My Non-Toxic Guide to Safe Sun Care
Getting adequate sun exposure is incredibly important for overall health. Regular sun exposure has been shown to boost mood, help regulate your circadian rhythms and improve sleep, support energy, immunity, metabolism and so much more! A lot of these benefits come from vitamin D exposure, which you can read more about here, but there are benefits beyond vitamin D also.
The key with safe sun exposure is to avoid burning, so always be cautious when the UV level is high. If I’m not in the sun long enough to burn I don’t use sunscreen, because I want all the benefits of the sun!
The Problem With Conventional Sunscreen
According to recent studies, the 3 main active chemical ingredients in common sunscreens, homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone, have raised concerns regarding endocrine (hormone) disruption. These ingredients and others have been shown to be absorbed into the skin with only a single use. They’ve even found these chemicals in the blood and skin weeks after being applied.
Oxybenzone causes skin reactions, has been linked to various hormone-related conditions and may increase the risk of breast cancer. Homosalate has enhanced skin absorption and is listed as moderate for non-reproduction organ system toxicity by the EWG. Fragrance and other chemicals listed are listed as “high” for allergies and “moderate” for endocrine disruption.
Nano-particle titanium dioxide has been used in conventional sunscreens for many years, as it provides more protection. It scores “moderate” on the EWG’s Skindeep Database for cancer, is a concern for non-reproduction organ toxicity and can contribute to moderate lung irritation. There is increased concern with inhalation and powders containing this ingredient.
Watch out for these toxins:
Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Phenoxyethanol
Dimethicone
Nano-particle zinc and titanium dioxide
Fragrance
Which Sunscreen Should You Use?
Look for sunscreens that are free from the toxins listed above, and that contain non-nano zinc or titanium dioxide. The key is to choose products that do NOT contain nano-particles of these substances, as they are more easily absorbed into the skin and may contribute to cancer.
A brand I personally use and recommend is Green Beaver. Their products are non-toxic and made from natural ingredients using non-nano zinc oxide.
You can find both non-toxic lotions and sprays for adults and kids, as well as face sunscreen. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one easily for free when you click the link.
Additional Sun Protection Tips
Most people think of sunscreen as the only way to protect their skin from the sun, but there are other ways!
Cover up with a hat, clothing or umbrella if you’re exposed to the sun long enough to burn.
Stay super hydrated with added electrolytes to help prevent dehydration. Avoid sports drinks full of sugars and choose naturally mineralized drinks such as coconut water or add himalayan salt to water.
Avoid alcohol, sugary beverages, caffeine and sodas, as they are dehydrating.
Choose anxioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Reduce refined sugars that contribute to oxidative stress and cell damage.
Replace pro-oxidant oils that contribute to burning such as canola, safflower and soybean oil with coconut, olive and avocado oil.
Vitamin C and vitamin E are two antioxidants that can help fight free radicals and support skin health.
What To Do If You Burn
If you do accidentally burn, cover up right away and drink plenty of water with added natural electrolytes, such as mineral drops, to stay hydrated. To soothe the skin, use pure aloe vera gel (most aren’t pure so read the ingredients!) or a blend of coconut oil with lavender essential oil.
Be ready for the heat, order my top recommended sunscreen here!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Disclaimer:
I do make a commission off on my online supplement store Full Script, but I make sure to only add products to my store that I’ve personally vetted and checked every ingredient in accordance with the EWG’s SkinDeep Database to ensure quality and safety.
If I wouldn’t use it on my own skin, I wouldn’t recommend it for you and your family!
