NARA Smith’s viral DIY sunscreen has been criticized by a dermatologist who slammed the TikToker’s video.
Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand M.D. issued a serious health warning over products made in the kitchen and explained what sorts of dangers could arise from the influencer’s method.
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Smith, the model turned social media star and so-called trad wife, has gained 8.8 million followers for her cooking-from-scratch videos filmed in designer clothes.
A recent video stirred up controversy and confusion when she appeared to show her husband, the model Lucky Blue Smith, making an apparent sunscreen from scratch.
She recorded her husband melting and mixing several oils, butters, and zinc oxide powder together.
Dr. Houshmand warned against this method and any other so-called homemade sunscreen following her work with skin cancer and other skin concerns.
“I would DYI things that like a food recipe but not something that can have potential negative effects on your health like exposure to the sun and skin cancer,” she exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
“I do not think a DYI sunscreen is a good idea and would not recommend this,” she added.
The dermatologist explained why this product would not work like a store-bought sunscreen.
“This homemade product is basically an emollient,” she said.
“This DIY sunscreen won’t help against burns, skin cancer, photodamage, or any of the risks that come with unprotected sun exposure.”
“If you watched this video for fun that is ok but I would not take it for granted that this is not a medical professional,” she added.
Dr. Houshmand explained that all sunscreen products sold in the U.S. are tested and regulated by the FDA.
The dermatologist said a specific danger of homemade sunscreen was the lack of evaluation that had gone into the item.
“A sunscreen’s SPF number and amount of UVA protection is determined by testing, without testing, the sunscreen made at home may not be effective in sun protection and may actually lead to sunburns,” she said.
The dermatologist explained that many products could provide the skin with some SPF coverage but emphasized that the protection on an item like Smith’s would be unknown.
Sun safety tips from the FDA
The FDA has emphasized the importance of sunscreen use to protect against certain skin diseases.
- Limit time spent in the sun, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin, like long-sleeve tops, sunglasses, or wide-brimmed hats.
- Regularly use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF values of 15 or higher.
- Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more often if it has come off through activities like swimming and sports.
Source: FDA
Dr. Houshmand also warned people about the dangers of using “natural” products for sun protection.
She explained that no natural active ingredients have been approved by the FDA for use in sun-blocking skincare.
“The active ingredients in most sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are synthetically made,” the doctor said.
“For now, it is illegal to use mined versions of zinc and titanium dioxide since they are contaminated with dangerous levels of heavy metals.”
The dermatologist also advised people on how best to use social media as a way to get accurate health advice while avoiding misinformation.
“I love following other dermatologists and influencers,” she said.
“I don’t recommend following nonmedical professionals for medical advice.”
Who is Nara Smith?
Born in South Africa in 2001, Nara Smith rose to fame when she began modeling at 14 years old after she was discovered through the “We Love Your Genes” campaign of IMG Models.
Smith further gained notoriety when she began doing TikToks in both German and English
She began going viral between late 2023 and early 2024 on TikTok and other social media platforms for posting “tradwife” content by cooking elaborate meals for her family from scratch while wearing designer clothing.
Smith also managed to gain notoriety for her interest in unique baby names.
D-I-WHY
Smith, 22, has become famous on TikTok for her seemingly unique lifestyle.
Some people have branded Smith a “trad wife,” the so-called movement of influencers who have shown more traditional marriage roles and homemaking.
The mother has previously been slammed by viewers who claimed she did not have a job.
Smith has clapped back at these people and shared what her cooking videos have meant to her, The U.S. Sun has previously reported.
She emphasized that she was a working mom but had always enjoyed cooking for her loved ones.
“I wasn’t aware that finding joy and cooking for my husband and kids would automatically mean that I just slave away in the kitchen, I don’t have a job, and I have a whole production team making that happen,” she said in a video.
“To clarify, none of that is true.”