A Holistic + Balanced Approach to Sun Protection: Summer Skin Series Part 1

In this summer skin series, we’re helping you soak up the beauty of summer. Learn to care for your skin sans harmful products or side effects. 

→ Don’t miss Part 2 for Solutions to Common Summer Skin Woes

→ Or Part 3 for The Best Products to Repair Dry or Sun-Damaged Skin

Today, we’re highlighting a key factor in summer skin health: holistic sun protection – without fearing the sun.

As we step into the warmth of summer, sun protection becomes even more essential. But what most people may not realize is: 

Sun protection doesn’t = wearing sunscreen 24/7! (Thank goodness!) 

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, sun protection isn't just about slathering on sunscreen. As a holistic skincare company, we believe in a balanced approach to sun care – nurturing your skin inside and out to make it more resilient. 

In this post, we’ll guide you through the pillars of mindful sun protection + explore why our tallow-based sunscreen provides a unique (and non-toxic) approach to sun protection. 

We hope this helps you confidently enjoy the season’s warmth, knowing you’ve got your skin covered – sunscreen or not. ;)

The Benefits of Sunlight: Nature’s Healer

Summer offers more than the warmth of longer days – it brings the sun's healing power. While we often focus on its risks, practicing mindful sun exposure allows us to embrace natural sunlight as one of the most powerful tools for our health. 

The truth is, sunlight is not the enemy – it’s essential for overall wellness. 

Safe, intentional sun exposure supports:

• Vitamin D synthesis, which supports a wide range of health benefits¹ 
• Immune system support to keep you healthy 
• Mood regulation to lift your spirits and embrace gratitude 
• Circadian rhythms that directly impact hormonal balance

In many ways, natural sunlight is medicine for our bodies. Sun exposure offers a wealth of healing benefits. It boosts hormone production, promotes better sleep, and even reduces stress.  

That’s why we don’t believe daily SPF is always necessary. The constant push for daily sunscreen creates a problematic barrier between us and the sun – the very source of our natural vitality.

Here’s what’s missing in those sunscreen conversations: context. 

Sun Protection: The Complete Picture

While sunlight can be deeply medicinal for our bodies, it’s still important to be mindful of how you protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure. Too much time in the sun (without proper sun protection) can lead to a variety of concerns, including:

• Oxidative stress 
• Inflammation 
• Sun damage or sun spots 
• Dryness and irritation 
• Compromised skin barrier 

This is where mindful sun exposure comes in. Yes, you can absolutely enjoy the benefits of sunlight and still support your skin’s resilience with responsible sun protection. ;)

Holistic sun protection is about embracing the bigger picture. Just as our ancestors lived in harmony with nature’s rhythms, we can cultivate balance through thoughtful sun exposure that nourishes and protects our skin. 

Internal Sun Protection

Before we reach for a non-toxic sunscreen or seek shade, it’s important to understand that sun protection begins internally. Believe it or not, your diet can be pivotal in protecting your skin from the inside out. 

What you eat fuels your skin’s ability to repair and protect itself, making internal care just as important as external sun protection.

→ For example, studies have shown that inflammatory oils (aka, those harmful industrialized seed oils you keep hearing about!) can contribute to skin damage, burns, and even cancer.^2,3 

But here’s the best part about prioritizing internal sun protection through your diet: growing research supports the innate gut-skin connection.^4,5 A healthy gut is the foundation for stronger, more resilient skin.

To support skin health and promote natural sun protection from the inside out, consider these holistic sun care practices: 

• Consume more antioxidant-rich + colorful foods – these can help combat oxidative stress, making your skin more resistant to UV damage.⁶ 

  • Red produce: contains lycopene and antioxidant properties to increase your skin’s ability to protect against free radical damage.⁷ 

→ Watermelon, red peppers, papaya, and pink grapefruits

• • Orange/yellow foods: potent in beta-carotene and provide antioxidant + vitamin-rich properties to protect your skin and eyes.

→ Carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potato, and mango

• • Dark leafy greens: a beautifying boost of hydration + minerals can help to strengthen the skin’s ability to protect itself and counter the effects of sun damage.

→ Arugula, kale, bok choy, and Swiss chard

• Eliminate (or minimize) inflammatory foods – consuming industrialized seed oils, gluten, sugar, and alcohol can all increase your risk for sun damage.

• Prioritize healthy fats + animal protein – which can directly support cellular health and deliver healing nutrients to your skin.

• Hydrate well – drink plenty of water + enjoy hydrating foods that contain gel water to build a healthy moisture barrier. 

• Sip green tea – this herbal tea is packed with powerful polyphenols, which can slow the aging process from sun damage, and contains cancer-fighting properties. 

*Tip: Try making iced green tea and add pomegranate seeds for an even more refreshing, sun-protective beverage!

• Incorporate Astaxanthin – a favorite among surfers for its natural sun protection benefits. ;)

• Add gut-loving foods – bone broths, raw dairy products, or other nutrient-dense whole foods can help nourish good bacteria.

The more you nurture your gut and focus on internal nourishment, the stronger and more resilient your skin becomes, equipping it to handle sun exposure better. It’s truly a win-win!

Mindful Sun Exposure: Building Your Skin’s Resilience

One of the most important aspects of sun protection is understanding how and when to expose your skin to natural sunlight. To soak up all the benefits without harmful side effects, you’ll want to be familiar with the best times to be outside, how to gradually build resilience, and how you can embrace sunlight as a natural source of wellness. 

By aligning with nature’s rhythms and listening to your body’s needs, you can responsibly enjoy the sun’s healing power.

• Morning Sunlight – Start your day with 10-30 minutes of direct sunlight in the early hours. This helps boost Vitamin D, supports your circadian rhythm, and improves mood.⁸
  

• Gradual Exposure – Build your skin’s resilience by gradually increasing sun exposure based on your skin tone. 

  • Fair-skinned individuals should aim for shorter bursts (about 15 minutes).

  • Medium to dark-skinned individuals may be able to enjoy longer periods before needing sun protection. More melanin in your skin means you can *probably* soak up the sun a little longer without incurring sun damage.
    

• Avoid Peak Hours – The sun’s damaging rays are most intense from 10 AM to 2 PM. During these hours, limit prolonged exposure if you can, or apply a non-toxic mineral sunscreen.

• Support Your Skin Topically – Sun protection isn’t just about the time you spend directly in the sun. It’s important to support your skin before + after sun exposure to strengthen your barrier and prevent damage. 

  • Nourish your skin barrier with potent antioxidants and animal-based fatty acids.

→ SHOP: Antioxidant Balm (featuring Astaxanthin)

• • Avoid stripping cleansers + harsh exfoliants that can weaken the skin barrier.

→ SHOP: Cleansing Oils | Gentle Dry Brush Exfoliation

• • Opt out of conventional skincare remedies like retinol and harsh exfoliants that can dry your skin and make it hypersensitive to the sun. 

→ SHOP: Plumping Line (featuring Bakuchiol, a retinol alternative)

• Use Sun Protection As Necessary – Embrace shade and wear protective clothing when the sun is strongest. And when you know you’ll be outside for a prolonged time, opt for a non-toxic mineral sunscreen, free from seed oils and other synthetics.
  

*Tip: Use the D-Minder app to track the right amount of daily sunlight you need for healthy Vitamin D levels (and prevent sunburn). This app helps you understand when it’s safe to be outside without overexposing your skin.

While mindful sun exposure and internal support are important factors in sun protection, the reality is: there are times when additional sun protection is necessary. That’s why having the right non-toxic sunscreen on hand is essential. 

Next up, let’s dive into how to choose the right sunscreen. We have high standards – we believe that sunscreen should protect your skin and nourish it.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen: How to Choose a Sunscreen That Does It All

Shade and protective clothing aren't always an option. Having a non-toxic sunscreen you can rely on for sun protection is essential when in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

But it’s important to note: not all sunscreens are created equal. Even the ones claiming to be natural or mineral-based sunscreens can contain sketchy ingredients. 

The best choice? 

→ A non-toxic mineral sunscreen made with broad-spectrum SPF, non-nano zinc oxide. 

Unlike chemical sunscreens, which have to absorb into your skin, zinc oxide provides a physical barrier against the sun’s rays without being absorbed. Unfortunately, research continues to show that almost all of the most popular chemical sunscreen ingredients can remain in your bloodstream for weeks after application at unsafe levels.⁹ (Hardly feels like sun protection, right…?)

The good news? We’ve got your skin (safely) covered when it comes to non-toxic sunscreen. ;)

Primally Pure’s Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Our Tallow-based sunscreen took over three years to perfect – and it’s far from your average mineral SPF. We never compromise on safety or performance, which is why this formula balances effective sun protection + deep skin nourishment. 

• Mineral-based SPF – Non-nano zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. 

• Sun-Stable Base – Unlike many “natural” and mineral sunscreens with unstable industrial seed oils as the base in their formula, we opted for a sun-stable + nourishing fat – grass-fed tallow.

• Skin-loving ingredients – Grass-fed tallow, a biocompatible superfood, mimics the skin’s natural composition. Beeswax and mango butter deeply moisturize, repair, and support the skin, leaving it soft, hydrated, and glowing. 

• Free from harmful additives – No synthetic fragrances, endocrine disruptors, refined seed oils, or harmful preservatives – ever. 

• Water-resistant – With up to 80 minutes of sun protection, this sunscreen is perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s reef-safe, lightweight, and fast-absorbing, protecting your skin in or out of the water.

SHOP: Sun Cream Line

*Tip: If you’re looking for a non-toxic bug spray to pair with your sunscreen, pair it with our Nature Spray, formulated with family-friendly + non-toxic ingredients. 

By following these mindful sun exposure practices, you can protect and nourish your skin while harnessing the sun's incredible healing power. Remember, balance is key: it’s not about avoiding the sun but embracing it with intention and respect for your body’s natural rhythms.

Sun Protection + Sun Exposure: A Balanced Approach

The sun isn’t just a source of light. It’s a powerful ally in our wellness journey. 

By embracing sunlight mindfully, we can unlock its healing potential without fearing overexposure. True sun protection isn’t about shielding yourself completely, but about creating balance: nourishing your skin from within and protecting it when necessary.

So, step into the sunlight with intention and honor your body’s natural rhythms, knowing that mindful sun protection is your path to greater vitality and well-being.

XO

*The content in this post is intended for informational purposes only. While we’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and the wisdom behind holistic sun protection, it’s important to remember that skin health is unique to each individual. We encourage you to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for personalized advice that best supports your needs and well-being. Our recommendations are based on general wellness principles and the belief and science behind natural, non-toxic approaches to self-care.

Sources: 

1. National Institute of Health | Vitamin D 
2. National Library of Medicine | Dependence of Photocarcinogenesis and Photoimmunosuppression in the Hairless Mouse on Dietary Polyunsaturated Fat
3. National Library of Medicine | Effects of High-Fat Diets Rich in either Omega-3 or Omega-6 Fatty Acids on UVB-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in SKH-1 Mice 
4. National Library of Medicine | Probiotic Bacteria Induce a ‘Glow of Health’
5. National Library of Medicine | The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis 
6. National Library of Medicine | Oxidative Stress: The Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
7. National Library of Medicine | Lycopene: A Natural Arsenal in the War Against Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Diseases
8. National Library of Medicine | Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health 
9. JAMA Network | Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients