The Sun Care Directory: Responsible Sun Exposure + How to Use the Sun as Medicine

There’s nothing like the soothing warmth of the sun on your skin.

But with skin cancer rates on the rise and despite the incessant use of sunscreen, it often feels like we’re being told we should fear the sun. Yet solid research continues to confirm the remarkable benefits of natural sunlight for the mind and body.

So, how can we harness its healing power responsibly?

As a holistic skincare company, we believe sun exposure is all about common sense. 

Sun exposure isn't always damaging, nor does it have to be driven by fear.

That’s why we’ve created this Sun Care Directory: to share the science behind safe sun exposure, natural sun protection, and how to use the sun as medicine to nourish your body, mind, and soul.

Do I need sunscreen every day?

No, daily sunscreen is not necessary for most people and can actually hinder your body's ability to synthesize essential Vitamin D. While mineral SPF is a vital tool during periods of prolonged or intense sun exposure, a constant chemical barrier prevents the skin from receiving the biological signals it needs for mood regulation and circadian health. Relying on daily chemical filters also allows synthetic ingredients to accumulate in the body and silences the "sunburn signal"—your body’s natural warning system that tells you when it’s time to seek shade or cover up.

What are the benefits of sunlight?

Sunlight acts as a vital nutrient that regulates your circadian rhythm, boosts mood-elevating serotonin, and triggers the synthesis of Vitamin D. Beyond just a source of light, the sun’s full-spectrum rays provide the biological signals necessary for hormonal balance and cellular energy production.

Our bodies are innately designed to live in tandem with the sun, benefiting from and enjoying its healing properties. Regular sun exposure is important to our health for several reasons. 

• You need direct sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis: Arguably, one of the most important reasons for direct sun exposure is the production of vitamin D – something only the sun’s UVB rays provide. Unlike UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and contribute more to skin aging, UVB rays trigger vitamin D production in the skin – a critical process that supports nearly every system in the body. In fact, research shows there’s almost always an association between chronic diseases + vitamin D deficiency.¹ Though more commonly known for its role in bone health, vitamin D also plays a role in:
  • Immune function
  • Brain function
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Mood regulation
  • Muscle function 

Plus, vitamin D is beneficial for skin health, too, including its role in:

• • Collagen production
  • Regulating inflammation
  • Wound-healing
  • Skin barrier function
  • Protection against sun damage

In fact, every cell in your body has a vitamin D receptor. But unfortunately, regardless of its importance, many of us are deficient. Supplementing is an option, but the real deal (direct sun exposure) is the best + most natural way to get vitamin D. 

• The sun provides mood-boosting benefits

Beyond the mood-boosting benefits of vitamin D synthesis, exposure to natural sunlight also kickstarts the production of serotonin. Serotonin is one of your body’s most important “feel good” hormones.

• Morning + evening light aligns your circadian rhythms 

Sun exposure is paramount for the regulation/health of key hormones. But not just hormones that affect fertility. This includes those that affect critical factors like mood, stress, satiety, deep sleep, and alertness.

Before we talk about how to use sun exposure for its medicinal benefits responsibly, we need to understand how we got here. 

How does blue light affect your skin and sleep?

Excessive exposure to synthetic blue light from screens and artificial bulbs disrupts your internal clock by suppressing melatonin and signaling your body to stay in a state of high alert. On the skin, this high-energy visible light can trigger oxidative stress and premature aging, making balanced exposure to natural sunlight—which contains corrective red light—even more essential.

It’s important to highlight why we need an emphasis on natural sunlight. Ancestrally, humans spent lots of time absorbing the sun’s natural rays. But today, we’re exposed to excessive synthetic lighting. It often contains an imbalanced spectrum of light waves, especially high in blue light. Too much blue light can: 

• Suppress melatonin production + disrupt circadian rhythms²  

• Increase the risk of DNA damage, cell/tissue death, skin barrier damage, and photoaging³

• Create eye damage, specifically to the retina, and even lead to vision loss⁴

Thankfully, we can easily counteract the negative effects of blue light with more natural sunlight. The key is understanding how much. While natural sunlight is a gift to our health, our bodies need balance. It’s true: excess sun exposure comes with risks, too. 

What are the dangers of too much sun?

While the sun is health-giving, overexposure can lead to acute DNA damage and inflammation, manifesting as painful sunburns and oxidative stress. The danger is compounded by the "false security" of chemical sunscreens, which allow people to stay in the sun far longer than their biology intends while suppressing the skin's natural warning signals.

Like many things, too much of a good thing can become an issue. Here’s what you need to know about sun exposure to create safe + balanced sun habits. 

Dangers of Excess Sun Exposure 

To give you a better understanding, let’s break down the sun’s rays. The two main types of rays are UVA and UVB. 

→ UVA rays are the longest wavelengths from the sun that penetrate deeper into your skin, which means they cause more serious long-term damage.⁵ These are also the ones that give you a nice tan. 

→ UVB rays are medium wavelengths that do more damage to the outer layers of the skin. These are known as the rays that create sunburn. 

Too much sun exposure can contribute to concerns like: 

• Glycation 

• Premature aging from oxidative stress and free radicals

• Spots/discoloration 

• Skin cancer (*though it’s important to note the sun isn’t the only factor in skin cancer – other factors like medications, inflammation, chemicals, or a weakened immune response can all impact your risk.)⁶

Now that we have this foundational knowledge, it’s important to look at why sunscreen can contribute to the problem in some cases. It all comes down to the type of sunscreen + how it works.

What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

The primary difference lies in how they interact with UV light: mineral sunscreens use physical blockers like non-nano zinc oxide that sit on top of the skin to reflect rays, while chemical sunscreens utilize synthetic filters that penetrate the skin to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. Mineral formulas provide an immediate, non-toxic shield that is biocompatible with your body, whereas chemical versions often contain endocrine disruptors that can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation or hormonal imbalance.

Most conventional brands of sunscreen use a chemical reaction to prevent sunburns. They often use chemicals like:

• Oxybenzone

• Homosalate

• Nanoparticles

• Octinoxate

• Avobenzone

• Octocrylene

• Octisalate

Instead of providing a physical barrier to block UV rays from penetrating the skin, a chemical reaction converts the UV rays in your skin into heat and releases them.⁷ But the problem with using a chemical reaction is that your skin must absorb the chemicals for them to work. (You can probably guess where this is going…) 

Yep – studies have shown that sunscreen chemicals can stay in your body at an unsafe level for up to 3 weeks after application.⁸ Other risks of conventional chemical-based sunscreens include: 

• Aerosol sprays, which often provide poor coverage + can contain harmful VOCs that could be inhaled 

• Many contain fragrances that can contain thousands of toxic chemicals

• Imbalanced coverage from UVA/UVB rays

• Irritation and/or clogged pores

Unfortunately, only 1 in 4 sunscreens are deemed safe by the EWG with balanced UVA and UVB protection.⁹  

Physical (mineral) sunscreens work in a completely different way. Instead, these natural sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin to reflect damaging rays. Typically, the physical barrier is zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. 

And unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens provide immediate protection since they don’t require a chemical reaction. Generally speaking, these formulas are also safer for the environment.

We’ve covered the need for mindful, balanced sun exposure and safe, natural sun protection. Now, let’s take a closer look at how to be proactive about your sun care + the mindset you can use as guidance.

How did our ancestors handle sun exposure?

Our ancestors lived in harmony with the sun’s cycles, gradually building a "sun callus" through consistent daily exposure that allowed their skin to darken and protect itself naturally. They relied on local, nutrient-dense fats and antioxidant-rich diets to support their skin’s resilience from the inside out, rather than relying on synthetic topical barriers.

Don’t let this information feel like doom and gloom. It’s completely possible to enjoy time in the sun, benefit from its healing power, and still make smart and responsible sun care choices. It all starts with simplifying and relying on the wisdom we can glean from our ancestors.

This simple concept of ancestral wisdom is a guiding principle for sun exposure. 

→ What would our ancestors have done? 

Following their sun habits (with a few modern adjustments – like the invention of sunscreen), the answers for responsible sun care become pretty clear. Here are some foundational principles for sun-related ancestral wisdom: 

1. Don’t use sunscreen every day. This is a (really) unpopular opinion in the skincare world, but historically, our ancestors didn’t rely on daily sunscreen – they adapted their sun exposure naturally. And today, there’s another reason to reconsider constant use: most conventional sunscreens contain chemical ingredients that can build up in the body and negatively impact your health. Instead of blocking the sun entirely, tune into your body’s natural cues – like sunburn – as a protective signal that it’s time to seek shade.

2. Utilize shade in the heat of the day. When the sun’s damaging rays are stronger, find some shade!

3. Find some protective sun care accessories you love. Okay, it’s true: our ancestors didn’t have the same modern options we do today. Still, they were incredibly resourceful in using what they had to protect themselves from the sun. Opt for a lightweight shirt or sundress, a long-sleeved swimsuit, or a wide-brimmed hat – the sun accessories you love are the ones you’ll actually use. ;)

*While some newer research may suggest we shouldn’t wear sunglasses in the sun, here’s our take: there’s a time and place. Don’t wear sunnies when you’re getting your morning/evening sun exposure. But in the intense heat of the day after you’ve already spent some time outside without them? Probably okay. :) 

4. Get direct sunlight in the morning and evening. These times are safest (and most beneficial) for direct sun exposure. Morning and evening light contains higher wavelengths of healing red light and can also help align circadian rhythms.

5. Build skin resilience by slowly spending more time in direct sunlight. Over time, gradually increasing your sun exposure will build more melanin pigments in your skin to withstand longer periods in the sun without damage. 

*Tip: Download the D-minder app to calculate your safe time in direct sun exposure! 

So now that we’ve talked about not wearing sunscreen every day, you’re probably wondering when you should use sunscreen and what you need to know when choosing one.  

When should I use sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be used as a targeted tool during periods of prolonged or intense UV exposure when seeking shade or wearing protective clothing isn't an option. It is not intended for short, daily windows of exposure, which are necessary for your body to produce Vitamin D and maintain its natural circadian rhythm.

How do I choose a non-toxic sunscreen?

When choosing a non-toxic sunscreen, here’s our list of non-negotiables: 

1. Mineral-based, physical sun barrier with non-nano zinc oxide
2. No aerosol sprays – lotion or pump sprays are best
3. No fragranced sunscreens unless scents are exclusively made with essential oils 
4. Balanced, broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection with SPF of 15+
5. Environmentally safe ingredients to respect the impact on the planet 
6. Safe formulas – free from ingredients like industrial seed oils or endocrine-disrupting chemicals

For a formula that checks every one of these boxes, we recommend our nutrient-dense Sun Cream. To learn more about the science behind these standards, read our full guide on finding a non-toxic sunscreen.

*Tip: There are potential risks associated with zinc oxide in nano-particle format.¹⁰ So make sure your sunscreen is specifically made with non-nano zinc! 

→ Wondering why we didn’t list titanium dioxide? Here’s what our formulator, Tommi, has to say about the potential risks of sunscreens with titanium dioxide: 

“Titanium Dioxide is effective and a good option compared to chemical sunscreen ingredients. But there are two forms of Titanium Dioxide that could be used: anatase and rutile. The rutile form is safe to use on the skin as a sunscreen. The anatase form causes free radical damage to the skin when it is in the presence of UV light. 

While many suppliers of Titanium Dioxide use the rutile form, there is no way to truly know which form your sunscreen contains without confirming with the manufacturer.”

How do I build sun resilience from the inside out?

Building sun resilience naturally involves more than just topical protection; it requires a systemic approach to strengthen your skin from the inside out. By flooding your body with specific antioxidants and stable fats, you can increase your "internal SPF" and help your cells better manage the oxidative stress caused by UV exposure.

1. Astaxanthin supplements: Known as nature’s master antioxidant, astaxanthin is a pigment found in many colored fruits, vegetables, and especially algae. While you’ll also find it in some of our best-selling products, many surfers swear by this internal supplement for natural sun protection.
2. Niacinamide supplements: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacinamide is essential for energy production and cellular function. It’s been linked to potential benefits for skin health and skin cancer prevention.¹²
3. Polypodium leucotomas (PL) supplement: This nutrient is derived from tropical ferns and offers natural sun protection benefits through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.¹³
4. Eat anti-inflammatory foods high in antioxidants + healthy fats: Consuming a diet high in vitamins A, C, and E, along with stable saturated fats, provides the essential building blocks for a healthy, sun-ready complexion.
5. Supportive lifestyle habits for resilient skin + optimal body function: Your everyday habits contribute to the overall function of your body’s systems. They directly hurt – or help – your skin.

There are so many proactive ways to support your body as you step out into the sunshine. So don’t stress, you have the power to make informed choices with your sun care! And always remember to nourish your skin after time in the sun. 

What is the best after-sun care?

The best after-sun care focuses on replenishing moisture and calming inflammation with soothing, lipid-rich balms and botanical mists. Look for ingredients like tallow, emu oil, or peppermint to cool the skin and provide the essential fatty acids needed to repair the skin barrier after a day in the sun.

What is the best natural sunburn relief?

The most effective natural relief for a sunburn involves immediately cooling the skin and reducing inflammation with botanical-rich topicals like Everything Spray and Everything Balm. These products utilize anti-inflammatory ingredients like organic lavender and tea tree to soothe the "heat" of a burn, while a chilled Ridged Marble Stone Roller can be used to gently move stagnant heat and promote lymphatic drainage in the affected area.

• Everything Spray – your best friend for soothing burns and reducing redness. Spray throughout the day as needed. Organic raw apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, paired with tea tree and lavender are the perfect combo for inflamed, sunburned skin.

*Tip: Throw it in the fridge for an even more refreshing + cooling mist.

• Everything Balm – the most nourishing + soothing balm for sensitive and inflamed skin after too much sun exposure. Grass-fed tallow and emu oil deeply nourish with unparalleled fatty acid content, while soothing herbs like calendula and marshmallow root reduce inflammation.

• Keep your ridged roller in the fridge. Perfect for a cool burst and gentle after-sun care to encourage healing.

• Pure aloe straight from an aloe plant. With clean hands, simply break open + apply directly to inflamed skin. A simple yet effective swap from the fake green goo we grew up with (plus, it’s the perfect excuse for buying another plant. ;))

What is the best body oil and balm for after sun?

For deep post-sun replenishment, we recommend layering a hydrating facial mist with lipid-rich formulas like our Blue Tansy Body Oil or Eucalyptus + Lavender Body Butter. This combination mimics the skin’s natural moisture barrier, using blue tansy to calm UV-induced redness and tallow-based fats to lock in moisture, preventing the peeling and dryness often associated with sun exposure.

• Blue Tansy Body Oil – with a nourishing base of skin-loving oils, our body oil absorbs easily to replenish moisture, making it an ideal post-sun ritual. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, the blue tansy helps soothe heat, reduce redness, and restore balance to sun-stressed skin.
• Eucalyptus Lavender Body Butter – a rich animal-based formula with tallow and emu oil can make all the difference with deep, long-lasting moisture. Its biocompatible nature makes these the perfect match for thirsty skin, absorbing seamlessly to restore your skin’s moisture barrier. 
• Regenerative Hemp Serum – with proprietary biodynamic whole-flower hemp, this nutrient-dense serum is loaded with potent hydration benefits, soothing properties for inflammation, and antioxidant repair power to fight free radicals post-sun exposure.
• Layer your Facial Mist – layering facial mists before and after applying serums or creams is key to help replenish the skin barrier. The water + plant hydrosols help deliver the nutrients in our oil-based formulas even deeper. In this case, oil and water DO mix. ;) 

How do I repair sun damage naturally?

Natural sun damage repair focuses on flooding the skin with antioxidants and regenerative nutrients found in our Clarifying Serum and Antioxidant Balm. By utilizing potent botanicals and vitamins, these products help to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and repair the skin’s structural integrity, while a weekly Regenerative Hemp Face Mask provides the essential fatty acids needed to reverse the signs of oxidative stress.

• Clarifying Mist – full of antioxidants and polyphenols like neroli and green tea, this mist is perfect for revitalizing skin that’s seen a little too much sun.

• Antioxidant Balm – this is one of our best-selling products for a reason. It’s perfect for stimulating skin repair, protecting from further UV damage, and noticeably improving texture and tone. Tallow and emu oil provide deep nourishment and moisture from fatty acids, while astaxanthin, cacay nut oil, and plum kernel oil fight free radical damage, improve texture, and soothe inflammation.  

• Regenerative Hemp Face Mask – this unique hemp product uses a proprietary strain of whole-flower hemp brimming with bioactive compounds, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content is excellent for rebalancing, brightening, and addressing inflammation. Raw, unrefined honey provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation to nudge cell turnover + skin regeneration. 

• Clarifying Serum – a crowd favorite for reducing scarring + soothing inflammation. This serum is packed with anti-inflammatory oils like turmeric, manuka, and prickly pear seed oil, rich in vitamins E + K. It helps reduce redness, brighten skin, and promote cell turnover – all critical factors in healing sun damage.

Sun care really doesn’t have to be complicated. These products and routines will help you replenish and care for your skin after a day (or a few hours) in the sun. 

How do I enjoy the sun safely without chemicals?

Enjoying the sun safely involves a combination of mindful timing, physical shade, and nourishing the body to handle UV light naturally. By utilizing protective clothing and mineral-based SPF only when necessary, you can harness the sun’s healing benefits while maintaining a non-toxic, holistic lifestyle.

XO

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine | Vitamin D for Health: A Global Perspective
2. Harvard Health | Blue Light Has a Dark Side
3. National Library of Medicine | Blue Light Protection, Part I-Effects of Blue Light on the Skin
4. UC Davis Health | How Blue Light Affects Your Eyes, Sleep, and Health
5. Skin Cancer Foundation | UV Radiation & Your Skin
6. Banner Health | Unveiling the Unseen: 7 Surprising Factors Contributing to Skin Cancer 
7. Cleveland Clinic | The Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens
8. JAMA Network | Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients
9. Environmental Working Group | Only 1 in 4 Sunscreens Deemed Safe by Ewg, Offering Balanced UVA and UVB Protection
10. National Library of Medicine | Potential Risks and Benefits of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review
11. Ostro Vit | Astaxanthin - An Antioxidant 6000 Times More Powerful Than Vitamin C
12. National Library of Medicine | Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention
13. National Library of Medicine | Polypodium Leucotomos - An Overview of Basic Investigative Findings
14. National Library of Medicine | Dependence of Photocarcinogenesis and Photoimmunosuppression in the Hairless Mouse on Dietary Polyunsaturated Fat

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