Summer Sun Care: Protect Your Skin Naturally While Supporting Your Vitamin D Journey

Picture this: you're enjoying a perfect summer morning in your garden, feeling the gentle warmth on your face as you tend to your plants. Or maybe you're watching your children laugh and play at the local park, their joy infectious as they explore the outdoors. Perhaps you're finally on that long-awaited vacation, walking along the beach or hiking scenic trails, creating memories that will last a lifetime. These moments of connection with nature and loved ones are precious—and they're also opportunities to support your health in ways that might surprise you.

At Arbor Health Functional Medicine & Psychiatry, we believe that your relationship with the sun doesn't have to be one of fear. Instead, we believe in empowering you with knowledge to make informed choices that support both your immediate skin health and your long-term wellness journey.

The Vitamin D Connection: Why Sunlight Matters More Than Ever

Recent research reveals a sobering reality about vitamin D deficiency in our community. Approximately 35% of adults in the United States have vitamin D deficiency. Even more concerning, about 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency.

Why does this matter for your daily life? Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, and deficiency can lead to increased risk of falls, fragility fractures, and has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression.

Your skin produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB radiation from sunlight—but here's where the balancing act becomes crucial. You need sun exposure for optimal health, yet you also need protection from harmful UV damage.

The Challenge with Conventional Sunscreens

Many people reach for conventional sunscreens without realizing what they're putting on their bodies. Recent research has raised important questions about chemical sunscreen ingredients that we believe you should know about.

The most worrisome sunscreen active ingredient is oxybenzone, according to publicly available scientific research. It is readily absorbed through the skin and causes allergic skin reactions, behaves like a hormone disruptor and may be more harmful to children, since they are more susceptible to the chemicals' effects.

Additional concerning findings include:

• A 2020 FDA study found octinoxate in blood samples at levels 16 times above the agency's proposed safety threshold
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone are compounds associated with the production of endocrine disruption
• A 2024 study from the Danish Consumer Council found that 20 of 52 tested sunscreens contained suspected endocrine disruptors or other problematic chemicals

We want to be clear: this doesn't mean you should avoid sun protection. Rather, it means choosing products that align with your values of nourishing your body naturally.

Smart Sun Exposure: Finding Your Sweet Spot

The key to healthy sun exposure lies in understanding your skin's individual needs and building tolerance gradually. Here's how to approach sun exposure mindfully:

Start Small and Build Gradually

Begin with just 10-15 minutes of morning or late afternoon sun exposure, when UV rays are gentler. Studies show the body makes vitamin D more efficiently from sun exposure around noon, but aim for 10-15 minutes before putting on sunscreen to balance vitamin D production with skin protection.

Know Your Skin Type

People with lighter skin need less exposure time, while those with darker skin may need more time to produce adequate vitamin D. Listen to your body and never allow yourself to burn.

Timing Matters

Morning sunlight (within the first hour of waking) offers additional benefits beyond vitamin D production. The infrared light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, potentially improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

The Mineral Sunscreen Advantage

When you do need protection—especially for extended outdoor activities—mineral sunscreens offer a safer alternative. Evidence suggests that few, if any, zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin to reach living tissues, making them a more body-friendly option.

Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into your skin, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away from your skin.

Introducing Sun-Up: Nature's Protection Meets Modern Science

At Arbor Health, we're excited to offer Primal Life Organics Sun-Up Sun Protection Spray—a thoughtfully formulated option that aligns with our Functional Medicine principles.

What makes Sun-Up different? It combines the protective power of non-nano zinc oxide with nature's own sun-protective compounds:

Natural SPF Powerhouses:

Red Raspberry Seed Oil (SPF 28-50)

Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 38-40)

Sandalwood (SPF 30)

Avocado Oil (SPF 4-15)

Virgin Coconut Oil (SPF 4-10)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (SPF 2-8)

Lavender (SPF 6)

Skin-Nourishing Benefits: These aren't just protective ingredients—they're active nutrients for your skin. Red raspberry seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, supporting skin regeneration and anti-aging benefits. Avocado oil provides vitamins A, B, D, and E, while coconut oil offers lauric acid for additional skin protection.

Clean Formula Promise: Sun-Up contains certified organic ingredients and non-nano zinc oxide, meaning you're avoiding the potentially problematic chemicals found in many conventional sunscreens while still getting effective protection.

Your Complete Sun Care Strategy

Protecting your skin naturally involves more than just choosing the right sunscreen. Here's your comprehensive approach:

Internal Nourishment

Feed your skin from the inside with antioxidant-rich foods:

Colorful berries (blueberries, strawberries)

Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

Orange and red vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers)

Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)

Green tea for additional antioxidant support

Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated helps your skin recover from sun exposure and maintains its natural protective barrier. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily, increasing this amount on days with sun exposure.

Protective Clothing and Timing

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM)

Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective clothing

Use sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes

Post-Sun Skin Care

After sun exposure, support your skin's recovery with:

Cooling aloe vera gel

Vitamin E oil for skin repair

Gentle, hydrating moisturizers

Avoiding harsh scrubs or chemicals that could irritate sun-exposed skin

The Functional Medicine Approach: Supporting Your Body's Wisdom

At Arbor Health, we believe in working with your body's natural processes rather than against them. This means:

Respecting Your Need for Sunlight: Rather than avoiding the sun entirely, we help you understand how to get the vitamin D your body needs safely.

Choosing Clean Products: Whether it's skincare, supplements, or sunscreen, we support products that nourish rather than burden your system.

Addressing Root Causes: If you're dealing with skin sensitivity, unusual sun reactions, or concerns about vitamin D levels, we look beyond symptoms to understand what your body truly needs.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

Consider consulting with our Functional Medicine team if you experience:

Unusual skin reactions to sun exposure

Persistent vitamin D deficiency despite adequate sun exposure

Skin sensitivity that limits your outdoor activities

Questions about balancing sun protection with vitamin D needs

Interest in optimizing your skin health naturally

Your Path to Radiant Skin Health

Caring for your skin in the sun doesn't have to mean choosing between protection and health. By understanding your body's needs, choosing clean products like Sun-Up, and taking a thoughtful approach to sun exposure, you can enjoy the outdoors while supporting your overall wellness.

Remember, your skin is your body's largest organ—it deserves the same careful attention you give to the food you eat and the water you drink. When you nourish your skin with clean, natural ingredients and respect your body's need for sunshine, you're supporting not just your immediate comfort, but your long-term vitality.

Ready to transform your sun care routine? Sun-Up Sun Protection Spray is available at our Arbor Health office. Our team is here to help you create a personalized approach to skin health that aligns with your wellness goals. Please contact our office to purchase: online here, via text at 585-312-6760, or via phone at 585-924-3300.

Your journey to vibrant health includes every choice you make—from the morning sunlight you welcome to the products you choose to protect your skin. We're here to guide you toward options that truly serve your body's wisdom.

Interested in learning more about how Functional Medicine can support your skin health and overall wellness? Explore our Clinical Program and discover your personalized path to optimal health.

Sources:

Amrein, K., et al. (2020). Vitamin D deficiency 2.0: an update on the current status worldwide. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7091696/ 

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency 

Environmental Working Group. (2024). The trouble with sunscreen ingredients. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf 

Thomas, T., et al. (2024). Sunscreens: potential hazards to environmental and human health. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1471574/full 

Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals. (2024). Study on endocrine disrupting chemicals in sunscreens. https://chemtrust.org/news/edcs-in-sunscreens/ 

This Website has been created to provide information about functional health care services and is for general informational purposes regarding functional health care that should never be construed as medical advice for any person, including patients of the Practice. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.