Summertime is on its way! May has gifted us with some abnormally warm weather and a whole lot of sunshine. But as much as we love the sun, it is important to remember the dangers it brings. The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s talk about how to stay safe in the sun this Summer and where to start when it comes to natural sunscreen options!

The Dangers of Too Much Sun Exposure

Believe it or not, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. The majority of skin cancers, both melanoma and non-melanoma cases, are caused by sun exposure. We all love the sunshine, and we know there are many benefits that come with it, but we must also remember the dangers that come with sun exposure.

Sunlight is harmful to our skin is because of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun emits invisible UV rays, which penetrate the skin, causing damage to the cells. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. The most worrisome of these rays are UVA and UVB. These rays damage the skin, cause premature aging, and put you at an increased risk for skin cancer. These rays are also present in tanning beds, which is why it is dangerous.

This is why we always recommend sun safety and protection! The research is very clear on this. The most danger comes from intermittent and intense sun exposure in childhood and adolescence, which is linked to melanoma. You may be wondering what intermittent and intense sun exposure looks like. Think beach days, an afternoon on the water, or laying out to tan. These are the times that are very concerning, where sunscreen is just not enough. So let’s talk about sun safety and natural sunscreen options to keep you and your family safe this Summer.

My Top Six Sun Safety Tips

Wear Facial Sunscreen Daily

Our faces are exposed to the skin every day, all year long. Therefore, we really need to be wearing facial sunscreen every day. Period. Point blank. Aim for an SPF of 30 or higher. Continue reading to learn about sunscreen and to see my recommendations.

Plan Your Suntime

The sun’s radiation is most powerful during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest, between 10a-4p. During these times, it is important that you practice safe sun time to protect your skin. If you would like to see how high the UV index is for your town, use this UV calculator.

Reapply, Reapply & Reapply Some More

Sunscreen is most protective when applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, then reapplied generously every 2 hours or so. Reapplying sunscreen is also necessary after swimming, even water-resistant sunscreens! I prefer cream-based sunscreens to spray-on because you are able to have more control over the coverage and protection.

Protect Your Eyes, Ears, Lips & Hairline

Many of us forget these very susceptible areas of the face. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your ears and hairline. I also recommend keeping an SPF lip balm with you to protect your lips from burning and peeling. Lastly, don’t forget the sunglasses. The eyes of both children and adults are just as sensitive. For children, you may want to find wrap around sunglasses that will stay on better.

Seek Shade

Shade, you either need to find it or you need to bring it with you! Realistically, we like to spend those midday hours outside, so shade needs to become your best friend because sunscreen alone is often not enough. I recommend investing in a beach umbrella or pop-up tent to keep you and your family safe. Encourage your children to take regular breaks in the shade. If you have a baby under six months old, it is especially important to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.

Cover Up

When you are out in the sunshine, try to cover up as much as possible. For adults and children alike, I recommend baseball hats, sun hats, and sun-protective clothing like rashguards. The more protection the better. Be sure to cover those shoulders!

Your Guide to Natural Sunscreen

Okay, so let’s talk sunscreen, starting with SPF. This is a time when more isn’t necessarily better. Higher SPF has not been associated with decreased risk of sun damage. Additionally, your sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB. It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50, reapplying every 2 hours or after swimming.

When choosing your sunscreen, you will see that there are two types: mineral and chemical. The difference is dependent on what the active ingredient for sun protection is. This is important because some of the ingredients found in chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the bloodstream and go on to negatively affect the hormonal system. These are called endocrine disruptors, which are often discussed in the “clean beauty” world.

So when you are purchasing sunscreen for your family, it is important to consider the SPF content and the ingredients.

INgredients of mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which provide a physical barrier on the skin. These sunscreens are no longer as white and pasty as you may remember. Advancements in technology allow for these sunscreens to rub onto the skin smoothly with little white-casting.

Ingredients Of Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens often contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, retinyl palmitate or other chemicals, all of which can cause endocrine disruption and damage to the skin.

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. Everyone has different favorites, but I will share mine here.

Daily Facial Sunscreen: My current favorite is CocoKind Daily Sunscreen. Find more options here.

For Body Sunscreen: Alba Botanica and Badger have always been my go-tos! Find more options here.

For Children: Earth Mama and Badger are great options. Find more options here.

About the Author

Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to patients in Maine and Massachusetts. 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, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Belfast, Bangor, and all the towns in between! She now sees Massachusetts patients through telehealth as well!

Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not medical advice.