Enjoying the Sun Safely

by Carollyn Mushro

Although summer is winding down and school is nearly back in session around the country, there is still time to enjoy longer days and time in the sunshine. Here are some tips for making the most of the sweet summer days while also protecting your skin! 

Sunscreen

There are two types of sunscreens on the market– chemical and mineral. Most consumers have no idea there are two types, but the ability to distinguish them is an essential one for you and your family.

Chemical sunscreens allow UV light into the skin. Once the light is absorbed into the skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen create a reaction in which UV light is converted to heat, and the heat dissipates from the skin. The biggest issue with chemical sunscreens is toxicity of ingredients– with concerns for hormone disruption, skin irritation, and chemical levels beyond what is considered safe for skin penetration.

A mineral sunscreen, however, sits on the skin’s surface and prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating it. Mineral sunscreens can be made from either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In 2019, the FDA  stated these are the only two ingredients it deemed as safe and effective based on current data. Mineral-based sunscreen formulas are by far your best bet for both safety and efficacy.

For safe sunscreen recommendations, check out ewg.org.

One type of sunscreen that should be avoided at all costs are sunscreen sprays, for many reasons. Cancer-causing benzene is widely found in aerosol sunscreens. In fact, many of these types of sunscreens have recently been recalled, but only voluntarily by the manufacturers. In fact, the FDA does not require that the companies test for contamination in their products. Additionally, the sprays not only give minimal coverage, but the risk of inhaling airborne sunscreen particles is also a concern (especially for innocent bystanders during the application process!)

Benefits of Sun Exposure

Most everyone knows that the sun can increase Vitamin D levels, but why is it so important? Vitamin D– the kind that can only be produced in the body through sun exposure– is responsible for maintaining our natural circadian rhythm, maintaining proper calcium levels, improving heart health, brain function & immunity. Sunlight also increases our natural endorphins, which means it makes us happier! Hint hint, that means, keep taking outdoor walks even in the winter!

It is important to note that using any sunscreen will hinder vitamin D absorption and the health benefits associated with it. For this reason, I, personally, only apply sunscreen on my full body if I plan to be exposed for a long stretch of time, or if it is early in the season and I haven’t built up my exposure yet. Otherwise, I usually let the Vitamin D do its thing if it is just a day of running errands or stepping outside occasionally.

Other tips

• Wear protective clothing with an SPF factor– hats are especially helpful.
• Take breaks in the shade-- every 15 minutes or so.
• Don’t wear sunglasses! They may look cool, but shades actually impede our body’s ability to sense how much melatonin it needs to produce in order to prevent sunburn.
• Build up exposure gradually-- allow yourself 10 minutes in the sun at a time if it has been a while since you have had full exposure.
• Be sure to eat a diet high in antioxidants & healthy fats. Food such as tomatoes, berries, fish, chocolate, green tea & leafy greens can help fight the free radicals produced by the skin when exposed to the sun.
• Don’t excessively shower before or after sun exposure to avoid removing protective oils from the skin’s surface.
• Stay hydrated!
• Avoid alcohol, refined sugar, processed starches, and vegetable & seed oils

Humans have been exposed to sunlight every day quite literally since the dawn of time. Our greatest life force can– and should– be enjoyed safely and respectfully for our emotional and physical benefit!

About the Contributor

Carollyn is a wellness enthusiast living in the Chicago burbs with her husband and two children. She loves inspiring families to find their own healthy journey through holistic modalities. She loves kombucha, travel, and questioning the status quo.
You can find her on IG: @carollyn.mushro