Soak It In: The Truth About Sunshine, Skin Health & Sunscreen

Honoring the Summer Solstice Naturally

Today marks the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. 🌞 While many celebrate this day with bonfires, backyard BBQs, and trips to the lake, it’s also a perfect time to talk about something that often gets a bad rap: the sun.
We’ve been conditioned for years to fear the sun. “Stay out of the sun!” “Wear sunscreen every time you go outside!” While some of this advice comes from a place of concern, it’s time to rethink how we view our relationship with natural sunlight.

☀️ Sunlight: Your Free Wellness Tool
Did you know that sunlight is essential for our overall well-being? Just 15–30 minutes of direct sunlight on your skin (without sunscreen) helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a huge role in:

• Boosting immune function
• Strengthening bones
• Regulating mood (hello, happy hormones!)
• Supporting healthy sleep cycles
• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting skin health and healing

Vitamin D deficiency is now linked to a wide range of health issues, from autoimmune conditions to mental health struggles - and even increased risk of skin cancer. Isn’t that ironic?

🌿 What About Sunscreen?
Now here’s the part that’s often misunderstood. Sunscreen isn't inherently bad. But most conventional sunscreens on the market are filled with toxic ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and avobenzone. These are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your hormones - and are now being scrutinized for their possible links to skin cancer.
In fact, some studies suggest that these chemical sunscreens may absorb into the bloodstream and cause more harm than good - especially when heated by the sun. Many of these ingredients are banned in other countries but still sold here in the U.S.
Even worse? These toxic sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs, aquatic life, and the environment too.

🌞 What You Can Do Instead:

• Build sun exposure gradually. Let your skin adapt, especially early in the season.
• Get your sun time earlier in the day when rays are gentler and more healing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or lightweight layers for extended time outdoors.
• Use mineral-based sunscreen with safe ingredients like this one that my family uses
• Eat for skin health - antioxidants, omega-3s, and hydration go a long way in protecting your body from the inside out.

🌻 Let’s Return to Nature’s Rhythm
On this Summer Solstice, let’s honor our body’s natural connection to the sun. We were created to live in sync with the earth - not in fear of it.
So step outside today. Feel the sun on your skin. Let your bare feet touch the grass. Take a deep breath and know that the sun is not your enemy. It’s one of your greatest natural allies for health, vitality, and vibrant living.
Here’s to a summer of sunshine, freedom, and informed choices. 🌞🌿✨

​xoxo, Melissa