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📖 Quick Links

TL;DR (for those short on time)

Introduction

PART 1 – Sunlight: Cancerous or the Key to Health?

----> The Link Between Sun and Skin Cancer

--------> Lower UV Exposure Countries Have Higher Melanoma Rates

--------> If the Sun Is So Dangerous, Why Didn’t Our Ancestors Die From Skin Cancer?

----> Increasing UV Resilience

--------> How Your Food Could Be Getting You Sunburnt?

--------> Red Light

--------> Other Lifestyle Factors

----> Health Benefits of Sunlight

----> The Best Way to Treat Sunburn (Naturally)

PART 2 – The Truth About Sunscreens

----> Protecting Yourself From UV Overexposure

----> What’s In Your Sunscreen Matters!

----> Zinc: the Best UV Blocking Ingredient?

----> SPF 50: Holy Grail or Scam?

Conclusion

 

👁️ TL;DR

PART 1: Sunlight

•       While UV overexposure is bad (including sunburns), sunlight is integral to your overall wellbeing and health

•       Use an app like Dminder to help you determine your UV threshold (the amount of time before you get UV damage

•       Increase your UV resilience by eliminating seed oils, building your solar callous, and avoiding blue light at night

•       Treat sunburns by immediately cooling the skin, then (once cool) soothing with aloe vera, tallow balm or coconut MCT oil.

PART 2: Sunscreens

•       Use a non-nano zinc sunscreen to provide optimal chemical-free protection

•       SPF30 is all you need for strong protection, research has shown anything above that adds negligible additional protection and is purely a marketing tactic.

•       Avoid sunscreens with chemicals such as Octocrylene, Homosolate and Oxybenzone and 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, which are shown to be endocrine disrupting (i.e. changes your hormonal balance).

•       Opt for sunscreens with natural ingredients (e.g. tallow, jojoba oil & beeswax) that will be gentle for sensitive skin or those with skin issues like eczema or rosacea.

 

👋 Introduction

Like many Australians growing up, I loved watching the Banana Boat sunscreen ads that came on the tele; there was just something about a toddler lip syncing the theme song that was so attention-grabbing.

(If you haven’t already seen it, take a moment to watch this iconic Australian ad)

Phrases like “Slip, Slop, Slap.” and “There’s nothing healthy about a tan” were common in Cancer Council and government advertisements and were often repeated to us at school and at home.

Source: Cancer Council

Sun-phobia was an integral part of Australian culture, and I grew up, like many, with a borderline fear of the sun, believing I would get skin cancer if I didn’t slather sunscreen over every inch of exposed skin.

It was only when I became more health conscious in my adult life that I started to realise that a lot of the “health” advice given by the medical industry and big companies was not actually in my best interests.

Unfortunately, our trust in the system, combined with the lack of unbiased information (including “authoritative research”) has led to misconceptions around how the sun and big-brand sunscreens impact our health.

Not only have we come to believe depriving ourselves of sunlight is healthy, but we’ve been taught conventional sunscreens are the answer when it comes to protecting ourselves from overexposure.

Go to any beach in Summer and you’ll see the vast majority judiciously slathering on big brand sunscreen.

The same sunscreens that contain potentially harmful chemical ingredients – harmful to your health, and the environment!

In this article, I’m going to reveal the truth about sunlight (Part 1) and big brand sunscreens (Part 2).

I’ll also share the best sunscreen to use (safe for babies as well!).

Let’s start by re-examining our beliefs about sunlight.

 

☀️ PART 1 – Sunlight: Cancerous or the Key to Health?

In this section, we’ll re-examine the long-held belief that sun = cancer.

We’ll explore ways you can increase your UV resilience (i.e. your UV tolerance before damage starts to occur.).

We’ll look at the many health benefits that sunlight can bring.

Finally, we’ll look at the best way to treat a sunburn.

Let’s dive in!

The Link Between Sun and Skin Cancer

Sunlight exposure, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.

But as we’ll see, the relationship between sunlight and skin cancer is nuanced—it depends on factors like intensity, duration, frequency of burns, skin type, and lifestyle habits.

Let’s start by reviewing the three types of skin cancer:

1.     Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer, typically linked to chronic, cumulative sun exposure over many years. Rarely fatal but can cause significant tissue damage.

2.     Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Strongly associated with long-term UV exposure, particularly in people with outdoor occupations. More aggressive than BCC and can metastasise if untreated.

3.     Melanoma: The deadliest skin cancer, often linked to intermittent, intense sun exposure and severe sunburns, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

Source: Summa Health

From this brief overview of the three types of skin cancer, you may have noticed melanoma, the deadliest of the three skin cancers, is the only skin cancer that is strongly associated to severe sun exposure and sun burn.

When you think about sun burn damaging the skin (and causing cancer), that’s not so surprising.

The body has had an overload of ultraviolet radiation, which has resulted in sunburn (the body’s reaction to this excess radiation).

Source: Cleveland Clinic

The fact that it causes a painful response is a feedback mechanism to tell us that’s not good for us.

Obvious, right.

Sunburn = bad. I don’t think there’s too much debate about that.

What about the other two skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

It appears the consensus is that these cancers are caused from chronic exposure to the sun.

Maybe not resulting in a sunburn, but daily exposure for hours on end.

Take people with outdoor occupations for example.

This may be the case, but I’ve found research to be incomplete here.

From a logical viewpoint, chronic exposure leading to BCC and SCC makes sense.

People who are in the sun for extended periods, day in and day out, are potentially exposing themselves to more UV radiation than their bodies are able to handle, damaging skin.

Interestingly, a 2023 study did not find an increased risk of melanoma in individuals with outdoor occupations.

The conclusion I’ve come to is that unlike what we’ve been taught to believe as children, the sun is not inherently bad.

When you think about the sun through the perspective of human evolution, some sun exposure is actually critical to being healthy (I cover this in depth here).

Humans, even white-skinned humans, didn’t live in caves all year around.

We had to find food, water and other provisions (such as medicine) which would require us to leave our shelters.

Source: NPR

However, sun exposure becomes problematic when we exceed our UV tolerance.

Therefore, if we stay within our UV tolerance, we can still enjoy the benefits of sunlight.

The question is, how can you determine your UV tolerance (the amount of UV exposure that is safe)?

It’s a tough question to answer as it’s based on a large list of individual and lifestyle factors.

Not to mention we live very differently to our ancestors – this includes our diets, our circadian rhythm (i.e sleep and wake cycles), the extended period we spend indoors (e.g. working, shopping, going to the movies, etc), and exposure to new technologies (e.g. artificial light) to name a few.

However, a good starting point is an app like Dminder, which takes into account current UV levels as well as your skin type, to determine how much sunlight you can take without burning.

 

If you’re worried (like I was at first), start with small amounts of exposure and work your way up so that you get enough vitamin D.

By gradually working your way to increasing exposure, you can effectively build greater UV tolerance over time.

You’ll also want to take a look at the next section, where we look at increasing your UV resilience.

Before we do that though, let’s wrap up this section by taking a look at two interesting questions:

Ø  Why do lower UV exposure countries have higher melanoma rates?

Ø  If the sun is so dangerous, why didn’t our ancestors die from skin cancer?

Why Do Lower UV Exposure Countries Have Higher Melanoma Rates?

Several factors contribute to this paradox:

1) Skin Colour & Ancestry

Source: Summa Health

Northern European countries have lighter-skinned populations, which are less adapted to UV exposure.

Pale skin produces vitamin D more efficiently but also burns more easily, increasing melanoma risk when suddenly exposed to strong sunlight.

2) Sun Avoidance & Indoor Lifestyles

Source: iStock

Modern lifestyles keep people indoors most of the time.

When these people suddenly go on vacation or spend a day outside, they burn more easily due to lack of adaptation.

Regular, moderate sun exposure without burning may actually build some level of UV resistance.

What About Australia? We have a high UV and melanoma rate?!

It’s true that the sun in Australia is more potent than in other parts of the world.

Due to increasing global warming and the degrading ozone layer, UV in Australia is one of the highest in the world.

Source: Grida

Australia also has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world.

This is likely due to:

·      Fair-skinned population (mostly British/Irish ancestry) living in a high-UV environment.

·      Sun avoidance culture leading to lack of adaptation and more severe burns when exposed.

·      Sunscreen over-reliance without proper sun adaptation strategies (such as building a “solar callous”).

In contrast, Mediterranean populations (who also get strong sun exposure) have lower melanoma rates, likely due to darker skin tones, cultural habits of moderate sun exposure, and a diet high in antioxidants and healthy fats (olive oil, polyphenols, etc.).

If the Sun Is So Dangerous, Why Didn’t Our Ancestors Die From Skin Cancer?

Source: Freepik

This is a key question that challenges the mainstream "sun = cancer" narrative.

Possible reasons why our ancestors didn’t suffer from high melanoma rates:

1) Daily, Gradual Sun Exposure = Natural Adaptation

Our ancestors were outdoors regularly, which built a solar callous over time (gradual skin thickening and melanin production).

They likely burned far less than modern people who go from indoor life to full sun exposure sporadically.

2) Different Diets

Traditional diets were rich in healthy fats (saturated & omega-3s), low in seed oils (high omega-6), and full of antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, organ meats, etc.).

Modern diets high in seed oils increase sunburn susceptibility and oxidative stress, worsening the effects of UV exposure.

3) No Artificial Light Disrupting Circadian Rhythms

Ancestral sun exposure was aligned with natural circadian rhythms (morning/evening light exposure, no blue light at night).

Modern artificial light (LEDs, phone screens at night) disrupts melatonin production, which has protective effects against skin cancer.

4) They May Have Gotten Skin Cancer but It Wasn't a Major Killer

Some older individuals may have developed BCC or SCC, but these cancers grow slowly and rarely metastasize.

Melanoma (the most deadly type) appears to be more associated with modern lifestyles than just sun exposure alone.

And there you have it.

This ties in perfectly with the next section where we’ll explore how to increase your UV resilience.

💪 Increasing UV Resilience 

Source: Ilya Bushuev

We’ve touched on how your UV tolerance isn’t based solely on your skin colour.

Modern lifestyles weaken our natural UV resilience, making you more prone to sunburn and oxidative damage.

The solution isn’t total sun avoidance but restoring our body’s natural defences.

To build stronger UV resilience, you should:

✅ Eliminate seed oils and eat antioxidant-rich foods (astaxanthin, vitamin E, omega-3s).

✅ Get regular, gradual sun exposure (morning/evening red light + controlled midday sun).

✅ Avoid blue light at night and optimise melatonin production.

✅ Support the skin microbiome with natural skincare and less chemical exposure.

✅ Reduce chronic stress and improve sleep.

🥗 How Your Food Could Be Getting You Sunburnt?

Certain foods and dietary factors can increase your risk of sunburn by making your skin more vulnerable to UV damage or by interfering with the body’s natural protective mechanisms.

1) High intake of seed oils & omega-6 fats

Source: 417 Integrative Medicine

• Industrial seed oils (soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, safflower, etc.) are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which accumulate in skin cells.
• PUFAs oxidise when exposed to UV light, leading to higher free radical production, increased inflammation, and faster skin damage.
• Studies suggest that high omega-6 intake increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
• Traditional diets (rich in saturated fats, omega-3s, and antioxidants) were protective, making skin more UV-resilient.

Solution:

• Replace seed oils with stable fats: butter, tallow, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, macadamia oil.
• Increase omega-3 intake (EPA/DHA) from wild-caught fish, pastured eggs, and grass-fed meat.

2) Low antioxidant intake

Source: Bonza

• Antioxidants neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure.
• Modern diets lack protective antioxidants due to processed foods and a decline in nutrient density.
• Key antioxidants for UV protection:
• Astaxanthin (found in wild salmon, krill oil) – acts as an internal sunscreen.
• Vitamin E (in pasture-raised animal fats, nuts, seeds) – protects against lipid peroxidation.
• Vitamin C (fruits, vegetables) – enhances collagen repair after UV exposure.
• Polyphenols (quercetin, resveratrol, EGCG from green tea) – improve UV resistance.

Solution:

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet with grass-fed meat, wild seafood, pastured eggs, and organic vegetables.
• Consider supplementing with astaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E for added protection.

3) Vitamin D Deficiency

Source: Nature Made

• Ironically, people who avoid the sun are more likely to be vitamin D deficient and may have an increased risk of melanoma.
• Vitamin D helps regulate skin cell function and immune response, reducing inflammation and skin damage.
• Dark-skinned individuals in low-sun environments have even greater risk of deficiency, making them more prone to skin issues.

Solution:

• Get daily morning or midday sun exposure (without burning).
• If sun exposure is low, consider a vitamin D3 + K2 supplement.

 

Build Your Solar Callous

Source: Susan J Photography

Our ancestors built sun tolerance gradually with consistent outdoor exposure.

Today, people spend 90% of their time indoors, then suddenly expose themselves to high-intensity UV radiation (during vacations, hikes, or beach days)—leading to burns and increased skin damage.

1) The role of red light in building a "solar callous"

Early morning and late afternoon sunlight are rich in red and near-infrared (NIR) light, which penetrate deep into the skin and prepare it for UV exposure later in the day.

Red light stimulates mitochondrial function, improves cellular repair, and increases melanin production—acting as a natural sunscreen that enhances UV resilience.

Research suggests that red and infrared light reduce oxidative stress, increase collagen synthesis, and mitigate sun damage.

Traditional societies who spent time outdoors during sunrise and sunset had better UV tolerance than modern people who only get sudden midday sun.

How to use red light for sun protection:

·      Watch the sunrise: Getting 10–20 minutes of morning sunlight helps condition the skin for later UV exposure.

·      Get late afternoon sun: This supports skin repair after daytime sun exposure.

·      Use red light therapy devices: If you don’t get enough natural light, a 660nm–850nm red light panel can help simulate these effects.

·      Expose large areas of skin to red light, not just the face.

2) How to Gradually Build UV Resilience

1.    Morning and evening sun – Start the day with low-UV red/infrared light to prep the skin.

2.     Short bursts of midday sun – Start with 5–10 minutes of direct sun (or even less if you are very sensitive) and increase gradually over weeks.

3.     Expose more skin over time – Instead of always covering up, allow more skin to adapt.

4.     Grounding/earthing – Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil reduces inflammation and improves UV tolerance.

By incorporating red light exposure into your routine, you can enhance your natural sun protection, reduce the risk of burns, and build a stronger solar callous over time.

Reduce Blue Light and Artificial Lighting

Source: Harvard Health

Artificial indoor lighting (including LED screens and smartphones) emits mostly blue light with zero infrared or UV balance.

This confuses the body’s circadian rhythm into thinking it is still daytime.

Blue light exposure at night suppresses melatonin, which is not just a sleep hormone but also a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage.

How to Minimize Blue Light Disruption

·      Limit screens 1–2 hours before bed – Read a book or use dim, warm lighting instead.

·      Use blue light filters – Apps like f.lux, Night Shift (iPhone), or Twilight (Android) reduce blue light at night.

·      Wear blue-blocking glasses – Amber or red lenses block disruptive wavelengths.

·      Get morning sunlight – Bright, natural light in the morning helps reset the circadian clock, improving sleep quality.

·      Use red/amber lighting at night – Incandescent bulbs, red LEDs, or salt lamps mimic sunset lighting, signalling the body to wind down.

By managing blue light exposure extends beyond UV resilience, and will help to improve sleep quality, regulate hormones, and optimize overall health.

Poor Skin Microbiome and Overuse of Sunscreen

Source: Skindepth Dermatology

You may have heard of the gut microbiome, but did you know we also have a skin microbiome?

Your skin microbiome plays a role in UV tolerance and has beneficial microbes that help modulate inflammation and repair UV damage.

In today’s germ-phobic culture, we’ve developed a tendency to over-wash or use harsh chemicals to clean ourselves, stripping away these beneficial microbes.

Solution:

·      Avoid harsh soaps & antibacterial products on the skin.

·      Use natural, tallow-based skincare (feel free to check out our range here).

·      Let your skin breathe – don’t constantly block sunlight with sunscreen unless truly necessary.

Chronic Stress & Poor Sleep

Source: Penn Medicine

Stress and poor sleep impair mitochondrial function, making cells more vulnerable to oxidative damage.

Cortisol imbalance (from chronic stress) reduces skin repair mechanisms, leading to increased UV sensitivity.

Melatonin (produced during sleep) is a major skin antioxidant, so poor sleep increases sun damage risk.

Solution:

·      Get high-quality sleep (7-9 hours in total darkness, no blue light at night).

·      Reduce chronic stress through mindfulness, exercise, and time in nature.

Medications & Toxins That Lower UV Resilience

Source: The Guardian

Certain drugs and environmental toxins increase sun sensitivity:

1) Medications That Increase UV Sensitivity

·      Antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones)

·      NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib)

·      Oral Contraceptives & Hormone Therapies

·      Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors)

·      Retinoids (Accutane, Retin-A)

2) Artificial Food Dyes & Preservatives

·      Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6 – can cause photoallergic reactions.

·      Sodium Benzoate & BHT – linked to increased oxidative stress in skin.

Solution:

·      Minimise processed foods, synthetic additives, and unnecessary pharmaceuticals.

·      Support liver detoxification with grass-fed liver, cruciferous vegetables, and adequate hydration.

By reconnecting with natural rhythms, light exposure, and nutrient-dense foods, you can enhance your UV resilience and enjoy the many benefits the sun has to offer.

🌞 Health benefits of sunlight

Source: UC Irvine

It turns out sunlight is critical for our health, including vitamin D production, our mental health, regulation of our circadian rhythm, enhanced immune function, improved skin conditions and cardiovascular benefits.

Let’s look at each in more detail.

1.     Vitamin D Production

Source: The Tuning Room

Sunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. This vitamin plays a crucial role in:

·      Strengthening bones by aiding calcium absorption.

·      Supporting the immune system.

·      Regulating mood and reducing the risk of depression.

Just 10–30 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week can often provide sufficient vitamin D levels, depending on skin type and location (check out the D Minder app for a personalised estimate of sunlight exposure).

2.     Improved Mood and Mental Health

Source: Bradley REACH

Have you ever noticed the sensation of warm sunlight hitting your skin feels amazing?

It’s like the body was designed to respond positively to sunlight.

In fact, sunlight increases the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood and focus.

This is why sunlight exposure is linked to:

·      Reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

·      Better overall mental health.

3.     Regulation of Circadian Rhythm

Source: Livpure

Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, improving sleep quality.

Early morning sunlight (especially seeing the sunrise) is particularly effective in reinforcing a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

4.     Enhanced Immune Function

Source: Integrative Dental

Some studies suggest that moderate sunlight exposure can enhance the activity of T-cells, which are crucial for immune response.

5.     Improved Skin Conditions

Source: Aveeno

Conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne may improve with controlled sunlight exposure, as UV light can reduce inflammation and slow down the overproduction of skin cells.

You can read about how I naturally cured my seborrheic dermatitis in this article.

6.     Cardiovascular Benefits

Source: NutriGardens

Sunlight exposure may lower blood pressure by triggering the release of nitric oxide in the skin. This can contribute to better heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

As you may see, getting sufficient natural sunlight really is important.

And as I’ve mentioned, it’s important to get the right amount of sunlight.

Remember to use an app like Dminder, which takes into account current UV levels as well as your skin type, to determine how much sunlight you can take without burning.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we still manage to cop a sunburn.

In the next section, we’ll look at the best way to treat sunburn.

🌱 The best way to treat sunburn (naturally)

Source: Novus Health

Sunburn is an inflammatory response to excessive UV exposure.

Typical symptoms include:

•       Red, warm, and tight skin (lobster look).

•       Pain or tenderness to the touch.

•       Peeling and itching as your body tries to replace damaged cells.

•       In serious cases: blisters, chills, and headaches.

If you’ve got extreme symptoms—like a high fever, blisters covering a large area, or dizziness—please consult a doctor.

But for most of us with milder sunburns, there are natural ways to heal at home so you can get back to feeling pain- and burnt-free as fast as possible.

This involves a 5 step process aimed at reducing inflammation, soothing the skin, and supporting healing.

1. Cool the Skin to Reduce Inflammation

Source: ABC 7

✅ Cold Compress – Soak a clean cloth in cold water or use a chilled herbal tea (like chamomile or green tea) and apply it to the affected area. 

✅ Cool Showers/Baths – Add colloidal oatmeal, apple cider vinegar (diluted), or Epsom salts to soothe irritation.

2. Moisturise & Soothe the Skin

Source: Health

✅ Aloe Vera – Once your skin has cooled (i.e. the skin is not hot to the touch), add some pure aloe vera gel (fresh from the plant or without additives) is highly anti-inflammatory and speeds healing.

If you decide to buy a commercial product, make sure to check out the ingredients.

Many of these so called ‘aloe vera’ gels contain a bunch of chemicals as well.

Just take a look at this Banana Boat gel I found at Coles:

Once the heat on your skin has fully settled, apply some tallow balm or coconut MCT oil:

✅ Tallow Balm – Rich in essential fats and vitamins A, D, E, and K, tallow deeply nourishes the skin and prevents peeling.

We sell a range of 100% grass-fed tallow balms (including scented and unscented depending on your skin sensitivity).

✅ Coconut MCT Oil – Unlike regular coconut oil, MCT oil is lightweight and penetrates deeply, reducing irritation without trapping heat.

We also sell a high quality organic coconut MCT oil 😊

3. Reduce Inflammation Internally

Source: University of Kansas

✅ Hydrate – Drink plenty of water with electrolytes (sea salt, potassium, magnesium) to prevent dehydration.

I like this one from Ancient Lakes

✅ Antioxidant-Rich Foods – Bone broth, berries, grass-fed meats, wild salmon, and turmeric help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

✅ Omega-3s – Found in wild fish, pastured eggs, and flaxseeds, these help counteract UV-induced inflammation.

4. Use Natural Skin Repair Boosters

Source: Leaning Herbs

If you want to go the extra mile, you can try these natural skin repair boosters:

✅ Raw Honey – A natural antimicrobial that promotes skin repair and reduces pain when applied as a thin layer.

✅ Witch Hazel – Contains tannins that calm inflammation and speed healing.

Make sure to use one that does not contain alcohol/ethanol as this will dry out your skin.

✅ Chamomile or Green Tea Compress – Both contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols that ease redness and irritation.

5.     Support Healing with Red & Near-Infrared Light

Source: iStock

✅ Morning & Evening Sunlight – Red and infrared light from sunrise/sunset helps repair UV damage and builds solar resilience.

✅ Red Light Therapy – If available, 660–850nm light therapy devices can reduce inflammation and boost skin recovery.

If you follow these steps, you’ll heal your sunburn faster while preventing long-term damage.

It’s also important to note what you shouldn’t do when you have a sunburn:

•       Avoid hot showers as this will aggravate the inflammation and increase the burning sensation

•       Don’t go back out in the sun until your skin heals

•       Don’t pop any blisters—they’re your body’s way of protecting the skin underneath

•       Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing the area—peeling skin will shed naturally

•       Skip heavy ointments or petroleum-based products, which trap heat in the skin

Protecting yourself adequately and preventing sunburn in the first place is obviously the ideal scenario, and sunscreen can be an important part of this.

In Part 2 of this article, we’ll uncover some unpleasant truths big sunscreen brands don’t want you to know.

We’ll also look at the best sunscreen to use (also good for sensitive skin and infants).

PART 2 – The Truth About Sunscreens

🛡️ Protecting Yourself From UV Overexposure

Source: Austral Canvas

We’ve already covered how beneficial sunscreen is to your health.

But like with most things, the idiom “too much of a good thing is never good” rings true when it comes to sun.

So what should you do when you are likely to get overexposed to UV radiation?

Maybe you work outside all day. Maybe you’re on vacation skiing in the alps?

The best thing you can do is find or create shade.

Find a tree. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Wear long sleeves.

All pretty obvious I know, but this is always my first preference when I’m going to be outside past my UV tolerance.

But sometimes that’s just not practical.

Yes, even though I sell sunscreen, I still consider it a last resort.

And despite building a greater tolerance to UV through repeated low dose exposure (using the Dminder app), I am still prone to burning under the hot summer Aussie sun.

In the next section, we’ll take a look a closer look at what ingredients the big brand sunscreens are using and their impact on your health and the environment.

🧪 What’s In Your Sunscreen Matters!

The sad truth is big sunscreen companies don’t have your best interests at heart.

Even the Cancer Council’s own sunscreens contain harmful chemicals.

It’s depressing to think about how the people who are supposed to be champions of health are falling short with their products.

And despite being a big consumer of the Cancer Council’s sunscreens in the past, now that I know more about the harmful ingredients they put in the majority of their products, I would never put their sunscreen on my child.

Let’s take a look at the key ingredients contained in many of the most popular sunscreens on the market today. We’ll then look at which brands are using these harmful ingredients.

Common Sunscreen Ingredients

The following are common chemical UV filters found in many sunscreens you’d find at the supermarket or chemist.

1. Octocrylene

Source: Wikipedia

Octocrylene is considered a potential hormone disrupting chemical because it can degrade into benzophenone, a known endocrine disruptor and suspected carcinogen, raising concerns about its potential to interfere with key hormones and reproductive organs.

Other names for octocrylene: CCG-268181, AC-7027, NCGC00091585-06, NCGC00257790-01, AK-78708, AS-13821, SC-18390, 2-ethylhexyl alpha-cyano-beta-phenylcinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-alpha-cyano-beta-phenylcinnamate, NCGC00091585-04.

2. Homosalate:

Source: Wikipedia

Homosalate can disrupt the body's hormone systems. It's a chemical UV absorber that can bio-accumulate in the body and is also considered a hormone disruptor, with a particular impact on the estrogen system. In human breast cancer cells, which grow and multiply in response to estrogen, homosalate exposure led to 3.5 times more cell growth and multiplication.

The European Commission has found that homosalate is not safe in the amounts at which it's currently used, leading to proposed limitations on its concentration in sunscreens.

Note: also known as homomenthylsalicylate.

3. Octisalate (aka. Ethylhexyl Salicylate)

Source: Abmole

Octisalate, a non-mineral UV filter, is absorbed through the skin at 10 times the levels set by the FDA’s systemic exposure limit. This limit, set at 0.5 nanograms per milliliter, represents the threshold beyond which potential safety concerns arise. Due to this high absorption rate, the FDA has called for additional safety testing.

Also of note is that octisalate acts as a penetration enhancer, which may increase the amount of other ingredients absorbed by the skin.

In its 2019 proposed update, the FDA stated that there is insufficient data to confirm whether octisalate is safe and effective for use in sunscreens. Additionally, a case report has linked the ingredient to allergic contact dermatitis.

Other names for octisalate found on sunscreen labels: ethylhexyl salicylate, octyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate and/or ethyl hexyl salicylate.

4. 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)

Source: Pharmaffiliates

Studies suggest 4-MBC may act as an endocrine disruptor, and has effects on both the thyroid and estrogen systems.

Other names for 4-MBC include: 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 36861-47-9, 4-Methylbenzylidenecamphor, 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)camphor, (3Z)-1,7,7-trimethyl-3-[(4-methylphenyl)methylidene]bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 3-(4-Methylbenzyliden)camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethyl-3-(4-methylbenzylidene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, Enzacamene (USP/INN), SCHEMBL83090, MLS006009981, HEOCBCNFKCOKBX-KAMYIIQDSA-N.

5. Phenoxyethanol

Source: American Chemical Society

Serving as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol has been associated with allergic reactions from eczema and hives to anaphylaxis.

Other names for phenoxyethanol: 2-Phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400 (mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane), PhE

6. Cyclopentasiloxane

Source: Top Silicone

A silicone-based compound used to provide a smooth application and enhance skin feel, cyclopentasiloxane has raised environmental concerns due to its persistence and potential bioaccumulation.

And there you have it.

Let’s now look at some of the most popular sunscreens we find in Australia.

Banana Boat

 

Bondi Sands

 

Cancer Council

 

Cetaphil

Dermaveen

Goat

Invisible Zinc

 

Le Tan

Natio

Neutrogena

 

Nivea

Roche Posay

 

Surf Life Saving

Still want to use them?

I thought not.

So what sunscreen ingredients are safe for you, and the environment?

In 2021, the FDA, which keeps a close eye on sunscreen safety, took a deep dive into sunscreen ingredients. Out of the 16 ingredients they reviewed, only two—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide —earned the title of “generally recognized as safe and effective”.

While titanium dioxide is generally considered safe, here is why I prefer zinc oxide:

1.    Broader UV Protection

• Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, effectively blocking UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
• Titanium dioxide primarily protects against UVB and short-wave UVA but offers weaker protection against long-wave UVA, which penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to aging and skin cancer.

2. Safer for Sensitive Skin

• Zinc oxide is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, babies, and those with conditions like rosacea or eczema.
• Titanium dioxide can be more likely to cause irritation in some individuals, especially in nano form.

3. Lower Risk of Free Radical Formation

• Titanium dioxide, especially in nano form, can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV light, potentially causing oxidative stress and skin damage.
• Zinc oxide is more photostable and does not generate harmful free radicals to the same extent.

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Skin-Healing Properties

• Zinc oxide has natural anti-inflammatory properties, helping with conditions like acne, irritation, and wound healing.
• Titanium dioxide does not provide these additional skin benefits.

5. Environmental Impact

• Titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be harmful to marine life, with studies showing their potential toxicity to coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems.
• Non-nano zinc oxide is considered reef-safe, as it does not bioaccumulate or disrupt marine ecosystems.

🧴 Zinc: the Best UV Blocking Ingredient?

 Zinc oxide is amazing when it comes to sun protection, and it works in a completely different way from chemical sunscreens.

Instead of absorbing UV rays like chemical filters, zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier on your skin, reflecting and scattering harmful UVA and UVB rays away from your body.

Nano zinc vs non-nano zinc

I’ve just told you that zinc oxide (also referred to as zinc) is the best UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen ingredient.

And while that’s true, there’s one more factor you need to consider: particle size.

You see, most zinc oxide sunscreens use nano zinc oxide.

Nano zinc oxide can penetrate damaged or compromised skin (e.g. wounds, eczema).

There are also concerns over potential cytotoxicity and oxidative stress at the cellular level, particularly in lung and immune cells if inhaled (e.g., in spray sunscreens).

Also to consider is the environmental impact of nano zinc oxide.

The nano particles suspend in water more easily, increasing the risk of environmental contamination.

This can be toxic to marine life, particularly coral reefs and small aquatic organisms.

That’s why I opt for non-nano zinc oxide – the particles are larger, therefore reducing the risk of skin absorption and harm to the environment.

While non-nano zinc seems like the perfect natural UV blocker, there is an important consideration to make, and that’s in the application.

To be effective, non-nano zinc needs to be visible in order for you to be confident to work.

Therefore it generally rubs on a little thicker than nano zinc or traditional sunscreens.

Now it doesn’t have to be super thick, just so that you can still see it.

Some people don’t like this, but to me it’s a small price to pay for effective, natural protection.

How much zinc should be in your sunscreen?

For the standard SPF 30 protection, you’ll generally want around 22% non-nano zinc concentration.

This leads to our next section – how much SPF do you need for full protection?

⚖️ SPF50: Holy Grail or Scam?

 How much extra protection does SPF50 provide over SPF30?

Brace yourself, because the answer is shocking.

Ready?

1%.

That’s not a typo.

SPF50 gives you 1% additional UV protection compared to SPF30.

Source: Attitude Living

Once again, sunscreen companies have been hard at work on their clever marketing ploys, leading you to think SPF50 is the level of protection you need.

Unfortunately, that 1% additional protection comes with some important drawbacks.

1. SPF50 Leads to a False Sense of Security

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how much UVB radiation is blocked, not how long you can stay in the sun.

People wearing higher SPF tend to stay in the sun longer without reapplying, increasing their overall UV exposure.

SPF only measures UVB, but UVA exposure (which penetrates deeper and is linked to aging and melanoma) can still be significant.

Many high-SPF sunscreens contain more chemical filters, which may lead to higher skin absorption and potential hormone disruption (e.g., oxybenzone, octocrylene).

2. Reapplication Matters More Than a Higher SPF

Both SPF 30 and SPF 50 must be reapplied every 2 hours (or more often if sweating/swimming).

A well-applied SPF 30 reapplied regularly is often more effective than a one-time application of SPF 50.

3. SPF 50 May Contain Higher Chemical Load

Higher SPF formulations often contain more sun filters to reach the desired protection level.

As we discussed in an earlier section on common sunscreen ingredients, some common chemicals used in high-SPF sunscreens include:

•       Octocrylene & homosalate – Potential endocrine disruptors

•       Avobenzone – Can degrade quickly in sunlight unless stabilized

•       Oxybenzone – Absorbed into the bloodstream and linked to hormone disruption

The bottom line is this: when applied properly (i.e. every 2 hours), broad-spectrum, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen (SPF 30) is the safer more effective choice when it comes to UV protection.

👋 Conclusion

That wraps up this post on sunlight and sunscreen.

I hope you found some value in the information and perspectives presented here.

When done correctly, exposure to sunlight has many benefits to offer.

And in those instances where you need that extra protection, choose your sunscreen wisely.

Non-nano zinc sunscreens provide the best balance between protection, safety and environmental impact.

Feel free to drop a comment or contact me if you have any questions 😊