Deliciously Organic

Organic, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo Recipes and Thyroid Health

8 Reasons Why I Don’t Wear Daily Sunscreen

Almost every health or women’s magazine recommends we wear daily sunscreen in an effort to protect us from cancer and skin damage. For years I followed their advice, but then I learned about the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens and our need for unprotected sunlight each day.

Almost every health or women’s magazine recommends we wear daily sunscreen in an effort to protect us from cancer and skin damage. For years I followed their advice, but then I learned about the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens and our need for unprotected sunlight each day.
As I’ve often found – when I look at both sides of the coin, I learn new information. The information I learned on this topic completely changed how I think about sunscreen and the sun.

  1. The skin is the body’s largest organ. More importantly, “Substances placed on the skin can penetrate into the underlying tissue and eventually reach the blood stream.”
  2. Most sunscreens contain toxic synthetic chemicals that are linked to various health issues.
  3. 500 of the most popular sunscreens may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer. via the Environmental Working Group
  4. There’s no proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancer.
  5. The FDA has only approved one sun-filtering chemical – avobenzone. What about the rest of the ingredients?
  6. German researchers found that sunscreens might negatively affect the thyroid.
  7. Our bodies need safe sun exposure, which allows us to naturally produce our own supply of vitamin D.
  8. Normal and safe sun exposure is beneficial, not harmful.

Almost every health or women’s magazine recommends we wear daily sunscreen in an effort to protect us from cancer and skin damage. For years I followed their advice, but then I learned about the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens and our need for unprotected sunlight each day.

So what’s a girl to do? How can we protect ourselves from sun damage?

  • Eat Well – A nutrient-dense diet, void of trans-fats and polyunsaturated fats and higher in omega-3 fatty acids can help the skin protect itself.
  • Dress Well – A hat and longer sleeves protect the body without any chemicals.
  • Did I mention Eat Well? – “The skin requires the nourishment of vitamins and minerals from food—first and foremost for skin health are the fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Rough, dry and prematurely aged skin is a telltale sign of vitamin A deficiency, which often first manifests as rough, raised skin on the back of the arms.Vitamin A is critical to the repair process, including repair from sun burn and damage from toxins. Vitamin A increases the thickness of the epidermis, especially the granular layer (the portion of the epidermis that produces horn cells).” Sally Fallon
  • Use a natural, non-toxic sunscreen when needed.


Here are my personal rules for wearing sunscreen and being in the sun:

  • If the kids or I will be out in the sun for longer than one hour, we will apply a safe sunscreen after one hour of “unprotected” exposure. We’ve found that with a nutrient-dense diet, our skin doesn’t begin to turn even the slightest bit pink until we’ve been in the sun more than one hour.
  • If we’re not at the beach or the pool and can wear a long-sleeve shirt or get in the shade, we’ll do so after getting an adequate and safe amount of sun exposure for the day.
  • Here’s a list of my favorite natural sunscreens. Alternatively, if I’m going to be outside for a longer period on a cloudy day, I’ll apply a bit of coconut oil – which has a natural spf of 4.
  • We eat a nutrient-dense diet featuring generous amounts of Vitamin A from animal sources to protect our skin.
  •  

    For more information on safer sunscreens, check out the Environmental Working Group Sunscreen Guide. 

    Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

     

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43 Comments

  1. Kelly @ The Nourishing Home

    April 16, 2014 at 11:07 am

    Great post! And so true. We love the Jason Sunbrella sunscreen as well. My son uses it daily when he's in Jr Guards over the summer due to being out in the sun for a full 6 hours a day for three straight weeks, but it does the job in keeping him from getting burned. And of course, I couldn't agree more that a healthy diet is key. Blessings to you for a happy spring and Easter!

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 16, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      Thanks, Kelly! It was amazing to us to see how the sensitivity of our skin to the sun changed when we started eating a nutrient-dense diet. I'm constantly amazed at how incredible our bodies can heal and protect themselves when given the proper nutrients! :)

  2. Candy Sparks

    April 16, 2014 at 11:52 am

    I also have heard that Zinc Oxide works wonders at block the sun naturally. I have heard to people adding it to their mositurizers to help feen of sunburn. I burn within about 20 minutes of pure sunlight but if I am running on the trails with most shading coming from the trees I won't turn pink until 40 minutes. I have been in need of a good sport sun block because soon my runs will last more than an hour long and by that time I will need the extra protection. Thanks for the insight.

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 7:04 am

      This homemade recipe uses zinc oxide and it might be helpful to give it a try -http://wellnessmama.com/2558/natural-homemade-sunscreen-recipe/

  3. Janet Miller

    April 16, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    Thank-you for the great post. I have extremely sensitive skin and burn very easily. I too, have never liked sunscreens. They seem to irritate my dry, sensitive skin, and now I understand why. I will definitely be trying Jason Sunbrella sunscreen. Knowledge is power. Wishing you a beautiful Easter.

  4. Cousinvicki

    April 16, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    This is horrendously misinformed , and you clearly know little about melanoma. Not using sunscreen on your kids for an hour ? You can burn in half that time, and for what to go all natural ? Sorry I'll take the chance of chemicals to avoid dying from skin cancer , and will do the same for my children .

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 8:38 am

      Can you please help me understand how I been misinformed? The need for vitamin D from sunlight is well documented as well as how food can protect the skin as well as other parts of the body. In this post I shared facts from studies, commentary from doctors and nutritionists, reports from the Environmental Working Group, my opinion and personal experience in hopes to shed a new light on this topic.Since eating a nutrient-dense diet, I've seen first-hand that our skin rarely turns pink, even after being in the sun for a couple of hours. This wasn't always the case. When we used to eat a diet full of processed foods our skin burned very quickly, so in my opinion, the diet has made a difference. If I can eat food to protect my skin instead of a chemical sunscreen, then this is the choice we will make that works best for us. But of course, when sunscreen is needed, we use it and are happy to have a safer alternative to some of the more toxic sunscreens on the market.

  5. Dana

    April 16, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    So true! It's difficult to find a daily face/body moisturizer without sunscreen. What do you recommend?

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 5:50 am

      I use pure rose hip seed oil as a moisturizer. It works really well for my skin and soaks in quickly.

  6. Nicole

    April 16, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Hi Carrie!Thank you for the helpful information! Along the lines of safe skincare, do you have a daily body lotion/moisturizer that you recommend?

  7. jess

    April 16, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    Carrie and ladies- I'm sure you know this already, but sunscreen is really easy to make! I buy zinc oxide (the protective barrier that prevents harmful rays from penetrating the skin) and mix it with just about anything! I found the recipe on Wellnessmama.com. I buy my zinc oxide powder on amazon, but it is often times sold in health food stores in bulk. :-) jess

  8. Gail

    April 16, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    I've lived in Florida all my life. I am fair-skinned (green eyes, light brown hair). I've had more than my fair share of sunburns. I quite using commercial type sun block/screens about 8 years ago due to the toxic chemicals as Carrie has spoken of. Aubrey Organic Sunscreen also carries a high rating by EWG (Environmental Working Group). I certainly want to try Jason Sunbrella this season! The only time I ever wear sunblock is if I'm going to the beach, or I plan to be directly in the sun during the summer for more than a couple of hours. as far as your question is concerned, Dana, I would apply the moisturizer to my skin first, then apply the sunscreen. That's what I do. Also keep in mind it is important to get at least 20 minutes of sun daily for Vitamin D. For more information about sun and Vitamin D, check out Mercola.com. Thanks for your commentary on this subject, Carrie.

  9. Dawn

    April 16, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    Thank you for the post. I'm still learning the natural way of things. I had a squamous cell carcinoma removed from my hand this past fall. It left a half inch scar. My father and his parents have had many pre-cancerous and cancerous spots removed as well. Some sources indicate certain skin types are more prone to skin cancer. I'm not sure what to believe at this point. Sunscreen or not? I will definitely try clothing protection this summer. I also will try more natural sunscreens including Jason Sunbrella.

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 7:02 am

      I don't think that never using sunscreen is the best option, but I do think that a nutrient-dense diet can have more of an affect on the health of our skin than we understand.

  11. Christie

    April 16, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    I really can't thank you enough. I have 4 kids and we usually use natural/organic sunscreens (Aubrey Organics etc); but for a family of 6 it can get very expensive. My older daughter is also red-haired and super fair. Every once in a while we skimp and get a convenient (and not natural) spray sun screen, ugh. After reading your article (yay) I found this recipe that I wanted to pass on and can't wait to try myself. Thank you again, from a grateful mama. http://wellnessmama.com/2558/natural-homemade-sunscreen-recipe/

  12. Corinne

    April 16, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I eat a nutrient dense diet yet still burn easily, as do my boys, so apparently it doesn't work for everyone. Good to know of safer sunscreen alternatives. Thanks for the information.

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 7:01 am

      It's definitely not a one-size fits all situation. I shared my personal findings and experience to hopefully help others!

  13. Maryea {happy healthy mama}

    April 16, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    I've never heard that well-nourished people burn less easily than those who are not. Do you have any source for that besides the Sally Fallon article? I'd love to read more about it.I'm with you--I prefer to only wear sunscreen if I'm going to be in the sun for a long time. I need vitamin D!!

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 5:58 am

      Here's a basic article from Yahoo Shine about how the diet can protect the skin from sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. Of course, it's not even really talking about a true nutrient-dense diet as we know of, but it's great to see that even the mainstream media sees this connection. http://voices.yahoo.com/foods-protect-skin-sunburn-skin-damage-and-6040878.html?cat=5

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 17, 2014 at 6:50 am

      Some of the best sources of vitamin A include butterfat, egg yolks, liver and other organ meats, seafood and fish liver oils.

  15. jill

    April 17, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Thanks, Carrie! I'm a true sun-lover and I have skin that reacts horribly to parabens and other chemicals in all cosmetic products. I've been tanned by the sun for most of my life and most people think I'm 10-15 years younger than I actually am. I grew up on a farm and my whole family was in the sun just about all day every day in the summer. Not one incidence of skin cancer. All are fair to medium skinned. I used a cocoa butter lotion when I was a teen (yes, about 40 years ago) and my sensitive skin never reacted to it. Several years ago I tried most of the sunscreens out there, and my skin had horrible reactions - itching, burning, prickly heat, awful problems. No fun for vacations in Mexico or Florida! I finally found a suncare product line called Natural Tone (sold through Suncare Central) that has an organic line and NO MORE PROBLEMS. I learned that when most sunscreens are applied, they block your pores. You try to sweat, and can't. After several days, the sweat is begging to get out of your body so it forms itchy, nasty prickly heat. As long as I use their aloe body lotion and tanning products (basically every SPF range you would need) I'm perfectly fine - and soft! Also I wish it were common knowledge that an SPF of 50 or 70 or even more is no better than 40. It's all marketing. And for anyone who's ever had sunscreen in your eyes, that should tell you it's horrible stuff for your skin as well.

  16. Aimee & Clint

    April 17, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    Love this read! So glad to see more people promoting the benefits of not using sunscreen and the harmful effects of toxic sunscreens to our health. Brilliant! Thanks!!

  17. Amanda @ Easy Peasy Organic

    April 17, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    Our 6yo wears one of these when she's swimming outdoors (and has done since she was 3)! We love it for our intense Aussie sun, and always get heaps of compliments when we travel :)http://www.stingray.com.au/st2008s-kids-stinger-suit-sports-style/Axx

  18. Beth Williams

    April 19, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    Thanks for posting this about sunscreens! I live in FL and am always in the sun if possible. I try to go to the beach in the morning or late afternoon and do not wear a sunscreen very often and like you, try not to put any on until I have had at least an hour of sun. When watermelons are in season, I take a large container of it with me and eat on it while I am there. This is very good for our skin because of the Vitamin A. Also it is very beneficial to drink carrot juice for the same reason.

  19. margaret

    April 21, 2014 at 11:24 am

    We do the one hour rule as well. Even for my 2 year old daughter, who has fair skin, we can safely do about an hour and twenty minutes, even on the beach, with no sunscreen.

  20. Amanda Hinski

    April 24, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    I've definitely gotten really bad sun burns in under an hour... remember it depends where you are located and your skin type! The "under an hour" rule is definitely not intended for people who live near the equator or have very fair complexions. Certain people can get a nasty burn in just 15 minutes, especially if you are near the water, which reflects more sunlight. You can, however, find lots of recipes for making your own non-toxic sunscreen on the internet. Even if sunscreen doesn't prevent cancer, getting a bad sun burn can be extremely painful and make you very sick. If you are your child are used to spending time in the backyard without sunscreen, definitely consider other options when you go to the beach or a pool or especially a south of the border vacation! Still a great post :)

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 25, 2014 at 7:39 am

      I appreciate your thoughts. I did not mean for this post to be hard-and-fast rules for everyone. I was only sharing what my family has experienced after switching to a nutrient-dense diet and the rules we now follow. I've had many people write in saying they or their kids are very fair-skinned and they live in tropical locations and since changing their diet, they can now be in sun for longer periods of time without any burning. Personally, I don't think it depends as much on the skin type as it does the nutrients the body is receiving. We live on the coast in FL, and our diet has caused a significant change in the amount of time we can be in the sun without sunscreen. Of course, we use caution and use sunscreen (purchased or the homemade version I shared) when needed.

  21. Tracey

    April 25, 2014 at 5:03 am

    I was warned by my doctor that due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/leaky gut that my body still isn't getting all the nutrition that it needs and not to rely on food as sunscreen at this point. He says when I'm healed up it's a go. Just a warning to others. If your body isn't functioning properly then relying on food for sunscreen may not work properly.

    • Deliciously Organic

      April 25, 2014 at 7:36 am

      I'm glad to hear your doctor believes that foods can protect the skin. And yes, it's wise to know where your health is at before using diet to help protect the skin.

  22. Amanda

    June 11, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    I use a lot of essential oils and I recently bought carrot seed oil to try out. Coconut oil, carrot seed oil, and myrrh oil are suppose to help protect the skin from the sun.

  23. Andrea

    July 2, 2014 at 8:28 am

    I admit that this idea terrifies me. I have had five dysplastic areas of skin removed and I'm only 30. My mom had a melanoma removed a couple of years ago. I am a lifelong Floridian but started staying out of the sun b/c I'm honestly afraid of getting skin cancer now. I am half Cuban and have an olive skin tone but I am somewhat fair; my daughter is fair. I have started burning easily now since I never allow myself much sun exposure. Three hours at the beach with no sunscreen last week did me in. We have recently changed to a much better way of eating and I am curious to see if this helps but at the same time, I am afraid to risk it. We have a goal to start a homestead so I will be outside much more than I am now, along with my children, so this topic has been on my mind. In addition, I have had bumpier skin on the back of my arms probably since middle school. I guess I'm just a mess! :(

    • Deliciously Organic

      July 2, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      I know it sounds scary, especially since we've been taught that the sun is harmful. :) I hadn't expected that our diets would protect our skin and was completely amazed at the results. It takes time though and of course, you should always use caution. I was just reading about "bumps on the back of the arms" and that's a condition called Keritosis Pillaris and is apparently from a lack of Vitamin A in the diet (from animal sources - it's a misconception that vegetables contain Vitamin A). My youngest daughter used to have this issue and we were able to clear it up by adding plenty of Vitamin A to her diet. Here's some more info on that topic: http://chriskresser.com/nutrition-for-healthy-skin-part-1

  24. Gen

    July 9, 2014 at 10:54 am

    Hi Carrie. I was wondering what your thoughts are on Josie Maran argan daily moisturizer with spf 47?ThanksGen

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