How to Make Sunscreen From Lettuce

The sun is a natural source of Vitamin D, but can be equally as damaging as it is beneficial for your health. Skin damage caused by too much sun exposure can be irreversible and cause health conditions such as burns and skin cancer. Consequently, it is critical that people protect their skin with sunscreen before stepping out into the sun. However, not everyone feels comfortable wearing sunscreen chemicals on their skin. A natural alternative is to make sunscreen at home out of lettuce and other food products with nutrients that protect the skin.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 6 tsp. zinc oxide
• 1 tbsp. natural aloe vera gel
• Small sauce pan
• Stove
• 7 large lettuce leaves
• 3 capsules Vitamin E oil
• Unscented lotion
• Blender or food processor
• Plastic bottle

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Instructions

• 1

  Heat the coconut oil, zinc oxide and aloe vera gel in a small sauce pan. Place over the stove at medium temperature, until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir or whisk.

• 2

  Combine the heated mixture, with lettuce leaves and Vitamin E oil from the capsules, into a blender or food processor. Chop the contents, so the lettuce breaks apart into smaller pieces. Blend on high to liquify or puree.

• 3

  Thicken the sunscreen by adding unscented lotion. Continue to blend. Add a little bit of the lotion at a time to avoid making the sunscreen too thick.

• 4

  Pour the sunscreen into a plastic bottle for storage. Rub into your skin to use. It has a greenish tint from the lettuce, especially if you use a dark leafy lettuce, as opposed to Iceburg or Romaine leaves.

• 5

  Store the sunscreen in the refrigerator since it contains natural food products. Refrigeration lengthens the freshness and prevents premature spoiling.