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3 Mineral-Based Sunscreens You Can Make

Sunscreen is among the most divisive topics in the health world. Some claim it’s essential to protect from sunburn and cancer; others say the ingredients in sunscreen make it a hazard to your body. How do you know who is right, and how can you protect yourself and your family from the misinformation surrounding this oft-debated substance? Make your own! Here’s why we love homemade mineral sunscreen and three easy recipes you can whip up for pennies. 

The great sunscreen debate

Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that an essential product in your daily skincare regime is a good, high SPF sunscreen. Most doctors fear the sun, advising their patients to avoid unprotected sun exposure at all costs. After all, the sun gives you cancer and wrinkles, right?

While your risk of these things certainly increases with extended time spent in the sun and sunburn, this zero-tolerance policy can hamper your vitamin D intake. The most effective way to ensure you get enough vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to the sun. When you constantly cover up with sunscreen, your skin can’t absorb UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D in the body.

Vitamin D is essential for supporting bone health and protecting your heart, yet 75 percent of Americans are likely lacking enough of this critical vitamin. The risks of vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease far outweigh the risk of death from skin cancer. 

In the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, one study suggests that even an SPF of 15 or greater decreases vitamin D3 production by 99 percent. This is primarily a concern with sunscreen overuse and the prevalence of high SPF sunscreens that have become popular. 

Proponents of zero unprotected sun exposure suggest that dietary and supplement sources of vitamin D are adequate substitutions for any deficiencies from lack of sunshine. However, sunshine is the most natural and effective way to support healthy vitamin D levels in your body. 

Authors of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association study suggest moderate amounts of unprotected sun exposure each week to keep vitamin D levels adequate. This recommendation is backed by research that supports the benefits of sunlight for human health. 

What’s the answer?

Spending vast amounts of time with unprotected, exposed skin in the scorching afternoon sun isn’t a good idea. This increases your risk of sunburn, which is associated with skin cancer, increased signs of aging, and pain. 

However, sunshine can and should be safely enjoyed in moderation, like many good things. Get out, go for a walk, meditate, or practice grounding in the sunshine and forgo the sunscreen. 15-30 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure is generally considered safe for most people and will help your body produce sufficient vitamin D. In fact, get your daily dose of sun naked, if possible, to enhance the benefit. 

Once you hit your 30-minute limit (potentially longer if you have a darker skin tone), cover up with a light layer of clothing or put on some sunscreen. But which sunscreen should you choose?

Why you should make mineral sunscreen at home

The next time you are at the store, grab a bottle of sunscreen off the shelf and look at the ingredients. You likely don’t know what most of them are, and you probably can’t pronounce half of them. Do you really want to be slathering your skin with unknown, potentially toxic ingredients?

These chemicals, which include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone, are absorbed through the skin and can lead to hormone disruption and other serious health issues. Parabens, fragrances, and harmful additives abound.

Plus, many chemicals used in sunscreen can bleach and damage coral reefs, leading certain places to prohibit the use of these toxic sunscreens. 

The FDA only lists two ingredients in sunscreen, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as safe and effective. The others have not been researched enough to determine long-term effects, and the FDA proposes that it “needs more safety information” for the remaining ingredients.

That begs the question…why put something even “possibly unsafe”  on your body?

While organic mineral sunscreens are an excellent solution to this problem, the best way to ensure you and your family’s health is to make your own with pure, safe, effective ingredients. 

Does homemade sunscreen work?

Many people are skeptical of homemade sunscreen, as it is difficult to verify the SPF of homemade blends. However, the SPF of most sunscreen is much higher than it needs to be, and the toxins present in conventional sunscreen make DIY options appealing. 

These safe homemade sunscreen options are toxin-free and use plants and minerals to coat your skin and keep it from burning. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet, which is always a bonus. 

Remember, use organic products whenever possible and non-nano zinc oxide. Non-nano zinc oxide has bigger particles that won’t penetrate your skin. Reapply your homemade sunscreen every two hours or as needed. 

Quick-fix hybrid sunscreen

Using your favorite, fragrance-free organic lotion as a base is an excellent work-around if you’re short on time and need a quick sunscreen without buying a ton of extra ingredients. 

What you need:

  • 8 oz of your favorite organic, fragrance-free lotion 
  • 2 oz zinc oxide

What to do:

  1. Add both ingredients to a bowl and use a spoon to mix the zinc oxide into the lotion thoroughly.
  2. Return to bottle.
  3. This ratio should provide an SPF of around 20, which will protect you when spending prolonged periods outdoors while still allowing some beneficial UVB rays to reach your skin.

Aloe-Coconut Burn Buster

The natural SPF power of coconut oil and walnut extract oil combined with zinc oxide make this fragrant mixture an effective sunblock that empowers you to get out in nature and spend time in the sun without fear of burning. Plus, the shea butter and aloe vera provide an added moisturizing and burn-soothing effect. 

What you need:

  • 1 cup shea butter
  • ¼ cup pure aloe vera gel
  • 25 drops walnut extract oil
  • 2 Tbsp powdered zinc oxide 
  • ¼ cup coconut oil

What to do:

  1. Combine coconut oil, shea butter, and walnut extract oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until well-combined.
    Let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in aloe vera.
  2. Cover and let sit on the stove for at least an hour to cool completely.
    Stir in zinc oxide. Make sure to incorporate zinc oxide completely. 
  3. Add to a glass jar with a lid and store at room temperature. 

Water-Resistant Beeswax Sunscreen

Enjoy your relaxing day at the pool or the beach without worrying about reapplying sunscreen every time you dive into the water. The beeswax in this mixture helps the sunscreen repel water and cling to your skin, providing sun protection in and out of the pool.

Adding cocoa powder is optional, but it can help reduce the white cast that zinc oxide leaves on the skin. Adjust the amount as necessary to match your skin tone.

What you need

  • 4 oz organic, fragrance-free lotion
  • 1 oz beeswax pellets
  • 12 drops carrot seed oil 
  • 1 oz zinc oxide
  • 2 Tbsp jojoba oil
  • 12 drops raspberry seed oil
  • 1-2 tsp cocoa powder

What to do:

  1. Melt beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly
  3. Mix in remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Add to a glass jar to store.

Next steps

Put in the work to stay informed about your health and well-being. Do your research to determine what is safe and always search out the best option. It is possible to cut down on your toxic load, achieve your 100 Year Heart, and live a more vibrant life. Start by examining what you put on your skin and only use organic or homemade mineral sunscreen.

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

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Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.