"Never Try This" Homemade Sunscreen Video Gains Popularity... US Doctors Shocked

US Influencer Nara Smith
Manufactures Handmade Sunscreen with Her Husband
Doctors Say "No UV Protection Function"

Recently in the United States, videos of influencers making homemade sunscreen have gained popularity. However, experts pointed out that it is much safer to purchase other products with sun protection functions from stores rather than making sunscreen yourself.

On the 3rd (local time), US media Fast Company and others reported that a video of homemade sunscreen posted by model and influencer Nara Smith has become a hot topic. Smith is the second wife of her husband, famous model Lucky Blue Smith.

In a recently uploaded video, Smith showcased her own method of making sunscreen. In the video, she ran around the beach all day and realized she had no sunscreen, so she decided to make sunscreen with her husband by mixing coconut oil, shea butter, zinc oxide, jojoba oil, and other ingredients. After applying the homemade sunscreen, Smith said it was "very smooth." The video gained great popularity on TikTok, and some netizens reacted with comments like "I can't believe you can make sunscreen yourself," and "I want to try making it too."

Influencer Nara Smith is manufacturing sunscreen with her husband. [Image source=TikTok]

However, dermatologists advised against following the example of making homemade sunscreen. Yolanda Holmes, a researcher at the American Academy of Dermatology and a dermatologist, raised doubts about the sun protection effect after watching the video.

She said, "Zinc oxide can be an excellent skin moisturizer, but that does not mean it can protect you from the sun." Holmes also cited "irritation" as another reason not to recommend making sunscreen at home. She added, "Some ingredients can cause irritation to various skin types," and "To confirm how much sun protection a sunscreen can provide, it must be scientifically tested in a laboratory."

Daniel Bennett, a physician and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, also said, "Most homemade sunscreens lack effective sun protection functions," and "These sunscreens clearly have not undergone the rigorous testing required by the Food and Drug Administration."

He continued, "Without sun protection, users are more likely to get sunburned, experience accelerated skin aging, and develop skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States." Bennett also said, "Sunscreens sold on the market may be more expensive than homemade ones, but that is a small price to pay compared to skin cancer."