Survival Tip: “When in doubt, shade it out!”
If you find yourself wandering around in the Bunuru season—the hottest and driest time in Australia—remember the golden rule: shade is your best mate. Whether it’s hiding under a spindly gum tree or crawling under a boulder like a bush critter, find a shady spot and park yourself there! And if you need some natural sunscreen, keep an eye out for the tea tree (melaleuca) plant. Indigenous Aussies have long used crushed tea tree leaves as a soothing paste to protect skin from the harsh sun. Plus, it smells better than any store-bought stuff!
Cover up with loose, light-colored clothing, slap on some zinc (or the tea tree paste if you’ve got it), and chug that water like it’s going out of fashion. And if all else fails, give the Aussie salute—those flies won’t swat themselves!
Tea Tree & Coconut Oil Natural Sunscreen (No Zinc)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil (naturally provides some sun protection with an SPF of about 4-5)
1/4 cup shea butter (offers mild sun protection and moisture)
1 tbsp tea tree essential oil (about 10 drops, for its antimicrobial properties and refreshing scent)
Optional: 1 tbsp beeswax (to help firm the mixture if you want a thicker consistency)
Instructions:
Melt the Base
In a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil and shea butter until they’re liquid. If using beeswax, add it in at this stage to melt together.
Add Tea Tree Oil
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add the tea tree oil and stir well to combine.
Mix and Pour
Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin while still warm. Allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature.
Store and Use
Store in a cool, dry place. Apply generously to your skin before sun exposure. Reapply every 1-2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Tips:
As always, do a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions.
This sunscreen is primarily for moisturizing and light protection. For prolonged sun exposure, consider seeking shade or wearing protective clothing.
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