Ah, summer. Longer days, endless tanning, beach trips, barbecues, pool parties … the list goes on.

Through all the fun and relaxing, there is something most summer activities have in common – long exposure to the sun. It’s very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays. Keep reading for a natural sunscreen recipe.

Did you know that in the U.S., each year over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people? [1]

It’s important to take precautions when you know you’ll be in the sun even for a short amount of time. Stephanie Gerber has created a Green Tea Infused Sunscreen, found in Willow and Sage Summer 2017, that combines green tea, zinc oxide, natural oils and butters to create protection from UVA and UVB rays.

What You Need:

• Double boiler
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons loose green tea
• Cheesecloth
• Whisk
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 1/8 cup shea butter
• 1/8 cup red raspberry seed oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 20 drops carrot seed oil
• Airtight container
• 2 tablespoons non-nano uncoated zinc oxide

How to Make It:

• Use a double boiler on medium heat to melt the coconut oil. Stir in the green tea. Cover and simmer on the lowest heat setting for one hour. Strain the tea from the oil with cheesecloth. Let cool until almost solid, and then whip until creamy, about three to five minutes.

• Combine the green tea infused coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in the double boiler, and heat over low until melted. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for one to two minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. The zinc oxide thickens the mixture quite a bit so add this ingredient last.

• Transfer to an airtight container and let it cool completely. Seal with the lid and keep in a cool, dry place.

NOTE: Always test a small area of your skin first, to check for sensitivity. Please avoid contact with eyes and approach all oils with extreme caution if you have any skin allergies. Please seek professional advice prior to using essential oils while pregnant or nursing.

[1] From “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics” www.skincancer.org