Kate Tietje

It is always my goal to improve my body’s ability to do what it already does — or should do.  I like to support natural functions much more than I like to interfere with them, even using natural alternatives.

When the warmer months set in and we’re having more sunny days, getting vitamin D into my kids naturally — via sun — is high on my priority list.  We head outside for at least a short time every day, usually around 1 PM (“solar noon,” when the sun is highest in the sky and the most UVB rays, the ones that produce vitamin D, are present).  That’s a good thing.  Not bathing them with soap (which removes the skin’s natural oils, in which the vitamin D is produced and must be absorbed) is also good.

But there’s more I can do.  We need magnesium for optimal vitamin D production, absorption, and usage.  Most of us are deficient in magnesium because our soils are depleted.  Plus, many of us don’t eat many foods rich in magnesium (beans, whole grains, nuts).  Magnesium is also used up fairly quickly, especially in times of stress.  Magnesium may be a key issue if you’ve been tested for vitamin D deficiency and are deficient even though you get a lot of sun and/or take supplements.

My solution was to create a lotion containing magnesium and specific skin-soothing, easily absorbed ingredients.  It will keep skin soft, help prevent any skin damage (UVA rays cause long-term damage), and hopefully increase vitamin D absorption.  At any rate, it’s a very nice, light lotion for summer and should soothe any sore or dry skin.

I plan to put it on post-sun exposure to optimize the vitamin D our skin absorbs while in the sun..

If DIYs aren’t your thing, but you need something soothing post-sun, check out Earthley’s Sun Soothe.

After-Sun Lotion

This DIY recipe makes 16 ounces of after-sun lotion.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup magnesium oil (3/4 cup water and 3/4 cup magnesium chloride flakes, approximately)
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 oz. evening primrose oil (1/8 cup or 2 tbsp.)
• 1 1/2 oz. avocado oil (3 tbsp.)
• 1 1/2 oz. sweet almond oil (3 tbsp.)
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 3 tbsp. beeswax
• 15-20 drops essential oil, if desired

Directions:

Step 1: First, you need to make the magnesium oil.  Pour the water into a small saucepan and heat until very warm — it does not need to boil.

Step 2: Add the magnesium chloride flakes.  I assume you could use Epsom salts or another form of magnesium if you prefer, but it may not be as well absorbed, and I have not tried it.

Step 3: Stir this to combine, then add the amount you need to a blender.

Step 4: Then measure out your other oils.  I used one of the pint-sized glass mason jars (in which I put the finished lotion) to measure my oils.

Step 5: Add your aloe vera gel.

Step 6: Melt your shea butter and beeswax together.

Step 7: Pour everything into the blender and turn it on (add your essential oils now if you wish.  Remember, some essential oils can increase photosensitivity).  It will start out being rather yellow — this means it is still lightly blended with oils and water.

Step 8: Turn the blender higher.  Watch the mixture turn whiter and thicker.  This means an emulsion has formed, and your lotion is done.  Pour into prepared jars (I used pint-sized mason jars).

Now, I have to warn you.  At first, I tried to blend mine when the melted oils were very hot, and everything else was more like room temperature.  It turned white. I poured it into jars, and it immediately separated.  I poured it back into the blender, allowed it to cool slightly, then whipped it at a higher speed.  That time, it worked beautifully, and it didn’t separate.  If it separates at first, turn the blender back on higher.  This will cool it and also create the right emulsion.  It will work…have patience.

What do you use for lotion in the sun?