Recipes : Skin Care

Decadent Cacao and Rose Mask | Homemade All-Natural Sunscreen



Decadent Cacao and Rose Mask

This mask can be used on the face and neck to tone and stimulate the skin.

1 Tablespoon rhassoul clay
1 Tablespoon cacao powder
1 teaspoon crushed rose petals
1 Tablespoon glycerin or honey
1 drop roman chamomile (optional, but very nice)
Rose water

Instructions
Mix the clay and herbs together, add the glycerin or honey, essential oil and enough rose water to moisten the powder into a thin paste. Apply to cleansed skin, sit back with a cup of sweet love tea and relax. When the mask is dry remove with a warm wet wash cloth and moisture your skin. We suggest a little rose hip seed oil or our precious face serum.



Make your own Homemade, All-Natural Sunscreen

By Faith Goguen Rodgers, certified clinical herbalist, Amber Graziano Certified Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist and Catherine

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that forms a protective physical barrier over the skin and stops harmful UV rays. It is particularly valuable because of its ability to filter UVA as well as UVB light, giving broad spectrum protection that helps to reduce sunburn and premature aging of the skin. 

The chart below shows the potential SPF (Sun Protection Factor) properties of various oils, feel free to sub other oils into the recipe depending on what you have on hand. In preliminary studies, these oils are demonstrating some significant SPF power, but it is important to note that they have not been tested or regulated by the FDA. You can also add essential oils if you want to add a scent to your sunscreen. Be sure to avoid citrus oils as they can increase your sensitivity to the sun. This recipe is made with 20% Zinc Oxide (by weight). Using the chart below, you can adjust the amount of Zinc Oxide in the recipe to suit your needs. Remember that everyone’s skin is different!

Carrier Oils
Reported SPF
30-50 SPF
30-40 SPF
6-10 SPF
6-10 SPF
Avocado Oil
4-10 SPF
4 SPF
4 SPF
Grape Seed Oil
4 SPF
8 SPF


Concentration of Zinc Oxide
SPF Protection

5%

Low (2-5 SPF)

10%

Moderate (6-11 SPF)

15%

High (12-19 SPF)

25%

Ultra High (>20 SPF)

 

Natural Sun Protection Recipe
Makes 6 ounces

Ingredients
1 fl. oz Carrot Seed Oil* or Raspberry Seed Oil
½ fl. oz St John’s Wort Infused Olive Oil
½ fl. oz Pomegranate or Rosehip Seed Oil
2 oz net wt. Refined Shea Butter
½ oz net wt. Refined Cocoa Butter
1.25 oz net wt. Zinc Oxide
1/2 tsp Vitamin E
*Make sure you are purchasing the Carrot Seed carrier oil rather than the essential oil

Tools Needed
Heat Proof Pyrex Measuring cup or Mason Jar
Shallow Pot or Pan
1 small mixing Bowl
Measuring cups and Measuring Spoons
Scale
Immersion Blender/ Hand Mixer
Clean Jars for at least 7 oz. (1 x 4 oz Jar and 1x 2 oz Jar will work) or small jelly jar

 

Blending Instructions

  1. Weigh the Shea Butter and add it to a small mixing bowl. Break it up a bit with the back of a spoon. Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to work the Shea Butter into a consistent and smooth texture, focusing on getting rid of any lumps. Shea Butter notoriously has a grainy texture when melted, so it is worth taking the extra time for this step in order to create a better overall consistency in the final product.
  2. Put the Cocoa Butter in a small Mason Jar or heatproof container and place in a double boiler on medium-low heat and gently warm until all of the Cocoa Butter has fully melted. 
  3. Add the oils and Vitamin E into the bowl with the Shea Butter. Blend with the shea until the oils and Shea Butter are fully incorporated, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula. 
  4. Add the melted Cocoa Butter and continue mixing. 
  5. Weigh the Zinc Oxide powder and add it into the bowl. It will be a grainy texture at first, but keep blending until it becomes a smooth, creamy texture.  
  6. Add essential oils if desired and mix again. 
  7. Use a spatula to scoop into clean jars and cap. This recipe fits nicely into a (1) 4 – ounce container and (1) 2- ounce container. The sunscreen has a shelf life of 1 year. Store in a dark, cool place when not using. Do not leave in direct sunlight.