Tis the season for BBQ’s, celebrations, beaches, and all sorts of outdoor fun. All this nature and natural sunlight exposure is amazing for our circadian rhythm and Vitamin D production, but I know you may also be concerned about your skin health. So today, I’m going to shed some light on the sun’s radiation, the truth about sunscreen and natural ways you can protect yourself from burns and skin cancer. 

Your skin makes vitamin D from a precursor to cholesterol when it is exposed to a pinking dose of sunlight 🌞  How much vitamin D you make depends on your age, your genetics, how much skin is uncovered, and your skin tone. The darker your skin, the more sun exposure you need to make enough vitamin D.

Some people fear sunlight because of its potential cancer risk. Yet interestingly, the one vitamin the sun helps supply can actually protect against skin cancer. Optimal vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of melanoma and help protect against other cancers (Source: EWG)

As you can see, our bodies need sunlight! But all too often we are blocking the sun’s benefits by  repeated use of sunscreen. In addition to us blocking our bodies ability to make Vitamin D, the sunscreen we are slathering on our skin is highly toxic. In 2019, the FDA, found that

"only two ingredients in sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective. Within the past year, the European Commission has published preliminary opinions on the safety of three organic UV filters, oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene. It found that the levels of two of them were not safe in the amounts at which they are currently used. U.S. sunscreen manufacturers are legally allowed to use these two chemicals at concentrations up to 6 and 15 percent, respectively, and hundreds of sunscreens manufactured in the U.S. use them at concentrations that far exceed the European Commission’s recommendations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has even more concerns about ingredients such as oxybenzone, which have been linked to hormone disruption by numerous studies.” Check here for a more detailed look at the health issues caused by these toxins: EWG. 

So what can we do to protect ourselves from the sun’s radiation? 🤷‍♀️

1. Like anything, it’s about balance ⚖  Enjoy the sun for about 15-20 minutes per day, preferably first thing in the morning, without sunscreen. Just the right amount of sun gives us access to natural Vitamin D. Too much causes oxidative damage (truly: a burn, which is an inflammatory response) to the skin

2. Only use sunscreen if you need it. According to the EWG, sunscreen should be your last resort* when going into the sun. If you do use any, use natural sun screen. Familiarize yourself with the EWG’s Sunscreen guide and choose an EWG approved product. 

3. Use the powerful antioxidant, Astaxanthin. This algae based antioxidant can heal damaged skin but also can increase skin resiliency.  Research shows that with regular astaxanthin use,  sunburn typically happens less quickly**  and less intensely*** when we are exposed to the sun ****. But please, if you take this as a supplement, use a high quality product to avoid toxins. This is a good quality option

4. Be proactive with your protection ⛱ : over-exposure can damage your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer. You can reduce these risks by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. 

5. Of course, staying hydrated:  by drinking enough water, but also by ensuring you’re not drinking too much caffeine or alcohol which can throw your electrolytes out of balance. 

6. Omega 3’s and Vitamin A are uber helpful for your skin. Vitamin A is especially critical for the ongoing health of surfaces that line the body, called epithelial cells (e.g. our skin, eyes, respiratory tract, GI tract, urinary tract). Nutrient-dense foods such as organic and grass-fed whole eggs (including the yolk), beef, and butter are excellent sources of  Vitamin A. Vitamin A is also high in oily fish like mackerel. 

What plans do you have for the summer? Share with me on Facebook, my private Facebook group or my Instagram channel

*Sources: *http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/ **http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12354422, ***http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18803658, ****http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9651820

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This blog post is for informational and educational purposes. It’s not meant to treat any health condition or to be prescriptive for anyone.

Always be sure to work with your healthcare practitioner. I highly recommend trying all new recommendations and/or supplements slowly to make sure they are ok for you