EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SUN IS A LIE

Jul 3

3 min read

**Soaking in the sun is the real medicine.**

I used to fear the sun. After living in Asia in my 20s, I came home with a full-blown sun phobia. I avoided it like the plague. Wore hats, stayed in the shade, and slathered my face (and tragically, my baby too) in layers of toxic sunscreen.

It wasn’t until my son’s first birthday—when I hit a breaking point in every area of my life—that I started questioning everything. The sun included.

And what I found? Blew my mind.

Because the sun isn’t the enemy. The sun is life.

Let’s break this down.

SUN PHOBIA VS SCIENCE

Mainstream messaging taught us to fear the sun—linking it directly with skin cancer. But newer research is pointing toward something more nuanced:

Frequent, chronic burning is associated with higher melanoma risk—not moderate, consistent sun exposure.
Diet plays a huge role: PUFAs (seed oils) in our cells oxidize under UV light, increasing inflammation and potential DNA damage.
Low vitamin D levels are linked with higher all-cause mortality—including several cancers.

In other words, the context matters.

THE SUN ISN’T DANGEROUS. BUT OUR MODERN HABITS ARE.

What we should really fear:

Years of avoiding sun and then overexposing our skin in one summer holiday.
Toxic sunscreens that disrupt our hormones and block our body’s natural vitamin D production.
Nutrient deficiencies that make our skin more prone to burning.
Polyunsaturated fats (seed oils) in our diet that oxidize under UV light and make our skin more vulnerable to sun damage.

This isn’t about recklessness. It’s about relearning.

Because when you build what’s called a "solar callus" (gradual, consistent exposure), your skin becomes more resilient. And when you support your body with the right fats, antioxidants, and minerals? The sun becomes a healing force.

THE TRUTH ABOUT VITAMIN D

We call it a vitamin, but vitamin D is actually a hormone. And it’s involved in almost everything:

Immune regulation
Hormone production
Mood + mental health
Bone strength
Fertility + skin health

When your levels are low, you feel it. When you get enough natural sunlight? Your body thrives.

ASTAXANTHIN — NATURE’S INTERNAL SPF

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant found in algae (and the reason salmon and flamingos are pink!). I supplement with it all summer. Why? Because multiple studies show it helps protect the skin from UV damage, reduces inflammation, and supports skin hydration and elasticity. It doesn’t replace common sense (don’t burn!), but it’s an incredible internal defense—especially when paired with a clean, nutrient-rich diet.

SO, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

I still protect my skin. But not with endocrine-disrupting creams. Here’s my real-life sun protocol:

Build sun exposure gradually in spring.
Nourish my skin from within
- Omega-3s (wild fish, fish roe)
- Antioxidants (berries, herbs, astaxanthin)
- Vitamin C + E
- Zinc + magnesium
Expose my belly + back (vitamin D powerhouse zones)
Avoid burning at all costs.
Use protective clothing / hats if I’ll be out long.
Mineral-based or tallow-based SPF only when necessary.

SUN & WRINKLES — WHAT SCIENCE SAYS NOW

We’ve all heard it: “The sun causes wrinkles.” But let’s look closer. Yes, excessive unprotected sun exposure (especially burning) can damage collagen and elastin over time. BUT…

Healthy sun habits (non-burning, gradual exposure) can actually support skin health by stimulating vitamin D and increasing circulation.
Wrinkles are multifactorial: dehydration, poor sleep, sugar, stress, nutrient deficiencies, toxic skincare, and chronic inflammation all play a role.
Studies show that the type of fats in your diet (PUFAs vs. saturated fats) may impact how your skin reacts to UV.

So yes, protect your skin—but don’t fear the sun. Fear the processed food aisle instead.

WHAT I USE FOR SUN PROTECTION

Yes, I use SPF—but only when needed. And only the kind that actually protects without harming.

That means:

→ Mineral-based only—specifically non-nano zinc oxide. Because nano particles can be absorbed into your bloodstream. Non-nano stays on the surface, doing its job without disrupting your hormones or cellular health.

My current faves:

Swiss Tallow SPF → nourishing, grass-fed tallow base + zinc oxide. Local, pure, and bioavailable.

Suntribe Sunscreens → reef-safe, transparent about ingredients, and made for sensitive skin.

No parabens. No endocrine disruptors. No BS.

THE TAKEAWAY?

Stop fearing the sun. Start fearing the disconnect we’ve built between our bodies and nature.

When used wisely, the sun is:

✔ Mood-lifting

✔ Immune-boosting

✔ Hormone-supportive

✔ Circadian-resetting

✔ Life-affirming