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With summer fast approaching, questions about sun exposure and sunscreen are resurfacing. So let’s talk about it!

With conflicting information from bloggers, holistic health practitioners, dermatologists, and the media, it can be hard to know what to believe. A lot of extreme narratives tend to cause confusion and pose a real health risk for people who are just trying to safe.

So whether you’re a parent wanting to protect your kids at the pool or someone who wants to make informed decisions about sun exposure, I’ve got you covered with today’s episode.

In this Episode, I Cover:

• Health benefits of unblocked sun exposure
• Why I choose mineral-based sunscreens as an effective alternative to chemical sunscreens
• Why using a higher SPF actually poses a greater risk to your health than lower SPF sunscreens
• Popular sun care “myths” like – does eating seed oils actually effect our bodies risk of getting sunburns?
• Shop for toxin free mineral sunscreen on the Toxin Free Shopping Guide

Benefits of Unblocked Sun Exposure

I make sure to get one to two hours of unblocked sun exposure a day. To some, that might seem like risky business, but I’m delving into a body of published research that begs to differ. Sun exposure plays an essential role in keeping our body’s systems functioning properly.

Yet, many of us are told to avoid the sun at all costs, or to slather on chemical sunscreens every single time we step out. We definitely need to be smart about our sun exposure, but we don’t need to be afraid of the sun.

Sunlight directly hitting your skin has these health benefits:

• Supports natural vitamin D production
• Helps regulate circadian rhythm
• Boosts mood and mental well-being
• Encourages healthy hormone signaling
• Promotes outdoor movement and connection with nature

Unblocked sun exposure doesn’t mean all-day sunbathing. Short, intentional exposure followed by sun protection is the sweet spot for most people.

High vs. Low SPF Sunscreens

You might think higher SPF sunscreen is a safer choice. The longer you’re protected, the less you have to apply, right?

Actually, higher SPF blocks a slightly greater percentage of UVB rays, but the difference is smaller than most people realize. That marginal increase often leads people to stay in the sun much longer, skip reapplication, or avoid shade, resulting in more cumulative UV exposure over time.

Lower SPF sunscreens, when applied generously and reapplied regularly, encourage a more intentional relationship with the sun. A lower SPF with other protective strategies—like hats, clothing, shade, and time limits—makes prolonged sun exposure safer.

My Top Sunscreen Picks

We should be discerning when it comes to which sunscreen we choose. Most sunscreens you see at the grocery store are full of chemicals that to more harm than good.

Choose a mineral sunscreen that uses non nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (and also doesn’t have butyloctyl salicylate in the inactive ingredient section.)

I also really like tallow sunscreen for outdoor activities, but not swimming. Whether you are in a pool, lake or ocean, the tallow will impact the environment and health of the water body. If you are going to swim, choose a formula without tallow.

Some of my favorite sunscreen brands are:

• Young Living
• Kinfield Cloud Cover
• Beauty by Earth
• Primally Pure (code WENDYKATHRYN for 10% off)

View all my top picks in my Toxin-Free Shopping Guide.

Rethinking Sun Exposure

Sun exposure doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Our bodies are designed to benefit from natural sunlight, but they also need protection from overexposure.

Finding the middle ground means being intentional with your sun exposure. Allow short periods of unblocked sun to support vitamin D and circadian health, then use shade, clothing, or sunscreen when you’re in the sun for a long time.

We can enjoy the benefits of the sun while still caring for our long-term skin and overall health.

Related Episodes

• Episode 21: How to Heal a Sunburn Without the Toxic Green Slime
• Episode 119: The Mineral Sunscreen Ingredient That’s Causing Your Sun Care to Be Less Clean Than You Think
• Episode 120: Shark Attacks and Pool Damage: The Inside Scoop on Tallow Sunscreen

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, PLEASE:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• Shop toxin-free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• Download your free Tossing the Toxins Guide
• Post a screenshot, what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.