The Sun isn’t your Enemy – Here’s Why
For years, we’ve been told to fear the sun.
Slather on sunscreen. Stay out of direct light. Never let your skin see the sun.
But is this the full picture?
I’m here to tell you what the sunscreen industry doesn’t want you to know.
The Rise of Sun Fear: Why We’re Scared
The sunscreen craze really took off in the 1970s. Skin cancer rates were rising, and sunscreen was marketed as the ultimate solution. But the more we used it, the higher the rates of melanoma became.
Doesn’t that make you stop and think?
If sunscreen is so effective, why is the skin cancer rate still climbing?
What Research Really Shows About Sun Exposure
Surprisingly, research tells a different story.
Moderate sun exposure can actually protect us.
In fact, people who work outdoors (like construction or farming) have lower melanoma rates than those stuck inside.
Excessive UV exposure can cause burns.
But your body is designed to absorb sunlight — not hide from it.
The fear-based messaging we’ve been fed might be doing more harm than good.
What’s Actually in Your Sunscreen?
Most sunscreens on the market are loaded with chemicals like:
- Oxybenzone – Linked to hormone disruption
- Octinoxate – Potential endocrine disruptor
- Avobenzone – Breaks down in sunlight (yes, really)
These aren’t just sitting on your skin. They absorb into your bloodstream and have been found in breast milk and urine.
That doesn’t sit well with me — and it probably shouldn’t sit well with you, either.
The Smarter Way to Protect Your Skin
Now, I’m not saying you should bake in the sun with zero protection.
But let’s look at better ways to protect your skin.
1. Know Your Tolerance
Start with 5–20 minutes of sunlight in the morning or late afternoon.
When you start feeling too warm, it’s time to seek shade. You can slowly work up adding 5 minutes a day until you reach an hour of daily exposure (as long as you don’t burn). You will be surprised at how much your skin will tolerate if you increase slowly.
2. Mineral Sunscreens Are Your Friend
Look for non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These minerals reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. And they don’t seep into your bloodstream.
Avoid chemical sunscreens with ingredients you can’t pronounce.
It’s a much safer choice.
The Power of Blue-Green Algae for Sun Protection
Here’s a tip: you can actually “eat” your sunscreen.
How? Through blue-green algae.
Algae like spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (found in E3Live) are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help protect your skin from the inside out.
Here’s how:
- Phycocyanin: A potent antioxidant that fights oxidative stress caused by UV rays.
- Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs): These absorb UV light, acting like an internal sunscreen.
- Chlorophyll: Detoxifies and helps your body fight off harmful free radicals.
A 2017 study published in Marine Drugs found that MAAs can absorb UVA and UVB light, helping protect your skin cells from damage.
Another study in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that spirulina boosts skin hydration and collagen production — essential for youthful, resilient skin.
And because algae helps detox heavy metals, it reduces skin sensitivity, too.
So you’re not only protecting yourself from the sun, but you’re also clearing out the internal gunk that could make your skin react poorly.
I personally add spirulina to my morning smoothie during sunnier months. It’s like a built-in shield for my skin.
Is Sunscreen a Scam?
Sunscreen has its place, especially when you’re outdoors for long periods. But the fear-based marketing?
That’s the scam.
We were told to hide from the sun, and now we’re dealing with chemical-laden products that could harm our health and potentially even contribute to cancer .
The truth is, your skin needs the sun. It thrives on natural light, and moderate exposure can actually help boost your immune system and regulate your metabolism.
So, what’s the better option?
Be smart. Embrace the sun. Use mineral-based sunscreens when needed.
And don’t forget to support your skin with blue-green algae.
Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Light
You weren’t meant to live in fear of the sun.
You were meant to embrace it, connect with it, and let your body do what it was designed to do.
In naturopathic medicine, we always look at the root cause.
Sometimes, that root cause is simple: you need more light.
So next time you step outside, take a deep breath, soak in those rays, and know that your body is healing.
Let’s stop hiding from the sun. It’s not the enemy — it’s your ally.
It’s spring! Check out my blog about Spring Detox! And here is a video I made about the best Sunscreens!