Sunscreen Can Harm You

Dear reader

'Tis the season of the sun! You probably know that you need to show your skin to the sun especially May to September to get your Vitamin D stores built up for bone health and immune system strength. But you also probably know that getting a sunburn can be dangerous and increase your risk of getting skin cancer. So you need to protect against sunburn. Unfortunately most commercial sunscreens contain dangerous chemicals that can also cause cancer.

SUNSCREEN SHOULD BE YOUR LAST RESORT

To protect yourself and your family, you can use the barrier method - wearing clothing to cover your head and skin. Some companies even make clothing that has sunscreen capability. Check your skin regularly for new moles or growth or changes in an existing mole. Ask your primary health care provider how often you should see a dermatologist.

The best defense against getting too much harmful ultraviolet radiation is a combination of protective clothing, shade and good timing.

SUN SAFETY BASICS

Don't get burned. Red, sore, blistered or peeling skin means far too much sun – and raises your skin cancer risk. Cover up. Shirts, hats, shorts and pants provide the best protection from UV rays – and they don't coat your skin with chemicals.

Find shade – or make it. Picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade – they are still developing the tanning pigments, known as melanin, that protect skin. Plan around the sun. Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower. UV radiation peaks at midday.

WHEN YOU DO USE SUNSCREEN

Pick a good sunscreen. Choose products that provide broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays with ingredients that pose fewer health concerns when absorbed by the body.

CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS WITH 'THINK DIRTY' APP

Want to know what's really in your sunscreen and beauty products? Download the Think Dirty app on your phone. Simply scan the barcode of any beauty, personal care, or sunscreen product and get an instant toxicity rating from 0-10. The app breaks down ingredients and highlights potential health concerns like hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens. It's like having a toxicologist in your pocket when you're shopping for safer products! Did you know that out of 1,300 sun protection products EWG scientists investigated, two-thirds offer inadequate protection or contain worrisome chemicals like Oxybenzone. Check out EWG's 2025 Guide to Sunscreens to find an effective sunscreen without harmful ingredients.

Don't fall for high SPF labels. Pick a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 50. Higher SPF numbers can tempt you to stay in the sun too long – and even if you don't burn, your skin may get damaged.

Avoid sunscreen with vitamin A. Government data show that tumors and lesions develop sooner on skin coated with creams laced with vitamin A, also called retinyl palmitate or retinol.

Avoid oxybenzone. It's an ingredient that may behave like estrogen and can disrupt the hormone system. Look for products with zinc oxide, 3 percent avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.

Don't spray. Sprays cloud the air with tiny particles that may not be safe to breathe.

Reapply often. Sunscreen chemicals sometimes degrade in the sun, wash off or rub off on towels and clothing.

VITAMIN D MATTERS

Many people don't get enough vitamin D, a hormone manufactured by the skin in the presence of sunlight. Your health care provider can test your level. Unfortunately, most Americans are deficient.

PRACTICAL RULE

Get your vitamin D in the "shoulder" hours (early morning/late afternoon) when your shadow is longer than you are, and protect yourself during the midday "danger zone" when your shadow is shorter. This gives you the vitamin D benefits without the cancer risk!

DANGEROUS SUN TIMES

10 AM - 4 PM (peak danger 11 AM - 3 PM)

UV radiation is strongest

Highest risk of sunburn and skin damage

When most sunscreen/protection is needed

GOOD VITAMIN D TIMES

Early morning (7-10 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM)

Gentler UV rays

Less risk of burning

Still effective for vitamin D production

Can expose more skin for longer periods safely

OPTIMAL VITAMIN D STRATEGY

Morning exposure (8-10 AM):

10-30 minutes depending on skin tone

Arms, legs, and face exposed

No sunscreen initially (but apply before burning)

Lighter skin: 10-15 minutes

Darker skin: 20-30 minutes

Late afternoon (4-6 PM):

Another 10-20 minute window

Good backup if you missed morning sun

FACTORS THAT AFFECT TIMING

Latitude: Closer to equator = stronger sun earlier/later

Season: Summer = longer dangerous window

Altitude: Higher elevation = stronger UV

Skin tone: Darker skin needs more exposure time

Cloud cover: Can still get UV through clouds

If you know you are not getting enough sunshine, I recommend trying Vitamin D3 & K2 from Bioclinic Naturals for better absorption. If you can't take vitamin K because you're on blood thinners, try Vitamin D 2000IU from Carlson Labs. You can get a 10% discount when you order on Fullscript through my links and free shipping for orders of $50 or more.

SUN SAFETY FOR KIDS

A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person's lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer. The best form of sun protection is a hat and shirt.

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Cover them with protective clothing, use stroller canopies, and avoid midday sun.

For toddlers and children, test sunscreen first by applying a small amount on the inside of your child's wrist the day before use. Reapply often, especially during water play.

Sun protection doesn't mean avoiding the sun completely - it means being smart about your exposure!

As always... Here's to your best health!

Dr. Linda

Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.