Sunny Days Ahead? Here’s How to Stay Sun-Safe🌞

Beauty
Written By Sarah Clark

With the first triple-digit days behind us where I live and Summer around the corner, it's the perfect time to talk about an important topic: sun protection. As much as we love soaking up those warm rays, finding the right balance between beneficial sun exposure and skin safety is important — especially during the hotter months.

Let’s break down some helpful info:

1. Sunlight Is Good for You — in Moderation

Getting regular sun exposure has proven health benefits. Sunlight helps:

  • Regulate your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock)

  • Stimulate vitamin D production

  • Improve your mood and overall well-being

So yes, some sunshine each day is not only okay — it's recommended. But there’s a big difference between healthy exposure and overexposure.

2. Too Much Sun can Come at a Cost

While the sun has its perks, overdoing it can be dangerous. Excessive UV exposure is linked to:

  • Skin damage

  • Premature aging (wrinkles, age spots)

  • Eye damage

  • An increased risk of skin cancer

And skin cancer is no joke — it’s one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), more than 1.5 million new cases were estimated worldwide in 2022, with almost 60,000 deaths.

3. Everyone’s Skin Tolerance is Different

Your skin’s natural defense against the sun depends largely on your skin type and melanin levels:

  • Fair-skinned individuals usually burn faster and need extra protection

  • Darker-skinned individuals have more natural protection but are still at risk for sun damage and skin cancer

Bottom line: no matter your skin tone, protection matters.

4. The Best Sun Protection? No Sunscreen Required

The most effective (and simple) forms of sun protection don’t come in a bottle:

  • Seek shade whenever possible

  • Wear a hat with a wide brim

  • Opt for UV-protective clothing

These methods reduce UV exposure without any chemicals — and are ideal for daily habits.

5. Sunscreen: Yes, It’s Still Important

If you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period, sunscreen is a must. But not all sunscreens are created equal.

Here’s what to know:

☀️Chemical Sunscreens

  • Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate work by absorbing UV rays

  • Often include fragrance and preservatives

  • Linked to hormone disruption in some studies

  • These are okay in a pinch, but not ideal for daily and long-term use

🌞Mineral Sunscreens

  • Contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

  • Work by reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them

  • Considered safer, especially for sensitive skin

  • Modern formulas have improved dramatically (no more chalky white face!)

🌅 Things to keep in mind when it comes to sun…

Sunshine is a powerful force for health and happiness, but too much of a good thing can turn dangerous fast. Be intentional about your sun habits: aim for short, unprotected exposure in the early morning or late afternoon, then cover up, find shade, or use a quality sunscreen when needed.

Enjoy the sunshine — just don’t let it burn you. 🔥

*A Note on U.S. Sunscreen Options

Unfortunately, U.S. sunscreen regulations haven’t been updated in years. This limits access to some of the most advanced sunscreen ingredients used around the world.

If you're traveling internationally, keep an eye out for products that contain:

  • Tinosorb

  • Mexoryl

These newer, broad-spectrum ingredients have excellent safety profiles and offer enhanced protection without many of the downsides of older formulas. 😎

Sarah Clark https://betterhealthwithsarah.com