Sunscreen, Sunlight, and Skin Health: What You Need to Know

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Summer is here, and so is sun exposure! In this week's episode of Healthy California, we dive into the heated topic of sunscreen. Should we use it? How much? What kind? And what are the health implications of both using sunscreen and skipping it?

I unpack the science behind UV radiation, explain the crucial role of vitamin D, and explore the complex relationship between sun protection, skin cancer, and environmental impact. I also raise important questions: If God created the sun to sustain life, why would it harm us? And if sunscreen damages coral reefs, what does that mean for our own skin?

You’ll learn:

• What UVB and UVA rays do to your skin
• The health tradeoffs of sunscreen use and sun avoidance
• The difference between chemical and physical sunscreens
• Ingredients to avoid (hint: oxybenzone and synthetic fragrance)
• The environmental consequences of common sunscreen formulas
• How to support your skin through lifestyle: diet, antioxidants, and protective clothing
• Tips for choosing a safer, more effective sunscreen

Key Takeaways:

• Sunscreen protects against DNA damage but may block vital vitamin D production.
• Lighter skin tones and a family history of skin cancer warrant extra caution.
• Some sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone, are endocrine disruptors and harmful to marine life.
• Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safer alternatives.
• Diets rich in antioxidants can help repair sun damage from the inside out.
• Don't forget natural sun protection strategies like hats, shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.

Final Thoughts:
Your skin is your largest organ—what you put on it matters. Linda reminds us to make well-informed choices based on personal health needs, not trends. And above all, let's be kind to others, making their own choices too.

🌞 Stay safe, stay healthy, and don’t fear the sun—just respect it.

Resources Mentioned:

• Chatzigianni, M., Pavlou, P., Siamidi, A. et al (2021). Environmental impacts due to the use of sunscreen products: a mini-review. Ecotoxicology 31, 1331-1345 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-022-02592-w.
• Addor, F.A.S., Barcaui, C.B., Gomes, E.E. et al (2021). Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2022;97(2):204-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012. L'Oréal provided funds for the meeting of these authors.
• Ziglar, J., Mohammad, T.S., Gilaberte, Y., and Lim, H.W. (2025). Sunscreens: Updates on Sunscreens Filters and Formulations. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. Vol.41(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.70026
• EWG.org. EWG’s 19th Annual Guide to Sunscreens: The best sunscreen is the one you wear and apply often. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/executive-summary/
• CDC (2024). Sun Safety Facts.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

[e-mail]

www.heal-throughfood.com