Safe Sun Exposure: No Sunscreen Needed!

Ok, ya’ll. We’ve been preaching the benefits of sun exposure (read about it here), but isn’t sun supposed to cause SKIN CANCER? Is all this sunlight exposure really SAFE? Should we always wear sunscreen just in case?

Good questions! Let's dive in!

Does Sun Exposure Cause Cancer?

The short answer is NO. The risk of skin cancer doesn't correlate to UVB light exposure. Studies have shown that the rates of skin cancer are way higher in Utah and Vermont, where UVB is only present for part of the year, compared to Florida, where it is present year-round. Furthermore, many studies have shown that outdoor workers have a much lower rate of melanoma than those who work indoors. Night shift workers DO have a higher rate of melanoma, so some speculate that it is a disease of a mismatched circadian rhythm. In which case, more sun exposure will actually reduce the risk skin cancer.

Even though some studies show isolated UVB (like in tanning beds) may increase the risk of skin cancer, UVB that is mixed with UVA and infrared light has not been shown to increase risks. Sunlight always contains UVA along with the UVB, no matter what time of day or where you are. Scientist believe that having other wavelengths of light with UVB mitigate any possible negative effects. 

FUN FACT: Did you know that melanin, the stuff that makes your skin get tan, is an antioxidant? That means it cleans up all the garbage in your body, and is actually cancer preventative. So getting a good summer tan is a very healthy thing to do!

Is Sunburn Bad?

Ok, so if you don’t need to worry about skin cancer from sun exposure, should you just throw caution to the wind and get sunburnt all the time?

No!

Even though sun exposure doesn't cause cancer, we still want to avoid it. Sunburn is still a burn and does cause an inflammatory response. It can spike cortisol and make your body focus its energy on healing your sunburn instead of more important things. 

Also, sunburn hurts. Let’s avoid that!

All About Sunscreen

So. If we want to avoid sunburn, we should just slather on a bunch of sunscreen, right?

You could, but…

Most sunscreens have ingredients that actually DO cause cancer, mess up your hormones, and generally wreak havoc on your body.

For example:

• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3): A known hormone disruptor that can mimic estrogen and has been linked to allergic reactions and reproductive issues. [1, 2, 3]

• Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): Acts as an endocrine disruptor, affecting reproductive and thyroid hormones. [1, 2]

• Avobenzone: While it effectively absorbs UVA rays, it is highly unstable in the sun. As it breaks down, it loses efficacy and can generate free radicals, causing premature skin aging and dermatitis. [1, 2]

• Octocrylene: Often found in chemical sprays, it has been shown to degrade over time into benzophenone, a suspected carcinogen. [1]

Luckily, there are much safer forms of sunscreen available (like this one, our favorite). However, we still limiting the use of sunscreen since it reduces Vitamin D and melanin production when using it. (And honestly, do you really want to be a greasy white mess all the time?)

So our take is…Use safer sunscreen when necessary, but resort to other means first. Keep reading to learn how!

PRO TIP: If you DO get sunburned, one way to help it heal is to spend as much time as you can outside near sunset that evening. It’s full of infrared rays that promote healing. Also be sure to fully hydrate with plenty of minerals and healthy sugars to get your body out of that inflammatory state more quickly.

Safe Sun Exposure Tips (No Sunscreen Needed!)

Here is our top tips for safe sun exposure, with no sunscreen needed.

1. Start small. If you’re not used to the sun, then take it easy. Start with short amounts of time or go out when the sun is less intense. Another good way to build up sun tolerance is by starting in the early spring and letting your body naturally build melanin as the sun gradually gets more intense.

2. Spend time in sunrise light. 20 minutes of sunrise light on your skin is enough to provide protection equivalent to SPF15. The light signals your body to start taking protective measures so that it’s ready for intense sun later in the day. How cool is that?

3. Avoid added seed oils. When the ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 is off in our body, we are more prone to oxidization. Oxidization, in turn, results in skin that can sunburn more easily. Because our diets and processed foods are full of added seed oils, pretty much everyone has way more Omega 6s than they need.  Seed oils include things like canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil. Basically any oil that doesn't solidify at cold temperatures.

   To find a more appropriate balance between Omega 6s and Omega 3s try:

   1. Avoiding all added seed oils

   2. Not eating copious amounts of nuts (almond-flour baked goods, for example)

   3. Swapping out your canola oil and vegetable oil for olive oil, coconut oil, ghee and butter

4. Listen to your body. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Is your skin starting to feel a bit sensitive? Do you have the urge to go in the shade? Have you been out in the sun WAY longer than you ever have? If so, take a break.

5. Use the D-minder App. If you’re just starting out and don’t even know what your body’s warning signs are, check out the D-minder app. You can put in your skin type and location and it will automatically tell you how long you can stay in the sun at its current intensity in your area. It’s just an estimate, of course, but a good place to start.

6. Take cover. When you’ve reached your limit in the sun, instead of slathering on sunscreen, take cover. This could be in the shade or with a hat and protective clothing. Or copy the brilliant Asians and use a little umbrella.

7. Wear coconut oil or a safer sunscreen as a last resort. If you can’t take cover or go inside, coconut oil can give you a tiny boost of protection, around 7 SPF. If you need more than that, it's time to pull out your safer sunscreen.

   
   

There, now you have an excuse to not put on sunscreen.

And an excuse to lay lazily in the sun 

AND to sit quietly and watch the sunrise.

Not a bad use of 5 minutes, was it? 

We’ll see you out there under that gorgeous sunshine!