A Guide to Realistic & Sustainable Sun Protection
There seem to be two extremes in the conversation around sun safety: fearing the sun or fearing sunscreen. On one side, we hear urgent warnings about the serious dangers of UV radiation, which can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburns. On the other, we note growing concerns about sunscreen ingredients being “toxic,” “unnatural,” or harmful to our bodies and the planet.
But the truth lives somewhere in the middle. This is a conversation about balance. Real sun safety is about choosing what works for your lifestyle and sticking with it. I believe in finding simple habits you’ll actually follow for yourself and for the long-term health of your family.
Sunscreen Isn’t Toxic, But a Sunburn Is
There’s a rising narrative that paints sunscreen, particularly chemical sunscreens, as dangerous or cancer-causing. And while it’s understandable to want to minimize unnecessary chemical exposures, the science does not support skipping sunscreen altogether.
Decades of solid research show that properly used sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer. This is especially critical when you consider how ultraviolet rays work:
UVB rays cause direct DNA damage that leads to sunburns and increase the lifetime risk of melanoma.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to aging and long-term cellular mutations.
Some people wonder why skin cancer seems more common now, even though humans lived for centuries without sunscreen. But here is the important thing to understand: the skin cancer rates we see today are largely the result of sun damage from decades past, especially from the 1980s and 1990s, before sunscreen use and sun safety became mainstream. This isn’t just about current habits; it’s about the long-term effects of cumulative exposure over your lifetime. And while the ozone layer is slowly healing, it remains thinner than it was for past generations. This means UV radiation is stronger now than ever before, and the potential for damage is greater.
So while the conversation about sunscreen ingredients is valid and worth exploring, it shouldn’t overshadow the very real risk of sunburns. Sunburns are harmful at any age, but especially in childhood because childhood sunburns are among the strongest predictors of skin cancer later in life.
A Sustainable Approach to Sun Safety
Sun protection routines work best when they’re realistic! We need to choose products that you can actually use consistently, day after day. Remember, sunscreen should be used daily! Sustainability here doesn’t just mean only eco-conscious choices. It means options you can stick with and maintain.
Chemical sunscreens often get a bad rap, particularly for potential hormone disruption. But the presence of endocrine-disrupting ingredients doesn’t mean these products must be avoided completely. For some people, chemical sunscreens are easier to apply, more comfortable to wear, or simply more affordable. And that matters. If it helps you actually use sunscreen regularly, it has a place in your routine.
Mineral sunscreens, especially those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, may be a better choice for young children or those with sensitive skin, offering a physical barrier that sits on the skin and reflects UV rays. Still, mineral formulas can have downsides too:white cast, thicker texture, or resistance from kids who don’t love how they feel.
The takeaway? Use what works. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use and reapply. Personally, I love my daily tinted mineral sunscreen that I apply every morning. But when I’m at the beach or the lake, I usually like to start with mineral and reapply with chemical. Here are a few strategies that may help you:
Aim for an SPF of 30-50 and reapply at least every 2 hours
Use mineral sticks or lightweight lotions when you have time for a thorough application.
Save the spray sunscreens for quick reapplication, but make sure to rub them in for full, even coverage.
Keep SPF lip balm handy to protect this often overlooked but vulnerable area.
Layer protection with UPF-rated shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to minimize the skin you need to cover.
Accept that no method is perfect. If you’re protected and reapplying when needed, you’re doing it right.
Sun Safety Tips for Kids
Children’s skin is especially sensitive to UV radiation, and the sunburns they experience today may shape their skin health decades from now. That being said, sunscreen and kids don’t always mix. The trick is to make it simple, consistent, and even a little fun.
Create a sunscreen station
Having a dedicated sunscreen station by the door, in the mudroom, or near the beach bag makes application a no-brainer. Stock it with your go-to products so you're never scrambling. I recommend having a combination of sprays, sticks, lotions, and lip balm to cover all your bases.
INvest in protective clothing
Rash guards and long-sleeve swimsuits reduce how much sunscreen you need to apply. Plus, they don’t rinse off in the water. I highly recommend long sleeved bathing suits for infants and toddlers. Look for UPF sun shirts and wide brimmed hats to protect areas we often miss, like the neck and ears. Also, it goes without saying, but embrace the shade! If you are at the beach or on the boat, try to keep under a sunshade or umbrella.
Tools for easier application
Try a mineral stick or soft makeup brush for applying sunscreen to the face. It feels gentler and can reduce resistance. Tools like Solar Buddies (refillable sponge-topped applicators) empower kids to participate in the process.
Final Thoughts
Sun protection doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. It just has to be consistent, like brushing teeth or putting on shoes. The earlier it becomes a habit, the better.
We don’t need to avoid the sun entirely, nor do we need to vilify every ingredient in modern sunscreen. What we need is a balanced, informed approach that works in real life.
By building simple, sustainable habits like layering sunscreen, clothing, shade, and time of day, we can protect our skin now in ways that will matter decades from now. And we can teach our kids to do the same, without shame or overwhelm.
I also want to acknowledge that some sunscreens can be expensive, and it's easy to feel pressure to buy the "best of the best." But I encourage you to be realistic and intentional with your choices. Protecting your skin doesn’t have to come at a high cost. Because sun safety isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about doing it with care.
Looking For Sunscreen Recommendations?
So now that we’ve talked about sun safety, you may be wondering where to find your next bottle of sunscreen. My favorites are always changing, but here are just a few I have at my sunscreen station!
Daily Facial Sunscreen: My current favorite is the CeraVe Tinted Mineral.
For Mineral Sunscreen: Blue Lizard is my new favorite for mineral based sunscreen. I have yet to try the spray, but the lotion and stick work well aside from the white cast.
For Chemical Sunscreen: Neutrogena Beach Defense is the spray sunscreen I like to keep on hand.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to patients in Maine. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland and Brewer. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, and all the towns in between!
Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not medical advice.