The sun doesn’t cause cancer, unlike sunscreen. Rates of skin cancer have increased about 200% since the introduction of oxybenzone sunscreen. Oxybenzone is an endocrine-disrupting chemical and a known hormone disruptor that isn’t recommended for use on children and shouldn’t be for adults. It’s been banned in many locations worldwide.
A 2020 study looked at several different active ingredients in sunscreen products. While they did offer SPF protection, chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream, even after one use.
The sun is the greatest source of life on earth. We were supposed to swim freely in sunlight, not hide under a layer of vitamin D-blocking chemical. We need the vitamin d for bodily processes to function normally.
Instead of soaking up sunscreen this summer, start developing your natural sunburn (and tan) with these practices:
1). Progressive exposition. Starting with zero tolerance to the sun, it is best to enjoy the sun when its rays are at their sweetest: sunset and sunrise. As you get acclimated, gradually spend more time in the sun wearing clothes and shade to block it whenever you get a burn.
2). Stop wearing dark sunglasses. This is a hard one for me. When you put a dark filter on your eyes, your brain receptors are led to thinking it’s dark and you’re not exposed to the sun. Your body’s natural response is to stop releasing melanin on your skin, making it more vulnerable to burns.
3). Hydrate. Be extra careful to stay hydrated in the sun.
4) Wear natural sunscreen without toxic chemicals. They do make natural sunscreens for purchase but you must read the label carefully. A better option may be to make your own!
Here is a recipe I’ve enjoyed using and protects the barrier reef!
½ cup high quality cold pressed hexane free sweet almond, avocado, or olive oil.
¼ cup high quality coconut oil
¼ cup beeswax pellets
2 TBSP non-nano zinc oxide powder
½ tsp vitamin E oil (optional, to extend shelf life)
Combine all the ingredients except zinc oxide in a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and place on the stove over medium heat. Set double boiler on top. Stir occasionally to mix the ingredients as they melt. When all the ingredients are completely melted, stir in the zinc oxide. This will take some stirring to incorporate. Pour into whatever jar or tin you’ll use for storage. Stir a few times in that container as it cools to make sure the zinc oxide is incorporated very well. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator to increase shelf life.
A few notes about this sunscreen is:
It is not waterproof.
Do not inhale the zinc oxide.
Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen.
Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.
It is completely insane to be afraid of the sun. We need the sun and the vitamin d it produces. Without proper amounts of vitamin d, we could feel fatigued, have bone and back pain, have muscle weakness, lose our hair, frequently be ill, be depressed, and have an irritable mood. In severe cases or in children, deficiency can lead to serious issues like rickets (a bone disease) or osteoporosis (weak bones). Adapt these practices and I promise you’ll feel nothing but positive health benefits!!!
If you want to purchase good quality herbs, please consider using this affiliate link to purchase them. I highly recommend this link because of how they process and store herbs. You can’t always trust who you purchase from online, but with this company, I truly do feel it is top of the line and high quality. Just go to this link and type in each herb. I also have a limited supply of herbs listed on my website at www.theweeddoc.net.
If you would like to find out more about the author, learn about other herbs on her blog, or sign up for a wellness advice membership please consider visiting this link.
Stay natural!
~Dr. Amanda P. Cartwright