I'll preface this post with: I am a huge sun advocate. I love the sun, I love my kids to have sun exposure. There are so many benefits to the sun including but not limiting to hormonal balance, general healing, improved sleep, sun kills mold, sun kills bad bacteria, boosts serotonin, ultimate immune booster, lowers blood pressure, and so so so much more. 

Instead of focusing on SUN PROTECTION, I like to focus on having a really healthy relationship with the sun. Getting sun on my eyes (and the kid's eyes) early in the morning, and at sunset. Going in the shade if it's too hot, wearing a hat off and on if outside. Those are my first actions of Sun exposure. I am personally NOT a huge advocate of sunscreen; which doesn't mean I think it is bad, I am just saying I will never preach "WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN"... BUT with that said, below is my research on sunscreen, which ones I would use on myself and my kids for a variety of uses.

SUNBURN: Sunburn is not just your skin getting burned. It is an inflammatory response. I believe that heavy metals and toxins in your tissues and fascia are one of the largest contributors to skin burning in the sun. There are of course other contributing factors to burn like melanin. If sunburn does occur, my go to would be Sore to Soar Oil by Vervita, which is really soothing and support skin recovery, along with Le Feu Tallow which was specifically formulated to heal burns FOUND HERE.

SUNSCREEN: When it comes to sun protection, not all sunscreens are created equal. Many conventional sunscreens are chemical-based, meaning they create a chemical layer that absorbs UV rays. However, these chemical ingredients are rapidly absorbed into the body. Mineral sunscreens work differently. They typically use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on the surface of the skin and physically reflect UV rays away from the body. Between the two, zinc oxide is my preferred because it does not contribute to the formation of free radicals in the body, whereas titanium dioxide may increase free radical formation and contribute to oxidative stress. You can find a list of my favorites linked below for face, for baby, for body, etc. You can also head over to The Shop and find all my favorites there.

Sensitive to heat, Sensitive to sun, Breaks out in itchy rash from sun: 

All of these are inflammatory responses. These can also likely indicate histamine issue and/or adrenal issue as well as a sign of underlying viruses, 

Some people develop what appears to be a sun allergy because:

• Mast cells are overactive.
• Histamine levels are elevated.
• The immune system becomes reactive.

Potential contributors:

• Mold exposure
• Chronic infections
• Gut dysbiosis
• Hormonal shifts
  

This can present as:

• Itchy sun rash
• Hives
• Flushing
• Headaches
  

Important Question to determine: Is the body actually converting sunlight effectively?

Vitamin D production requires multiple systems:

1. Healthy skin
2. Healthy liver
3. Healthy kidneys
4. Adequate cholesterol
5. Adequate magnesium

Issues in any of these areas may impair vitamin D metabolism. Magnesium is required for vitamin D activation.

Without enough magnesium Vitamin D may not become biologically active. The liver performs the first activation step of vitamin D. 

Suggestions: Matrix Synergy,  Immune Rmor, Regenerzyme Heart, Klenz+, Black Cumin Seed oil orally ( All by VerVita, FOUND HERE)

 

Anti-fungal diet can also help to lower histamine response to sun if you are someone who reacts poorly to sun. Consider this diet and incorporating some of the above to see if this helps your body respond better to the sun and receive the benefits.