Sunlight for Health
☀️ The Importance of Sunlight for Health
It’s been hot in most parts of the world and when it gets hot, we tend to hide from the sun. However, sunlight is one of nature’s most powerful healing tools. Moderate sun exposure without sunscreen helps your body produce vitamin D naturally, which supports bone health, immune function, hormone balance, mood, and overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate your circadian rhythm (your sleep, wake cycles), improving sleep quality and energy levels throughout the day. I have been stepping out into the wet grass every morning and letting the sun shine on my face for 5-10 minutes and I feel the difference in my energy.
The past 20 years we have become conditioned to apply sunscreen every time we step outside. While sunscreen plays an important role in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer during prolonged sun exposure, completely avoiding direct sunlight can limit some of the natural benefits that sunlight provides. Furthermore, so many sunscreens are toxic and contain hormone disrupters (see my post on sunscreen). One summer vacation we had a family trip to the Outer banks and my sisters brought a bunch of Coppertone spray and lotion for the kids and all 6 of them broke out into a horrible red rash. My go to’s right now are:
Sun bum fragrance free
OSEA Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face
Blue Lizard Sheer Face Mineral SPF 50
Avène Mineral Sunscreen Multi-Defense Fluid SPF 50+
Stream2Sea – ECO Stick
Crunchi – Tinted Sunscreen www.inhealthandhappiness.shop
Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF29+
Coola
Click Here For My Post on Sunscreen
The goal isn’t to avoid sunscreen altogether—it’s to find balance. Short periods of sensible sun exposure can help your body receive the benefits of natural light while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Factors such as skin type, location, season, and time of day should always be considered. Plus, seeing a dermatologist regularly can help identify any abnormal skin cells. I grew up in Hawaii where baby oil mixed with iodine was our sunscreen and when Bain de Soleil came out with SPF 4 we were scared we wouldn’t get a tan with it on. Needless to say, I visit the dermatologist every 6 months.
Tips for Healthy Sun Exposure
Start your day with sunrise light
Step outside for 5–10 minutes right when you get up. This charges the system and sets your mood for a beautiful day.
Get out in the sun in the middle of the day.
10–20 minutes of sunlight between 10am and 2pm recharges your body.
Expose your eyes to natural light (without looking directly at the sun).
Natural daylight entering the eyes helps you stay alert and awake and supports healthy circadian rhythms.
Exercising in the sun is fantastic.
Take a walk, stretch, garden, or exercise outdoors. Combining movement with sunlight also boosts energy, circulation, mood, and overall wellness.
Avoid sunburn.
There’s a big difference between beneficial sun exposure and excessive exposure. Seek shade, wear protective clothing, or apply sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors long enough to burn.
Sunlight isn’t the enemy—it’s an essential part of human health when enjoyed wisely. A few minutes of intentional outdoor time each day can make a meaningful difference in your energy, sleep, mood, and overall well-being. This YouTube interview with Laird Hamilton the king of big wave surfing is great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ2v-8lnK-g