Whether for environmental or economic reasons, or to avoid chemicals on the skin, interest in homemade beauty products, creams and concoctions has grown in recent years. While this is an interesting idea in itself, the fact remains that not all products should be homemade, as in the case of sunscreen, for example.

Only sunscreens that are properly approved by Health Canada can protect against the harmful effects of the sun, as the Ministry of Health reminds us.

“The manufacture and use of homemade sunscreen products presents risks, as they are unlikely to protect you effectively against the sun's harmful UV rays,” Health Canada said, while recipes for homemade sunscreens are becoming increasingly popular on social media.

It is therefore recommended that you only use sunscreens that are authorized for sale in the country, bearing a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).

“This means that Health Canada has determined that the benefits of using the product outweigh the potential risks, when used as directed,” he explained on Friday.

In addition to homemade sunscreens, Health Canada is aware that myths and misinformation are circulating on social media about the safety of sunscreens, claiming that their ingredients are harmful to the skin and can cause cancer. All authorized sunscreens on the market are safe when used as directed.

How can I protect myself from the sun?

Exposure to the sun without adequate protection is the main cause of skin cancer. Sunscreens are highly beneficial to your health. Combined with other sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and avoiding peak sunlight hours, they reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and protect against sunburn and premature skin aging.

- When the UV index is 3 or higher, seek shade for outdoor activities;

- Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, a wide-brimmed hat or visor, and protective sunglasses;

- Avoid transparent clothing wherever possible;

- Avoid the sun, or protect your skin as best you can, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (when the sun is strongest);

- Beware of the amplifying effect of water and light sand.

How to choose and apply your sunscreen

- Choose a cream that is resistant to water, perspiration and swimming, and that protects against UVA and UVB rays, both of which are harmful to the skin;

Apply a cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more;

- For people with sensitive skin or for children over 6 months, choose products without chemical additives. Do not expose babies under 6 months to the sun, as sunscreens are not recommended for children of this age;

- Ideally, apply a thick, even layer of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors, to give the cream time to penetrate the skin;

- Apply the cream to areas not protected by clothing; an easy way to determine how much to apply is to fill the palm of your hand;

- Reapply after swimming or strenuous physical activity;

- Don't forget fragile, often neglected areas such as the ears, feet, lips and head. SPF balms can be used to protect lips.