As a health coach, sunscreen is one of those topics where I think balance and common sense matter more than fear-based messaging.

Yes, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is important. Sunburns, skin damage, and long-term overexposure absolutely matter. But I also believe we need to be careful about what we are putting on our skin every single day because your skin is not just a decoration… it is an organ.

And unfortunately, many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that have raised concerns over the years regarding hormone disruption, skin irritation, and environmental toxicity.

So the goal is not to panic about sunscreen. The goal is to make smarter choices.

My Overall Philosophy on Sun Exposure

I personally believe moderate sun exposure is healthy for most people.

The sun plays a major role in:

• Vitamin D production
• Circadian rhythm regulation
• Mood and serotonin support
• Mitochondrial health
• Overall mental well-being

The problem is not necessarily the sun itself. The bigger issue is chronic overexposure, burning, and modern lifestyles where people either avoid the sun completely or go from sitting indoors all week to baking themselves on vacation for 8 hours straight.

That rollercoaster approach is rough on the body and the skin.

What Concerns Me About Some Conventional Sunscreens

Many traditional sunscreens use chemical UV filters that absorb into the skin and may also enter the bloodstream.

Some of the more controversial ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• Avobenzone

Research has raised questions about some of these ingredients potentially acting as endocrine disruptors or contributing to skin sensitivity in certain individuals.

Another issue is that some sprays and heavily fragranced products can irritate the lungs and skin, especially for children or people with sensitivities.

And while SPF marketing has become massive business, many people use sunscreen as permission to stay in intense sun exposure far longer than their body can realistically tolerate.

That is where problems can start.

What I Personally Recommend Looking For

When possible, I generally recommend mineral-based sunscreens over chemical-based options.

Mineral sunscreens work more like a shield, reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them into the skin.

The two ingredients I usually look for are:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide

Zinc oxide is my personal favorite because it tends to provide broader UVA and UVB coverage.

I also recommend:

• Fragrance-free whenever possible
• Minimal ingredient lists
• Non-aerosol products
• EWG-verified products if available
• Brands that avoid oxybenzone and other questionable additives

Some Cleaner Brands People Often Like

Everyone’s skin is different, but some brands that are commonly recommended in the cleaner skincare space include:

• Badger
• ThinkSport
• Beauty by Earth
• Raw Elements
• ATTITUDE
• Babo Botanicals
• Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen

Again, I always encourage people to still read labels because formulas can change over time.

Is Covering Up Better Than Sunscreen?

Honestly… many times, yes.

One of the healthiest forms of sun protection is often simply reducing direct exposure instead of constantly coating the skin in products all day long.

Things I personally think are underrated:

• Wide-brim hats
• UPF protective clothing
• Linen coverups
• Seeking shade during peak hours
• Avoiding excessive midday exposure
• Taking breaks from direct sun

This approach can dramatically reduce how much sunscreen you even need.

I especially love this strategy for children because their skin is more sensitive and absorbent.

A Few Important Things People Forget

Sunscreen is not a free pass to roast in the sun all day.

Hydration matters.

Nutrition matters.

Your skin health is also influenced by:

• Omega-3 intake
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin C
• Carotenoids from colorful foods
• Overall inflammation levels
• Sleep and stress

Healthy skin starts internally too.

And one thing I tell clients often is this:

Final Thoughts

As with most things in health and wellness, I believe we do best when we get back to basics.

A balanced approach usually wins:

• Moderate sun exposure
• Avoiding burns
• Using cleaner sunscreen options when needed
• Covering up strategically
• Supporting skin health from the inside out

You do not need to become fearful of the outdoors to be healthy.

You simply need to be intentional.