The Radiant Truth: Embracing the Sun & Protecting Your Skin Naturally

Let’s talk about the golden goddess in the sky that has inspired poets, fueled civilizations, and given life to every green thing on Earth-the SUN. In our modern skincare-obsessed world, we often hear warnings about the sun’s harsh rays and how dangerous too much exposure can be. But here’s the thing: the sun isn’t your enemy. It’s a source of life, energy, mood-boosting power, and even—yes—beauty.

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about the real benefits of the sun and how we can soak up those healing rays without compromising the health of our skin. We’ll explore how to honor the sun and protect ourselves using beautiful, natural, non-toxic sun care. Because glowing skin should be a result of nourishment, not harsh chemicals.

Ready to glow inside and out? Let’s dive in.

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The Sunny Side: Why We Need the Sun

First things first, let’s rewrite the sun’s reputation. The truth is, moderate sun exposure is not only safe—it’s essential. Here’s what your body and soul get from basking in sunshine (responsibly, of course):

1. Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin

This one’s a biggie. Your body needs sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, a hormone-like vitamin that plays a role in bone health, immune support, mood regulation, and even hormone balance. A short, daily sunbath (15–30 minutes depending on your skin tone and location) can boost vitamin D production naturally.

Fun fact: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to fatigue, depression, weakened immunity, and more. So don’t fear the sun—embrace it with love and intention.

2. Mood Boosting Magic

Have you ever noticed how a sunny day can completely change your mood? That’s because sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin, the feel-good hormone. It can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and support mental clarity, better sleep, and overall emotional wellbeing.

3. Circadian Rhythm Regulation

Your sleep cycle is deeply connected to light exposure. Morning sun exposure (ideally within an hour of waking) tells your body: “It’s time to be awake and alert!” It also helps your body naturally produce melatonin at night, improving sleep quality.

4. Skin Benefits

Believe it or not, gentle sun exposure can actually help with certain skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Of course, this needs to be balanced carefully, but the sun does have healing potential when used wisely.

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A Love Note to Safe Sun Time

Okay, let’s keep it real. While the sun has some amazing benefits, overexposure is still a no-no. We’re not talking about laying out all day unprotected. Think of sunbathing like a supplement: a little goes a long way.

Here’s how to practice sun time safely and wisely:

Timing is everything: Aim for early morning or late afternoon sun when the rays are gentler (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.).
Listen to your skin: The moment your skin starts to feel hot, it’s time to seek shade or apply protection.
Cover up mindfully: Lightweight long sleeves, flowy pants, and wide-brimmed hats are your best friends.
Hydrate inside and out: Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, so drink plenty of water (with electrolytes) and nourish your skin with hydrating oils or mists.

Now, let’s get into the juicy part: natural, non-toxic suncare that loves your skin back.

Natural Suncare: What to Look For

So many mainstream sunscreens are packed with sketchy ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate—chemicals that can disrupt hormones and harm marine life. No, thank you!

Here’s how to protect your glow the natural way:

🌞 1. Mineral-Based Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide)

These physical blockers sit on top of your skin and reflect UV rays away—think of them as tiny mirrors on your skin. They’re gentle, effective, and safe for sensitive skin.

Look for:

Non-nano zinc oxide (won’t absorb into the bloodstream)
No synthetic fragrances or dyes
No parabens or phthalates

Favorites:

Toups & Co. Organics Sun Balm: Totally clean, water-resistant, and family-friendly.
Toups & Co. Organics Sun Stick : Baby-safe, mama-approved, and easy to apply stick formula with only three ingredients.
Sky & Sol Non-Toxic Natural Mineral Sunscreen: Clean ingredients and comes in SPF 30 or 5 and is available on Amazon.
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30: Great for light foundation coverage with your sun protection.
Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen: Reef-safe, zero waste packaging, and perfect for everyday wear.

Featured Sun Care Products

🌼 2. Plant-Based Oils with Natural SPF

While oils aren’t a substitute for sunscreen during prolonged exposure, they can offer low-level protection and support skin health. Layer them under mineral sunscreen or use them for short, gentle sun exposure.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil: This oil comes directly from the seeds of red raspberries (not to be confused with essential oils). It offers low-level protection against UVB rays but offers little to no protection against UVA rays. This oil offers numerous skin benefits, including high concentrations of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation.

Carrot Seed Oil: This oil comes from the seeds of regular carrots. It is highly potent (make sure to use diluted) and offers numerous skin benefits due to its high levels of Vitamin C and E. Carrot Seed Oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and offers low-level UV ray protection.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil offers a minimal natural SPF of about 4-5 and is recommended to be layered with mineral sunscreens for added protection. Reap the skin benefits of coconut oil with its rich antioxidant properties that help prevent oxidative damage to the skin (which is a leading cause of skin cancer).

As with any new product, whether natural or traditional, the best way to know if a product is compatible with your skin is to do a patch test. Simply apply a small amount to a designated area, like the inside of your elbow, and make sure no reaction occurs. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use.

🍃 3. Aloe Vera & After-Sun TLC

Sun-kissed skin needs love! Aloe vera is the queen of after-sun care. Use fresh gel straight from the plant if possible—it cools, heals, and hydrates beautifully.

DIY After-Sun Soothing Spray:

1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup rosewater
1 tsp witch hazel
A few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil

Shake in a glass spray bottle and store in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing mist.

Shake in a glass spray bottle and store in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing mist. Aloe plants are great to keep around the house, both for their health benefits and botanical vibe. Be cautious with many store-bought after-sun aloe products, as many contain added chemicals like colors, fragrance, and alcohol, which can lead to further irritation, especially if dealing with a sunburn.

Some good store-bought after-sun aloe products include Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel and Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel.

🧴 What to Avoid in Suncare Products

If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t slather it on your skin. The skin absorbs up to 60% of what we put on it, and toxic sunscreens can sneak harmful chemicals into your bloodstream.

Steer clear of:

Oxybenzone & Octinoxate: Hormone disruptors and harmful to coral reefs
Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A that can break down in sunlight and become toxic
Fragrance: A catch-all term that can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals
Parabens & Phthalates: Linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues

Instead, choose products that list recognizable ingredients—plants, minerals, herbs—and are certified organic whenever possible.

🌺 Inner Radiance: Eating for Sun Protection

Yes, beauty truly starts from within. Believe it or not, your diet can boost your skin’s natural SPF and resilience to sun damage.

Load up on:

Antioxidant-rich fruits & veggies (like berries, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes)
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia)
Tomatoes & watermelon (rich in lycopene, a natural UV-protector)
Green tea (packed with polyphenols that reduce inflammation and sun damage)

Bonus: These foods also enhance your glow and support collagen production.

💫 My Personal Sun Ritual

I thought I would share a few of my personal favorite sun-loving routines, in case you need a little inspiration!

Morning: I step outside as soon as possible (preferably before you see any artificial light, such as your phone). I let the light hit my face and eyes to help keep my circadian rhythm in check. For interesting info on circadian rhythm, take a listen to Culture Apothecary’s episode with Thaddeus Owen.

Pre-Sun Skin Prep: I apply Toups & Co. Sun Balm and make sure I have a baseball cap and loose and flowy clothing handy in case I need to cover up (when I know I will be in the sun for long periods). I also like to keep a natural lip balm like Toups & Co. Lip Balm handy to keep my lips moisturized and naturally protected.

After Sun Care: I always make sure to hydrate properly and get in electrolytes especially when I have soaked up a lot of sun. If my skin is feeling warm, I love fresh aloe straight from the plant or a refreshing spray of my homemade aloe and rosewater mist.

🌞 You Deserve the Sun and Safety

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to hide from the sun to protect your beauty. The key is balance—honoring your body’s needs, understanding your skin, and choosing sun care that aligns with your values and ingredients that love your body back.

There’s a natural rhythm to life, and the sun is a big part of it. When we reconnect with that rhythm, our skin, energy, and spirit begin to glow in ways no product can replicate.

So step into the light—just do it wisely, intentionally, and naturally.

And remember, you’re not just protecting your skin. You’re honoring your body, the Earth, and the gorgeous radiance that shines from within you.

Hey, Sweet Friend!

Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!

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Ashley Vruwink

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