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.

Benefits of Sunlight: The Sun as Medicine

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. 

The Modern Problem: Blue Light & Artificial Lighting

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. 

Excess Sun Exposure (+ Why Sunscreen Can Add to the Problem) 

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.

Understanding Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens

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  

*This is why we're working on filling this gap in the sunscreen industry.  Keep your eyes peeled for our latest non-toxic must-have! 

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.

Responsible Sun Exposure With Ancestral Wisdom as Your Guide

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.  

Non-Toxic Sunscreen (When to Use + How to Choose One)

By now, you know that we don’t believe in wearing sunscreen every day. Sunscreen should be used for extended periods in the sun or during intense UVB/UVA exposure hours. When choosing a non-toxic sunscreen, here’s our list of non-negotiables: 

• Mineral-based, physical sun barrier with non-nano zinc oxide

• No aerosol sprays – lotion or pump sprays are best

• No fragranced sunscreens unless scents are exclusively made with essential oils 

• Balanced, broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection with SPF of 15+

• Environmentally safe ingredients to respect the impact on the planet 

• Safe formulas – free from ingredients like industrial seed oils or endocrine-disrupting chemicals

*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.”

Stick with brands you can trust with full ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing. (We’ve got something coming, so keep your eyes peeled. ;)) 

Sun Support From the Inside-Out

Sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen or hats. You can help your body proactively prepare for time in the sun through diet + internal support. Here are our best sun tips for healthy, resilient skin: 

• Internal hydration

Drinking adequate mineralized water and consuming gel water foods builds your skin’s resistance to, well, basically anything! Hydration helps your body flush toxins, maintain a healthy moisture barrier, and function optimally. The healthier the skin, the better equipped it is for sun exposure. 

• • We love minerals like Quinton Sea Water or Taylor Dukes Electrolyte Drink for added benefits

  • Create a DIY hydration mocktail with water, chia seeds, sea salt, + lemon

• 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. It’s known to be:¹¹

• • 6,000 times greater than vitamin C

  • 800 times stronger than CoQ10

  • 550 times more effective than vitamin E

  • 40 times more powerful than beta-carotene

• 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

• 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

• Avoid industrial seed oils

Beyond the general concerns for your health when consuming industrialized seed oils, studies also show they can contribute to skin burns/cancer.¹⁴

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods high in antioxidants + healthy fats

→ Foods with polyphenols can absorb UVBs and some UVA, so they can help prevent UVs from penetrating the skin. 

• • Deeply colored fruits and cruciferous veggies 

→ Foods high in Vitamin C help neutralize free radicals and oxidation, decrease sunburns, nudge cell turnover, address fine lines/wrinkles, and support collagen and elastin production. 

• • Citrus fruits, cruciferous veggies, red peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, tomatoes, kiwi

→ Foods rich in Vitamin E are anti-inflammatory, acting similarly to vitamin C in sun care by addressing free radicals, signs of aging, and more. 

• • Avocados, anchovies, sweet potatoes, salmon, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, organ meats, olive oil

→ Foods with Vitamin A help repair skin tissues, slow the aging process, address free radicals, and even help block cancer formation. 

• • Liver, eggs, fish, cantaloupe, apricots, mangos,  carrots, squash, sweet potatoes

→ Foods with rich mineral content + spices with UV protection capabilities 

*Tip: check out The Skin Whisperer for a holistic dermatologist’s take on food + sun care 

• 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 ways to support your body from the inside out, including: 

• • Skincare products + habits to support a healthy skin barrier

  • Sleep hygiene for improved resiliency to UV damage 

  • Movement/exercise to support immune response + detox

  • Regulating stress to support the innate mind-body connection

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. 

After-Sun Care + Sun Damage 

Sunburn or not, it’s important to restore moisture and nourishment after time in the sun. Here are the best ways to practice responsible sun care – even if you accidentally get too much sun. (We’ve all been there before!)

Natural Sunburn Relief 

Sunburns can be really painful. Thankfully, there are many ways to naturally relieve pain + soothe redness – sans chemical-laden green aloe goo. ;) These are our top recs for sunburn relief: 

• 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. ;))

Restoring Moisture After Sun Exposure

When your skin feels parched after a sun-filled afternoon, these are your go-to products + practices to show it a little bit of extra love. 

• 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. ;) 

Repairing Sun Damage

Life happens. If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of years of excess sun exposure and you’re wondering if there’s hope – the answer is yes! These tried-and-true products deliver restorative benefits + support your skin’s innate healing abilities. 

• 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. 

Embrace Sun Exposure the Natural Way 

Enjoying time in the sun doesn't have to mean constantly applying sunscreen or hiding from its rays. By adopting ancestral sun habits and balancing your time in the sun, you can harness its healing power without unnecessary fear. 

With the right mindset and approach, the sun can be a powerful ally in your pursuit of vibrant health. Absorb its healing energy and see how your skin – and your life – dramatically shift. 

XO

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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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