Sunscreen: Healthy Glow or Hidden Harm?
Balanced Sunshine
Balanced Skin
In this Newsletter:
➡️ How sunscreen works
➡️ Toxic vs. safe ingredients
➡️ Why some sun is essential
➡️ How to pick the right sunscreen
➡️ Sun safety habits beyond the bottle
Summer’s here — we tend to spend more time outdoors and the sunscreen debate heats up.
Some say you must wear sunscreen every day, even when staying inside. Others warn that most sunscreens are toxic and harmful to your health. So… what’s the truth?
💡 How Sunscreen Works
Sunscreens protect your skin in two main ways:
Chemical filters (like oxybenzone or avobenzone) absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.
Mineral filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away like a shield.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays — the ones responsible for sunburn and skin damage. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. But keep in mind: no SPF blocks 100%, and reapplication is key.
🚨 The Problem with Chemical Filters
Chemical SPF ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate are absorbed into your bloodstream and have been linked to:
Hormone disruption (they can mimic estrogen)
Oxidative stress (when exposed to sunlight)
Coral reef damage
✅ What to Use Instead
Your best bet? Non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide in lotion or cream format. These mineral filters are:
Broad-spectrum (block both UVA + UVB)
Not absorbed into your bloodstream
Safe for hormones, skin, and oceans
Gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin
What to Look for on Labels:
“Non-nano” Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide
Cream or lotion format (not spray or powder)
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and no chemical filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate
🧴 A Quick Note on Zinc & Titanium Dioxide
You may have seen apps like Yuka flag these ingredients — but here’s the nuance.
When used in non-nano form and applied as a cream, both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally safe and effective. The concerns stem mostly from nano-sized particles or spray/powder forms, which may be inhaled and potentially harm the lungs.
👉 Bottom Line: Stick to non-nano mineral creams, avoid sprays or powders with mineral filters, when in doubt, opt for zinc oxide — the gold standard in clean SPF
🌞 What About Vitamin D?
Sunscreen blocks UVB — which also means it blocks vitamin D production. And vitamin D is crucial for immunity, hormones, bone health, and mood.
👉 Pro Tip: For natural Vitamin D - get up to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on arms and legs during early morning or late afternoon, when sun is not strong. Then, cover up or layer on mineral sunscreen if you’re staying out longer.
🧢 Beyond Lotion: Natural Sun Safety Strategies
Sunscreen is just one part of smart sun exposure. Mix in these simple habits too:
Cover Up: Wear a wide-brim hat, UPF 50 shirt, UV-blocking sunglasses.
Seek Shade: The sun is usually strongest between 10am–4pm. Take breaks under a tree or umbrella.
Smart Timing: Plan outdoor time in the early morning or late afternoon. Remember, UV rays reflect off water and windows — you can still burn inside your car or poolside.
👉 Note: These steps reduce your total UV load, so your sunscreen doesn’t have to work as hard (and you might even reapply less often).
📝 My Step-by-Step Sun Protection Guide
1. Catch the Rays (Safely)
Spend up to 20 minutes in gentle sun without sunscreen to support vitamin D production.
2. Cover Up or Find Shade
If you're out longer or it’s midday and the sun is strong, protect yourself with hats, sleeves, and shade.
3. Choose Clean Mineral Sunscreen
Use non-nano zinc oxide (or titanium dioxide) in cream form on exposed areas. Reapply every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating.
✨ You Can Enjoy Sun Safely
Whether you’re soaking up morning sunshine for vitamin D or enjoying a beach day under your favorite umbrella — you don’t have to choose between skin protection and hormone health.
By understanding how sunscreen works, making informed product choices, and using smart sun habits, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs: natural support, not daily stress.
Warmly,
Viktorija 💛