Working With the Sun, Not Against It
Benefits of the Sun
Sunlight is not a threat to human biology — it is an important source of energy, healing and overall regulation. Regular, moderate sun exposure supports:
- Vitamin D synthesis
- Hormonal balance
- Circadian rhythm regulation
- Immune system signaling
- Mood and nervous system stability
For most of human history, the sun was a daily constant, not something to be avoided. Problems arise not from the sun itself, but from disconnection, deficiencies, and sudden overexposure.
Eyes as a Protective Mechanism
The eyes play a key role in how the body responds to sunlight. When sunlight reaches the retina, it triggers a cascade of protective responses:
- Regulation of melanin production
- Hormonal signalling that prepares the skin for exposure
- Adaptive thickening and pigmentation of the skin over time
Constant use of sunglasses blocks this signalling. The brain receives incomplete information, while the skin is still exposed — increasing the risk of imbalance rather than protection. Sunglasses may be useful in extreme conditions, but habitual use removes one of the body’s natural calibration systems.
SPF Filters and Vitamin D
SPF filters, by design, block UVB radiation — the same spectrum required for vitamin D synthesis. Regular use of SPF:
- Reduces or completely blocks vitamin D production
- Interrupts the body’s natural adaptation to sunlight
- Encourages dependency on topical protection instead of internal resilience
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, even in sunny climates — not because of lack of sun, but because of blocked exposure.
Types of SPF Filters
There are 3 fundamentally different approaches to sun protection:
- chemical filters,
- physical (mineral) filters,
- and the skin’s in-built protective mechanisms.
Each works in a very different way and interacts with the body on a different level.
Understanding these differences allows you to make informed choices — not driven by fear of the sun, but by respect for how the body is designed to adapt and protect itself.
Chemical vs. Physical vs. Inner filters
Chemical Filters
Chemical UV filters absorb radiation and convert it into heat. They are absorbed into the bloodstream and accumulate over time.
All commonly used chemical filters have raised safety concerns, and have been removed from the GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe And Effective) list by organizations such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
All chemical filters are a straightforward NO for use. They are biologically disruptive and harmful even in small amounts. Below is a detailed list of the most commonly used chemical filters and their documented effects on the body.
Overall Harm of Chemical Filters
- Hormonal Disruption: Many filters are endocrine disruptors, affecting sex hormones, the thyroid, and overall hormonal balance.
- Body Absorption: Most chemical filters are absorbed through the skin and detected in blood, breast milk, and urine.
- Skin Allergies and Irritation: Can cause dermatitis, redness, itching, and rashes.
- Phototoxicity and Free Radicals: Under sunlight, they may degrade into toxic compounds and free radicals, accelerating skin aging.
- Environmental Harm: When washed off into water, they cause coral bleaching, reef death, and disrupt ocean ecosystems.
Here is a detailed overview of each chemical filter and its impact on human body and the environment:
Harm to the body:
- Unstable under UV exposure – breaks down into toxic compounds.
- May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Can contribute to free radical formation.
Harm to the environment:
- Toxic to marine life and coral reefs, causing degradation.
Harm to the body:
- Known strong allergen; can cause contact dermatitis.
- Associated with phototoxic reactions.
- May disrupt hormonal balance.
Harm to the environment:
- Toxic to aquatic organisms and marine ecosystems.
- Banned in some countries due to environmental harm.
Harm to the body:
- May cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
- Not stable under sun exposure.
Harm to the environment:
- Water-soluble, accumulates in water bodies, negatively affecting ecosystems.
Harm to the body:
- Hormone disruptor (endocrine disruptor).
- Can cause irritation and phototoxic reactions.
Harm to the environment:
- Negatively affects marine flora and fauna.
Harm to the body:
- Can irritate skin, especially for sensitive individuals.
- Weak UVA protection, making it less effective.
Harm to the environment:
- Toxic to aquatic organisms when it enters oceans.
Harm to the body:
- Accumulates in body tissues.
- Endocrine disruptor, affects hormones.
- May cause skin irritation and phototoxicity.
Harm to the environment:
- Toxic to aquatic ecosystems and contributes to coral reef degradation.
Harm to the body:
- Limited effectiveness against UVB rays.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Harm to the environment:
- Mild but cumulative toxic effect on marine life.
Harm to the body:
- Disrupts hormonal balance by mimicking estrogen.
- Found in bloodstream and breast milk.
- Causes phototoxic reactions and allergies.
Harm to the environment:
- Causes coral bleaching and death.
- Toxic to marine flora and fauna.
Harm to the body:
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
- Unstable under prolonged sun exposure.
Harm to the environment:
- Accumulates in water bodies; harmful to aquatic life.
Harm to the body:
- Breaks down into benzophenone, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic substance.
- Causes allergies and skin irritation.
- Penetrates the bloodstream and accumulates in tissues.
Harm to the environment:
- Toxic to corals and marine life; accumulates in the aquatic environment.
Harm to the body:
- Strong endocrine disruptor, affects hormonal systems.
- Found in blood, breast milk, and urine.
- Causes irritation and phototoxic reactions.
Harm to the environment:
- One of the main contributors to coral reef destruction.
- Toxic to marine ecosystems even in small concentrations.
Harm to the body:
- Can break down under UV exposure, forming free radicals.
- Causes allergic and phototoxic reactions.
Harm to the environment:
- Negatively affects aquatic ecosystems and marine life.
Harm to the body:
- Penetrates the skin and accumulates in tissues.
- May cause irritation and phototoxic reactions.
Harm to the environment:
- Hazardous to aquatic environments; toxic to marine organisms.
Harm to the body:
- May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Not well studied for long-term health effects.
Harm to the environment:
- May accumulate in aquatic environments and negatively affect marine life.
As you can see, most chemical filters in sunscreens pose toxic risks to both human health and the environment. They may disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, accumulate in the body, and contribute to coral reef and aquatic ecosystem destruction.
Physical filters on the other hand, offer a safer alternative for both skin and planet.
Physical Filters
Physical (mineral) filters are natural inorganic compounds that form a protective layer on the skin, reflecting or scattering UV rays (UVA and UVB). They are considered safer than chemical filters but have certain specific features and contraindications.
How it works:
- Forms a thin film on the skin that physically reflects UV rays.
- Provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB.
Benefits and effects on the body:
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in creams for irritated skin (e.g., baby creams).
- Does not penetrate deeply when in non-nano form.
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children.
Contraindications:
- Nano-form zinc oxide may penetrate the skin and raise concerns about particle accumulation. Choose non-nano formulations.
- May leave a white cast on the skin, especially at high concentrations.
Environmental impact:
- Safe for coral reefs and marine organisms.
- Does not degrade into toxic compounds in water.
- Unlike chemical filters, does not cause coral bleaching.
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How it works:
- Creates a protective layer on the skin that reflects and scatters UVB and some UVA rays.
- Mainly protects against UVB but, when combined with zinc oxide, offers full-spectrum protection.
Benefits and effects on the body:
- Well tolerated by sensitive skin, hypoallergenic.
- Non-irritating, suitable for people with dermatological conditions.
- Like zinc oxide, remains on the skin surface and is barely absorbed (if non-nano).
Contraindications:
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may enter the body through damaged skin or inhalation (e.g., in sprays or powders), raising safety concerns.
- Risk of respiratory irritation when used in sprays or powders.
- May leave a white residue on the skin.
Environmental impact:
- Considered safe for coral reefs and aquatic life.
- However, in sunlight, nano-form titanium dioxide can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in high concentrations may be toxic to marine organisms.
- To minimize risk, use non-nano titanium dioxide.
Natural oils with SPF protection
Certain natural oils can support the skin during sun exposure by:
- Reducing oxidative stress
- Supporting the skin barrier
- Assisting recovery after exposure
Examples include:
- Red raspberry seed oil
- Carrot seed oil
- Coconut oil (post-sun support)
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are safe and effective alternatives to chemical filters. Non-nano forms provide strong UV protection without harming human health or marine ecosystems.
Physical filters sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays. They are a less harmful alternative to chemical filters. However, they still:
-
Block vitamin D synthesis
-
Prevent natural skin adaptation
-
Treat sunlight as an enemy
They may be useful in specific situations, but they are not a long-term solution.
Skin’s Inner Protection
True protection begins internally. The skin’s ability to tolerate and benefit from sunlight depends on adequate levels of:
- Tyrosine — required for melanin production
- Selenium — protects cells from oxidative stress
- Vitamin D — supports immune and skin regulation
- Zinc — essential for skin repair and resilience
When these foundations are supported, the skin adapts naturally, burns less, and recovers faster.
A Note on Supplements
Before rushing to the pharmacy, it’s important to understand that most vitamins sold commercially are synthetic — isolated, lab-created forms that differ from their natural counterparts.
Synthetic vitamins may:
- Be poorly absorbed
- Disrupt natural nutrient balance
- Create long-term metabolic stress
You can read more about the risks of synthetic vitamins and their natural alternatives here: Synthetic vs. Natural Supplements
Further I will highlight natural sources for the most common Vitamins and Minerals needed for Skin’s inner protection.
Seafood:
- Fresh oysters
- Red and black caviar
- Cod liver pâté
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Salmon
- Sardines
Meat / Poultry
- Beef
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Chicken, especially dark meat like thighs
Dairy Products:
- Raw milk
- Yogurt / Cheese
- Salmon and other fatty fish
- Pork fat and other pork-based products
- Cold-pressed cod liver oil – Eggs (yolks)
- Butter
- Beef or chicken liver
- Cod liver
It’s important to note that only wild-caught fish and fats from pasture-raised animals exposed to sunlight will contain vitamin D in the levels the body truly needs.
Wild seafood:
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Crab
- Lobster
- Octopus
- Shrimp
Fatty fish:
- Wild salmon
- Halibut
- Tuna
- Atlantic mackerel
- Pollock
- Sea bass
Fresh milk and dairy products
Eggs and meat from free-range chickens
Red meat and beef heart
Fruits and vegetables:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Figs
Dark chocolate and cacao
Bone broth and coconut water
As you might notice, animal-based products provide the majority of essential vitamins and minerals, along with their natural co-factors, which are necessary for proper absorption and use in the body.
When the body is strong, the sun is not something to fight or be scared of. It is something to understand and use its energy wisely.
In the Beauty From Within program, I present in full detail:
- All known natural nutrients involved in sun tolerance
- Safe ways to build inner protection
- Practical strategies to enjoy sunlight without fear
This approach restores trust in the body’s intelligence and reconnects us with nature as it was always meant to be experienced.
Learn more about Beauty From Within program
