Summer is here, and so are our choices for sunscreen – do we use any? And if so, is it a natural choice or one full of toxic ingredients? For the most part, I do not use sunscreen (which may be shocking to some), I prefer soaking up Vitamin D in the natural form and know that applying sunscreen to your body can contribute to skin cancer because of the toxic ingredients, and because you are blocking the body’s natural absorption of Vitamin D. There’s plenty of research out for either argument, so do what you feel is best, and read on if you want more info on my choices for sunscreen when I do apply it AND my choice of not wearing any sunscreen and why.
Natural sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, uses physical UV blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin. Instead of absorbing UV rays like chemical sunscreens do, these natural minerals sit on top of the skin and reflect UV radiation.
That means there are no hormone-disrupting chemicals and no harsh synthetic fragrances or preservatives, which is better for our skin.
Why does this matter? Because most mainstream sunscreens contain chemical ingredients that are linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation and allergies. In addition, once you jump into a pool, lake or ocean, these chemicals can harm marine life or anything else swimming in the same body of water (including your friends).
Mineral based sunscreen is safer for children & pregnant women, and for anyone who doesn’t want the traditional toxic ingredients on their body.
How do you know what to buy? If it has ingredients that you can pronounce, then generally that means it’s good for you – like coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Also, make sure there aren’t synthetic fragrances or parabens.
Most of the natural sunscreens are harder to apply as they are thicker and you will have to rub it in more, and often there is a small white layer of zinc still on your body (it may look silly but that’s okay!).
Personally, I will have zinc-based sunscreen with me, but hardly ever use it. If I sit by the pool, I’m only out there for an hour (after that I get bored, LOL). If I’m on a boat, I soak up the rays then head under the top (or put on my long sleeve shirt). If I’m on a long bike ride for hours, I’ll use the mineral sunscreen on my shoulders.
I’ve had two trips this year where hot sun was a factor (US Virgin Islands and bottom of Grand Canyon). In St. Croix when we were in the sun, I chose not to wear any sunscreen yet limited my sun exposure to 60 minutes at a time, after that I headed to the shade. I also wore a sun hat and long sleeve cooling shirt on occasion. I had my mineral based sunscreen with me (to help protect marine life) but chose not to wear it as I wasn’t going to be in the direct sun for more than an hour.
Last month when we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and were in direct sunlight for 6+ hours, I wore a long sleeve cooling shirt. You would think those shirts make you hotter, but they don’t!
Choosing a natural sunscreen that has clean ingredients is a no-brainer for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. Or go for the sun shirt and/or sun hat after 30-60 minutes of direct sun.
I’m a big fan of going natural, staying safe, and soaking up the sun mindfully.
~ Dr. Pam
