The Truth About Sunscreen: Are We Protecting Our Skin or Harming It?

The Truth About Sunscreen: Are We Protecting Our Skin or Harming It?

It’s a scary fact: most sunscreen products are full of toxins. Here’s how you can protect your family.


As a mom of five boys and a believer in holistic health, making smart decisions for my family is a top priority. 

As a society, we’ve been taught that sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Every summer, I faithfully lathered my boys from head to toe, trusting that I was doing the right thing to keep them safe. But then, something changed.

I started paying more attention to what we ate and put on our skin. It began with food — I couldn’t believe the amount of unpronounceable ingredients in our everyday meals. So, I started reading labels and making more homemade, organic foods. This is the same time my Organic Elderberry Syrup was born!

It wasn’t long before this mindset shift extended to our personal care products. If what we eat impacts our health, surely what we put on our skin does, too, right?

This led me to question everything, including the sunscreen we were using. The more I researched, the more I realized the ingredients in many sunscreens might be doing more harm than good. The very products I trusted to protect my family could be contributing to the health issues I was trying so hard to prevent.

I know it feels overwhelming. We’re surrounded by toxins from every angle. It feels like everything you trust is a lie, and no matter what you do, you just can’t get ahead.

But don't worry. You don’t have to make every aspect of your life safe and clean at once. And you’re not expected to know everything. You’re only one person! Instead, take it one small step at a time. Go slow if you need to, and make these changes permanent for the safety of yourself and your family.

The Conventional Reasoning Behind Sunscreen

We’ve all grown up with the message loud and clear: sunscreen is our best defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays. For years, conventional wisdom meant having to apply sunscreen as it’s essential to prevent sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer. We’ve been conditioned to see it as a summer staple, right up there with swimsuits and flip-flops.

From the time I was little, my parents would chase me around with a bottle of sunscreen, making sure every inch of my skin was covered before I dashed out to play. I carried this habit when I became a mom. After all, we’ve been told that sunscreen is our armor against the dangers of the sun.

It’s no surprise that we’ve trusted these products. Dermatologists, public health campaigns and even our favorite magazines have all echoed the same advice: sunscreen is non-negotiable. 

But what if the story isn’t quite as clear-cut as we’ve been led to believe? What if we’re exposing ourselves to other risks in our quest to protect our skin? The more I dug into the research, the more I questioned whether the sunscreens we rely on so heavily are as safe and effective as we think.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and betrayed by the very products that were supposed to protect us. But here’s the thing: it’s not about abandoning sunscreen altogether. It’s about understanding what’s in those bottles and making informed choices for our families. 

The Dark Side of Sunscreen: Harsh Chemicals

As I began to dig deeper into the sunscreen world, I stumbled upon some unsettling truths about the ingredients lurking in many popular brands. The more I learned, the more I realized that the products I trusted to protect my family might be putting us at risk.

The Ingredients: What’s Really in Your Sunscreen?

Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harsh on our skin and harmful to our health. Here are some of the concerning ingredients in most sunscreens: 

Oxybenzone is a common sunscreen ingredient that has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It’s scary to think that something I’ve been slathering on my kids could be messing with their hormones.

Octinoxate is a chemical that has raised concerns about its potential to disrupt thyroid function. 

Homosalate is an ingredient that can accumulate in the body and interfere with hormone regulation. It’s included in most sunscreens to help it absorb UV rays. 

These ingredients are absorbed through the skin and can end up in our bloodstream, potentially causing various health issues. But the harm doesn’t end with us, it can also impact the environment. 

Environmental Impact: Beyond Our Bodies

The impact of these chemicals doesn’t stop with our skin. They also wreak havoc on the environment, mainly marine life. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral bleaching and damage marine ecosystems. 

Every time we swim in the ocean while wearing sunscreens with these ingredients, we may unknowingly harm the delicate balance of marine life. It’s heartbreaking to think that our attempts to protect ourselves could be causing so much damage to the planet and animals.

Unfortunately, the adverse effects of sunscreen continues as there’s also a paradox regarding skin cancer. 

The Sunscreen and Skin Cancer Paradox

The most shocking revelation was the potential link between sunscreen use and an increased risk of skin cancer. It sounds crazy, but some emerging research suggests that the chemicals in sunscreen might actually contribute to skin cancer. 

For instance, despite the rise in sunscreen usage, melanoma rates have continued to climb. This paradox has left researchers scratching their heads and re-evaluating the supposed benefits of sunscreen.

The overuse of sunscreen can also lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for overall health. Insufficient levels can impact everything from bone health to immune function, potentially increasing the risk of various diseases, including cancer.

Balancing Protection vs. Harm 

So, where does this leave us? We need to balance protecting our skin from UV damage and avoiding the harmful chemicals in many sunscreens. 

This journey has taught me that it’s not just about slapping on sunscreen and calling it a day. It’s about making informed choices and finding safer alternatives that align with your holistic health values.

In the next section, we’ll explore these alternatives and practical tips for holistic sun protection. I’m here to tell you that you can protect your skin and health without compromising safety. Let’s dive into natural sunscreen options and other ways to enjoy the sun responsibly.

6 Holistic Approaches to Sun Protection

When I realized the potential dangers lurking in conventional sunscreens, I knew I needed to find safer alternatives. Protecting my family from harmful UV rays is still important, but healthier, more holistic ways exist. Here are six strategies we've embraced to keep our skin safe without compromising our health.

1. Natural Sunscreen Alternatives

One of the first steps we took was switching to natural sunscreens. These products use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays rather than relying on chemical absorption. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Unlike their chemical counterparts, these minerals sit on top of the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection without the hormone-disrupting side effects. They’re also EWG Verified! 


Just in case you aren’t familiar with EWG, it stands for The Environmental Working Group and the verified mark is given to products that meet the nonprofit organization's strict standards for health and transparency. EWG scientists evaluate products beyond what's listed on the ingredient label, including test data, ingredient safety reports, and concentrations. When they say a product is verified, it means it’s truly safe!

2. Protective Clothing

Another effective way to protect your family from the sun is to wear protective clothing. Hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts can provide excellent UV protection without the need for sunscreen. Even clothes designed with built-in UV protection can be beneficial for long days outdoors.

3. Seeking Shade

When the sun is at its peak (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), it's a good idea to seek shade whenever possible. Find a tree to sit under or bring along a beach umbrella. Staying out of direct sunlight can significantly reduce exposure to harmful rays.

4. Timing Your Sun Exposure

While it's essential to avoid sunburn, getting some sun exposure is necessary for our bodies to produce vitamin D. Aim for short periods of sun exposure during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense. This can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels without excessive sunscreen use. It’s also a great time to go outside barefoot and get in some grounding as well!

5. Eating for Sun Protection

Believe it or not, your diet can also affect how well your skin handles the sun. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables and a daily dose of my Organic Elderberry Syrup, can help protect your skin from UV damage.

6. Leading by Example

As a mom, I know that leading by example is one of the most effective ways to teach my boys healthy habits. By practicing these holistic sun protection strategies myself, I’m setting a powerful example for them to follow. Over time, these practices become second nature. This helps us create a healthier lifestyle for our entire family.

Remember — Baby Steps, My Friend!

Switching to holistic sun protection can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s worth it for the health and safety of our loved ones. By choosing natural sunscreens, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, timing sun exposure wisely and supporting skin health through diet, we can enjoy the sun safely and responsibly. These small changes add up, paving the way for a healthier, happier family.

If you’d like to add more antioxidants to your diet, a simple dose of my Organic Elderberry Syrup or Gummies will do the trick. They’re bursting with health benefits that’ll keep you and your skin healthy all year long!

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.