Why Brooklyn Mom’s Are Ditching Their Sunscreen

When summer hits, we’re told to slather on sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and reduce our risk of skin cancer. But what if that very sunscreen you’re relying on is increasing your toxic load—and possibly contributing to cancer?

This might sound radical, but more holistic research and integrative practitioners are questioning the safety of conventional sunscreens. It’s time to dive deeper into the dark side of sun protection, explore safer options, and learn how to truly support your body under the sun.

 A Quick History of Sunscreen

Sunscreen as we know it today is relatively modern. Ancient cultures protected themselves using natural means—Egyptians used rice bran oil and jasmine, Greeks used olive oil, and Indigenous peoples used plant extracts and mud.

The first commercial sunscreen was developed in the 1930s and became mainstream by the 1970s. With skin cancer rates rising, sunscreen was marketed as a necessary daily product. But since its widespread use, skin cancer rates have not declined—in fact, they've increased. Coincidence? Not likely.

Many experts argue that while sunscreens may prevent sunburn, they don't necessarily prevent the more dangerous forms of skin cancer. Even worse, some ingredients used in these products may disrupt hormones, create free radicals when exposed to sunlight, and damage DNA.

 Toxic Ingredients Commonly Found in Sunscreen

Here are a few red flags to look out for on ingredient labels:

1. Oxybenzone

   A hormone-disrupting chemical that can mimic estrogen and has been found in urine, blood, and even breast milk. It also contributes to coral reef bleaching.

2. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) Easily absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity.

3. Homosalate Disrupts hormone function and may accumulate in the body over time.

4. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) In sunlight, this synthetic vitamin A can speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions.

5. Fragrance/Parfum A vague term that may hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens and allergens.

6. Parabens Preservatives that mimic estrogen and are found in breast tumor tissue.
   

These ingredients are absorbed through your skin and have been found in blood tests, breast milk, and urine long after use.

 5 Clean, Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands

If you're looking to protect your skin and your health, here are some holistic, non-toxic alternatives that use zinc oxide (a safe physical blocker) and clean, nourishing ingredients:

1. Badger Organic ingredients, reef-safe, and certified cruelty-free.

2. Pipette

3. Thinksport Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without endocrine disruptors. Also available for babies and kids.

4. Earth Mama Organics Created by a nurse and herbalist, this brand uses clean ingredients ideal for pregnant women and children.

5. Babo Botanicals Vegan, non-GMO, and made with organic botanicals. Great for families.
   

5 Holistic Tips to Help Your Body Handle the Sun Naturally

Protecting your skin doesn’t always mean hiding from the sun—it means supporting your body so it can handle exposure better. Here's how:

1. Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels Gradual sun exposure actually helps your body produce vitamin D, a hormone crucial for immunity and cancer prevention. People with adequate vitamin D levels are less likely to burn and more likely to develop a healthy, protective tan.

2. Drink Fresh Watermelon Juice 🍉 Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, watermelon helps protect your skin from sun damage and can reduce inflammation caused by UV rays.

3. Eat Your Sunscreen (aka Antioxidant-Rich Foods) Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, and berries are high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help protect skin from the inside out.

4. Use Natural Oils with Low SPF Red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil naturally offer light sun protection and nourish the skin. These can be added to your daily skincare routine.

5. Time Your Exposure Aim for sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon when UV rays are less intense. Start with short durations and build up your “solar callus” gradually.
   

The sun isn't your enemy—it's a powerful, life-giving force essential to your health. The key is mindful exposure and avoiding toxic chemicals that can disrupt your body far more than the sun ever could.

When choosing sunscreen, read the label like you would a food product. If you can't pronounce it or don't know what it is, maybe it doesn't belong on your skin.

Is Avoiding the Sun Making You Sick? The Hidden Benefits of Daily Sunshine

For decades, we’ve been taught to fear the sun—cover up, stay inside, and slather on sunscreen at all costs. But the truth is, when approached with mindfulness and moderation, sun exposure is not only safe, it’s essential. Our bodies are biologically wired to thrive with sunlight, relying on it for crucial functions like vitamin D synthesis, hormone regulation, immune support, and mood balance. Rather than avoiding the sun altogether, it’s time to reconnect with its life-giving power and understand how responsible sun exposure can be a foundational pillar of vibrant health.

1. Natural Vitamin D Production

• The #1 benefit of sun exposure.

• UVB rays stimulate your skin to produce vitamin D, a hormone vital for:

  • Immune system regulation

  • Bone health and calcium absorption

  • Hormone balance

  • Lower risk of chronic illnesses, including certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and depression
    

Fun fact: Just 10–30 minutes of midday sun a few times per week can be enough, depending on skin tone and location.

2. Boosts Mood and Mental Health

• Sunlight increases serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, improving mood, focus, and calm.

• Sun exposure also regulates melatonin, supporting better sleep cycles and reducing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  

 3. Supports Immune Function

• Adequate vitamin D levels are linked to a stronger immune response.

• Sunlight can help modulate inflammation and enhance the body's defense against infections.
  

4. Strengthens Bones and Muscles

• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, crucial for:

  • Bone density

  • Preventing rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis

  • Muscle strength and coordination
    

 5. Cardiovascular Health

• Sun exposure may help lower blood pressure by triggering nitric oxide release from the skin, which helps dilate blood vessels.

• This can improve heart health and circulation.
  

6. Circadian Rhythm Regulation

• Early morning sunlight exposure helps set your internal clock, promoting better sleep and wakefulness patterns.

• Helps regulate hormone production, including cortisol and melatonin.
  

7. May Reduce Risk of Some Cancers

• Paradoxically, studies show that adequate sun exposure is linked to lower risk of certain internal cancers (e.g., colon, breast, and prostate cancers) due to the protective role of vitamin D.

• This is in contrast to overexposure, which increases skin cancer risk.
  

 8. Skin Conditions May Improve

• Controlled sun exposure has been used therapeutically to treat:

  • Psoriasis

  • Eczema

  • Acne

  • Vitiligo

  • Jaundice in newborns (via phototherapy)
    

9. Increases Energy and Alertness

• Sunlight stimulates the production of dopamine and other brain chemicals that enhance energy, motivation, and vitality.
  

10. Enhances Detoxification

• Sunlight may support liver function and lymphatic drainage.

• When paired with sweating, it helps the body eliminate toxins more efficiently.
  

Sun exposure is not the enemy. It’s a vital, healing force that humans evolved with—and it plays an irreplaceable role in our health. The goal isn't to fear the sun but to build a healthy relationship with it.

Tips for Safe, Smart Sun Time:

• Expose bare skin to early or late-day sun for 15–30 minutes without sunscreen.

• Avoid peak UV hours (10am–2pm) for extended exposure.

• Protect your face and chest with hats or mineral sunscreen if you're out for long periods.

• Hydrate and nourish your body with antioxidant-rich foods to prevent oxidative stress.