Be Sun Smart This Summer – 5 Simple Solutions for Healthy Sun Exposure
Summer is here, and with longer days and stronger sun rays, most of us are eager to soak up the sunshine. The sun is an incredible source of energy, warmth, and Vitamin D, but with melanoma cases on the rise, it’s more important than ever to enjoy it safely.
Good news: Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the sun entirely or slathering on chemical-laden sunscreens. Instead, let’s focus on smart sun exposure with these 5 Simple Solutions that will keep you glowing while reducing risks.
Go Green – Green Tea for Skin Protection
Did you know that green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG that helps protect your skin from UV damage and even fights melanoma?
But here’s what most people don’t know—many green teas contain fluoride, a neurotoxin that can do more harm than good. If you want the benefits of EGCG without the unwanted extras, try a clean, fluoride-free green tea extract.
👉 I recommend: Green Tea ND – a fluoride-free, caffeine-free extract that’s perfect for both adults and kids. It even supports digestion! Check it out here.
Use a Healthy Sunscreen (Because What You Put on Your Skin Matters!)
Sunscreen is essential, but most commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that do more harm than good. Your skin is your largest organ, and just like you wouldn’t eat junk food every day, you don’t want to slather harmful substances on your body either.
🔍 How to choose a clean sunscreen:
✔ No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone (these are hormone disruptors!)
✔ Look for mineral-based formulas (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide)
✔ Use the EWG.org database to check your sunscreen’s safety
Bonus Tip: Always apply sunscreen to your face and left arm daily—these areas get the most sun exposure while driving!
Wear Your Sweat – The Vitamin D Absorption Trick
t’s no secret that Vitamin D deficiency is rampant. Many people spend long hours indoors and use sunscreen religiously, blocking their body’s ability to make Vitamin D naturally.
Here’s the fix:
🌞 Sweat first, shower later – After sweating outdoors, wait at least 10 minutes before showering. This gives your body time to absorb the Vitamin D made on your skin.
If you’re sweating off your sunscreen, just reapply after your Vitamin D boost!
Protect Your Scalp – Wear a Hat!
Your scalp gets direct sun exposure, yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to sun protection. Sunburn on the scalp can lead to long-term issues like dandruff, excessive hair loss, and even headaches.
The simple solution? Keep a hat with you at all times!
👒 Wide-brimmed hats for all-day sun protection
🧢 Sporty caps for casual wear
🎩 Keep extras in your gym bag, car, and by the front door so you’re always covered
Eat More Salt (Yes, Really!)
💦 When we sweat, we lose electrolytes, and water alone isn’t enough to rehydrate properly. Most people instinctively reach for water, but what they really need is salt.
Himalayan salt and sea salt are natural electrolytes that help:
✔ Prevent dehydration & heat exhaustion
✔ Support digestion & gut immunity
✔ Keep adrenal glands functioning properly (bye, fatigue!)
🏖 Bonus: Swimming in the ocean helps too! Your body absorbs trace minerals from the saltwater, naturally replenishing electrolytes. So next time you hit the beach, know you’re doing your body a favor!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Sun, But Do It Smartly
Sun exposure isn’t the enemy—it’s how we approach it that makes all the difference. Protect your skin, but don’t deprive your body of Vitamin D and natural healing benefits. With these 5 simple solutions, you can soak up the sun safely and feel your best all summer long.
✨ What’s your go-to sun safety tip? Let me know in the comments!
🔆 Stay healthy, stay radiant, and enjoy your summer!
xoxo,
Julie E