Sunscreen

I admit, I was originally intrigued by the idea.  Before I continue I feel it important to note my family are not big sunscreen users.  Only a day in prolonged sun would constitute the need. (camping, biking, trip to the zoo, etc)  That being said here is my experience and opinion.

I began researching different homemade sunscreen recipes and discovered I did not have all the ingredients for any of them and the SPF on all of the was controversial.  If you have lower than SPF 15 it doesn't do much.  None of the homemade sunscreens could grantee that kind of protection.

Furthermore, if I am going to spend the day in the sun, I certainly want more that SPF 15.  Although according to skincancer.org SPF 15 blocks out 93% of sun's harmful rays, SPF 30 blocks out 97%.  Don't be fooled into thinking higher SPF's above 30 protect you a lot more than that.  They don't. According to the same site SPF 50 only blocks 98% of the rays.  So, if it cost more money for a higher SPF save your pennies.

After researching both options, if you want an everyday light sun protection, homemade might be the way to go.  If you want protection from hours of sun exposure, I would recommend an SPF 30 for best protection.  Plus sunscreen companies have researched and formulated the perfect amounts of each ingredient and tested their product for safety and accurate SPF's.

Once again, I have no say on if one brand is better than another.  I'd go with the generic of your favorite kind.  For babies or people with sensitive skin, the baby sunscreens are probably the safest route to go.  Feel free to look into the different kinds as I know many companies put various chemicals into them.  The product to buy is your choice.

Happy researching.