☀️ Soaking Up the Sun: Sunlight, Sunscreen, and What Your Body Really Needs
The sun gets a bit of a bad rap these days.
It wasn’t always this way. For most of human history, sunlight was seen as essential — a life-giving force, a natural healer. People rose and rested with the sun. Kids played outside without worrying about UVA or SPF. And no one thought twice about their vitamin D levels.
Then came the warnings.
Skin cancer rates rose. Sunscreen became a staple. “Avoid direct sunlight between 10 and 2” became standard advice. We started slathering our kids (and ourselves) in thick, chalky layers of SPF 50 and keeping wide-brimmed hats in every bag.
So, what’s the truth? Is the sun dangerous? Is sunscreen safe? And how do we make sense of the conflicting information?
Let’s start with what we know:
☀️ The Sun Isn’t Bad — It’s Vital
Our bodies need sunlight. Daily, moderate exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D — a hormone that plays a huge role in immune function, bone health, mood regulation, and more. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is now linked to a wide range of issues, from fatigue and depression to weakened immunity.
Sunlight also helps regulate our circadian rhythms, improves sleep quality, and supports mental health. There's a reason being outside in the sun just feels better — our bodies are wired for it.
😎 But Yes, Too Much Can Be Harmful
Too much unprotected exposure, especially during peak hours, can increase your risk of skin damage and certain types of skin cancer. Sunburns — especially in childhood — are known risk factors. So it’s not about fearing the sun, but about respecting it. Like most things in nature, balance is key.
🧴 Now… What About Sunscreen?
This is where things get messy.
Some dermatologists argue sunscreen is essential — every single day, year-round. But many in the natural wellness community have concerns, especially about chemical sunscreens that may contain ingredients like oxybenzone or octinoxate, which have been shown to disrupt hormones and potentially harm coral reefs.
There’s also the question of blocking vitamin D. If you’re wearing high-SPF sunscreen every time you're in the sun, your body might not be producing the vitamin D it needs — especially if you live in a northern climate or spend a lot of time indoors.
🌿 What’s a Thoughtful, Balanced Approach?
Here’s what many integrative practitioners and natural health advocates suggest:
Embrace the sun, mindfully. Spend time in the sun during the early morning or late afternoon, when UV exposure is gentler.
Build a base. Allow your skin to gradually adjust to the sun, rather than going from zero to sunburn.
Cover up naturally. Use hats, light clothing, or seek shade when the sun is strongest.
Choose safer sunscreens. Mineral-based options (like those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) create a physical barrier without the chemical load.
Don’t fear every ray. Your body was made for sunlight. Just be smart about it.
☀️🌿
We’d love to hear from you — how do you approach sun safety in your family? Do you lean more natural, more conventional, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
