Homemade sunscreen is not effective and can be dangerous. Experts strongly advise against using homemade sunscreen as it is highly unlikely to provide adequate protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Here's why:
- No Known Sun Protection Factor (SPF): Homemade sunscreen recipes lack the necessary testing to determine their SPF, making it impossible to know how much protection they offer.
- Incorrect Ingredients and Proportions: Most DIY recipes use ingredients that are not effective UV blockers or use them in the wrong proportions, leading to ineffective protection.
- Difficult to Apply and Spread Evenly: Homemade sunscreens often have inconsistent textures and may not spread evenly, leaving areas exposed to the sun.
- Lack of Regulatory Oversight: Homemade sunscreens are not subject to the same stringent safety and efficacy regulations as commercially available sunscreens.
Instead of relying on homemade sunscreen, experts recommend using commercially available sunscreens with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens are tested and regulated, ensuring they offer the necessary protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
