Sunlight, Sunscreen, and Smarter Summer Choices: A balanced look at natural sun care
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With summer just around the corner, many of us are spending more time outside—gardening, walking, or simply enjoying the longer days. Naturally, questions come up: How much sun is too much? Should I wear sunscreen every day? Are there better, more natural ways to protect my skin?
Let’s explore what the science says about sunlight, sunscreen, and the incredible ways our bodies are designed to interact with the sun.
Why Sunlight Matters
While we've long been cautioned to avoid the sun, moderate, unprotected exposure actually offers essential health benefits:
- Vitamin D Synthesis: Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D, which supports immune health, bone density, and mood regulation.
- Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Morning light exposure helps reset the body’s internal clock, supporting sleep quality and hormonal balance.
- Mood and Mental Clarity: Natural light boosts serotonin production, improving mood, focus, and emotional resilience.
- Skin Health (in moderation): Conditions like eczema and psoriasis may improve with regular, gentle sun exposure.
Sunlight plays a vital role in our overall well-being—when approached with care and wisdom.
How the Body Naturally Adapts to the Sun
Our bodies are equipped with several built-in systems to help us interact safely with sunlight:
- Eye Exposure: Morning sunlight signals the brain to regulate melanin and hormone production. While sunglasses can be useful, excessive use may block this natural signaling.
- Melanin Production: This natural pigment increases gradually with sun exposure, offering protective benefits over time.
- Antioxidant Defense: Nutrients like vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene help protect against oxidative stress.
- Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like wild fish, flaxseed, and pastured eggs support skin resilience, while high intake of processed omega-6 fats may increase sensitivity.
- Sebum and Skin Oils: Your skin’s natural oils provide a mild, protective barrier. Over-cleansing may reduce this benefit.
- Smart Habits: Wearing breathable layers, seeking shade, and avoiding peak UV hours are simple but powerful ways to protect your skin.
The Problem with Conventional Sunscreens
While sunscreen is widely recommended, many commercial products raise concerns:
- Chemical UV Filters: Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to hormone disruption and are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Undisclosed Fragrance Ingredients: The term “fragrance” can conceal a range of synthetic chemicals not listed on the label.
- Environmental Harm: Many ingredients contribute to coral bleaching and marine toxicity.
- False Security: Sunscreen can give a sense of overconfidence, encouraging longer periods of sun exposure than is safe.
Better Alternatives for Safer Sun Care
If you're looking to protect your skin while supporting your body’s natural processes, consider these alternatives:
- Mineral-Based Sunscreen: Choose formulas with non-nano zinc oxide, which sit on the skin rather than being absorbed.
- Nourishing Balms: Products made with tallow, shea butter, or oils infused with herbs like calendula and raspberry seed oil can help protect and soothe skin.
- Time Your Exposure: Aim for sun time in the early morning or late afternoon, when UV rays are gentler.
- Nourish from Within: A diet rich in antioxidants and low in processed seed oils supports your skin’s natural defense mechanisms.
Here are a couple products to consider that I personally use:
*These are affiliate codes which means if you purchase- I will get a small commission*
- Mineral based sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4mcnqQV
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Holy Naturals Tallow Balm: https://holynaturals.store/products/expresso-balm?ref=frjjujkv
(Use promo code: SoliDeoGloria for 10% off)
A More Balanced Approach
This isn't about fear or perfection—it's about intentional, informed choices. Many of us used harsh products in the past simply because we didn’t know better. Now, we can move forward with a more holistic view: one that honors the way our bodies were designed to interact with creation.
This summer, enjoy the sun with confidence and care. Protect your skin with wisdom—from the inside out.