How to Build Natural Sun Protection from Inside Your Body

Many people are afraid to expose their skin to the sun. You probably think it’s dangerous and damaging to the skin and body, and it can be... with too much exposure. But we need the sun, it helps keep us healthy. Our skin is designed for sunshine. The sun’s rays penetrate deep into our bones. Our pores dilate and the sun's rays impact our melatonin. It lubricates our skin, muscles, organs, and bones. As a result, these secretions impact every part of our body. Our skin becomes naturally protected from harmful rays while also keeping the ability to soak up the sun's benefits. Sunbathing and sun gazing have been practiced as far back as ancient Greece. They knew the sun was the key to health. They linked the lack of sunlight to brittle bones.

The sun is a life source and is extremely beneficial for both our skin and our health. Try not to always wear sunglasses as they block the absorption of sunlight needed by the brain. This impacts our hormones, moods, and other aspects of health. More people than ever before are dangerously deficient in vitamin D. Without the proper levels of vitamin D, our bones can be weak and fragile, our muscles can be weak, our mood can change and we’re more likely to experience anxiety and depression. If you have any of those symptoms, you could be deficient in vitamin D. The sun is often believed to increase the risk of getting skin cancer, however, there have been studies that show that as we use more sunscreen and reduce our sun exposure, skin cancer rates have actually been rising in recent decades.This could be because of the comfort people feel after applying sunscreen, thinking that it would be okay to lay out in the sun for hours. Whether you use sunscreen or not, sun exposure should be closely monitored, and if you feel as though your skin is getting too hot, cover up, find shade, or go inside. (Source)

Not only is your sunscreen preventing you from absorbing the benefits of the sun, but it could also be causing you harm. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that can be damaging to your skin and health. These chemicals are absorbed into your skin within seconds, meaning the sunscreen you're using to protect yourself, could be hurting you. Keep reading to see a list of common harmful chemicals in sunscreen, and make sure none of them are in the sunscreens you use. If you’re going to be in direct sunlight for long hours, or if your skin burns easily even with these tips, you can always use a natural alternative to common sunscreens. My favorite brand is Raw Elements, we carry a few of their products in-store and online. Their line of sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide and organic oils and butters to provide clean and safe sun protection It’s important to know your skin and know what your skin can handle, so you can properly protect it while still getting the benefits from the sun.

Why we don’t like commercial sunscreen

Commercial sunscreen can be laced with chemicals such as oxybenzone, polymers of petroleum, parabens and PABA. These chemicals not only block sunburn but also the skin's ability to breathe. It stops your skin from absorbing oxygen and expelling toxins and carbon dioxide. The nasty part is that whilst lying in the sun with these chemicals on your skin, you’re baking the chemicals into your body. Oxybenzone is a strong free-radical generator, it becomes carcinogenic when exposed to sunlight!! The lesson here is that if you’re going to use sunscreen, make it a natural one with non-nano particle zinc or titanium oxide.

2022 FDA Update

As of this writing, there are 16 ingredients the FDA considers GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Due to a recent study showing evidence of sunscreen chemicals present in the plasma of participants (Source), the FDA is proposing that until more studies are conducted, the ONLY two ingredients that should be listed as GRASE are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide sit on top of the skin and do not get absorbed due to their large molecule size, making them safe for continued use.

Try gradually exposing your skin to the sun

Start sunbathing slowly, start in the spring when the sun is weak and gentle. You will create a protective tan when you build it slowly. The melanin you produce in spring prevents sunburn in the summer months, nature has all the answers. Melanin actually transforms almost 100% of the UV rays into heat that dissipates easily. This will prevent sun damage at a cellular level from solar radiation. By the time you're outside in the strong, summer sun, your skin will be more used to the heat and have a stronger protective barrier in your skin.

You have to learn how to be safe with the sun. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, and spring is here, it’s time to start exposing your skin to the sun and fresh air. Gradually exposing your skin to the sun will help to adapt it and get it ready for when the sun is strongest in the summer. Adjusting your diet is another great way to build up your skin’s natural sun protection from within. 

You want to increase antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and leafy greens

Colorful, fresh, and raw fruits and vegetables are great sources of antioxidants (tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, watermelon, cantaloupe, goji berries, pomegranate, blueberries, blackberries, artichoke, etc.) Along with their ability to protect your skin from harmful UV damage, they also help to boost the immune system. The extracts boost the production of positive enzymes from within cells to defend them against many aspects of UV damage. They prevent the absorption and entry of UV light into the skin. Unlike sunscreen, this protection can last days, rather than hours.

This is why we created our own product called Suncare. It contains Organic Coconut Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil. However, Suncare is not a sunscreen and is not intended to be used while out in the sun for a long period of time. When combined with a healthy diet of antioxidants, and following these tips, Suncare can be used by many people during normal sun exposure without resulting in burns.

The important thing to note is that by increasing your protection from the inside out, you’re still not safe to just lay out in the strong summer sun all day. The sun becomes dangerous to your skin only if you allow yourself to be exposed to excess amounts of UV rays. Be aware of when your skin has had enough and cover up or find some shade. If you’re more comfortable wearing sunscreen, do it, just make sure that it’s natural. However, I also recommend that you give your bare skin the chance to soak up some of the sun’s helpful rays for a short time each day, or as often as possible. It’s essential for your health and well-being. It will also improve the texture of your skin. Don’t be afraid of the sun, it's here to help us.