We need more sun exposure more than ever before. Sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D and up to 70% of people are not meeting adequate vitamin D levels. Additionally, there is a link to vitamin D levels and your immune system, it’s role in COVID-19 mortality rates and lung injury.
With Summer in full swing, I wanted to provide some tips on how I prepare for sun exposure to maximize its benefits and minimize the negative effects while avoiding slathering toxic sunscreen on my body.
I do use sunscreen on my face and hands anytime I go out in the sun since these are areas with very thin skin and can show signs of aging prematurely. But I stick to zinc oxide which doesn’t contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone like most other sunscreens. Additionally, research has come out showing that most commercial sunscreen contains chemical compounds that act as carcinogens when absorbed, at least in animal models.
I avoid using sunscreen on the rest of my body, not only because of the toxic chemicals but because our bodies NEED sun exposure to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. In fact, I just read a really good article about why you want more sun exposure and how it doesn’t actually cause skin cancer.