A Holistic Guide to Tanning Without Sunscreen
The sun is an ally, not an enemy. Learn how diet influences sunburn risk, the potential dangers in sunscreens and self-tanners, and how to enjoy sunbathing safely, as our ancestors did.
Is the Sun Actually Bad For Us?
Think back to our ancestors. Before skyscrapers and air-conditioned homes, they lived in harmony with the sun. Despite the lack of sunscreen or shade devices, they thrived. Even today, tribes live under the sun without prevalent cancer cases or untimely aging. So, why is our modern society so scared of sun exposure?
The sun is the only true source of energy on the planet.
Prior to antibiotics in the 1930’s, sunlight therapy (heliotherapy) was proven as the MOST successful treatment for infectious disease.
The sun is vital to our well-being. It provides vitamin D, helps maintain our body's internal clock, stimulates hormone production, and so much more. Research shows that in areas with lower sun exposure, people report higher rates of depression and disease. We need the sun to flourish.
While it’s clear that skin cancer is a real and dangerous threat, the idea that sun exposure is the main cause may be misleading. The real culprits might surprise you.
Sunburns, for instance, are harmful, but did you know your diet could be making you more susceptible to them? Research shows that a diet high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) found in seed and vegetable oils can make you burn faster. By replacing these with foods rich in saturated fats like grass-fed butter and organ meats, you can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn. Don’t forget skincare products either - many of them are sneakily filled with these harmful PUFAs.
Another alarming revelation is the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in sunscreens. Benzene, a chemical associated with blood cancers, was detected in numerous sunscreens in 2021. Even some zinc-based sunscreens, marketed as safe, tested positive for harmful chemicals like Benzene and Benzophenone.
How to Prevent Sunburn Without Sunscreen
1. Swap Out Harmful Fats:
Ditch PUFAs found in seeds, vegetable oils, and certain skincare products. Instead, nourish your body with saturated fats found in grass-fed meats, butter, and organ meats.
2. Reconsider Your Sunscreen:
Check your sunscreen for harmful ingredients like Benzene and Benzophenone. If found, consider alternatives like tallow-based products or natural oils like coconut oil.
3. Get Your Daily Dose of Sunlight:
Aim for at least 30 minutes of sun exposure daily when it's not at its strongest. Remember, your skin needs to build a resistance to the sun, so start with early morning or late evening sunbathing. Over time, you can gradually increase your exposure.
4. Embrace Nature:
Our ancestors thrived because they lived in harmony with the natural world. Gradually increase your exposure to sunlight, and remember to listen to your body. When your skin starts to flush, it's time to seek shade. Avoid processed foods, especially those containing industrial seed oils, as they can hinder your body's natural resilience to sun exposure.
5. Be Mindful of Your Products:
From sunscreen to self-tanners, it's important to know what you're putting on your skin. Many products contain harmful PUFAs or unstable ingredients that can increase sun damage and accelerate aging. I know this is a controversial opinion but I fully believe self tanner accelerates aging. I used to be addicted to it too, in high school I couldn’t go more than 3 days without it. Why do I think this? The active ingredient DHA (found in all self tanners) is highly unstable so when you wear it in the sun it oxidizes and accelerates aging, increasing sun damage by 180%. I am Norwegian so my natural color is PALE you guys. I vividly remember telling my friends that I just couldn’t tan, when in reality I just wasn’t doing the necessary things to allow my body to. Summer of 2022 was the first time I had tanned, and this summer it sticks! It has definitely been a process but I have never been so comfortable in my skin (plus my white clothes are no longer getting ruined after one wear lol).
6. Trust Your Body:
Sunscreen can create a false sense of security, leading you to stay in the sun longer than you should. Listen to your body’s cues to know when you've had enough sun.
By implementing these changes, you can better align your lifestyle with nature's rhythms, soaking up the sun safely, just as our ancestors did. It’s time to stop fearing the sun, and instead, learn how to coexist with it in a healthy, beneficial manner.
My Tanning Routine
Eats lots of coconut, olives, carrots, cacao, avocado and vitamin A + E
Coconut oil pills (45 min-1 hour before sun) I like t0 use these (link to amazon store)
Dry brush before
Exfoliate before (body polish)
Body oil or moisturizer (BEFORE SPF)
Forah
Tan outside for desired amount ( I usually do 30 min each side so 1 hour total)
Cold shower immediately
Follow with body oil, your natural tan will not “stick” if your skin is dry because it will flake.
I love using a mist after for a little sincere, bonus points if it has aloe in it since aloe is your skin’s best friend after being in the sun
Continue use of body oil that evening + next couple of days
What to Eat to Prevent Sunburn
Foods rich in saturated fats: These include grass-fed meats, organ meats, butter, and tallow. Saturated fats help nourish your skin from the inside out and can enhance your skin's resistance to the sun.
Antioxidant-rich foods: Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help protect your skin cells from damage. This includes fruits like berries and pomegranates, and vegetables like kale and spinach.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties which can help protect your skin from sun damage. Foods rich in Omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Foods rich in beta-carotene: Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in the body, which can help protect the skin from sun damage. Foods high in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots.
Hydrating foods: Hydration is crucial to maintain healthy skin. Eating foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges, can help keep your skin hydrated and potentially reduce sunburn risk.
In addition to dietary changes, it's recommended to avoid processed foods and industrial seed oils, which contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). These can make you more susceptible to sunburn.
Are Self Tanners Bad For You?
See the active ingredient in most self-tanners, even the natural ones, is an isomer of glyceraldehydes called (DHA) Dihydroxyacetone, which can cause genetic mutations and wreak havoc on human DNA. It is usually synthetically made but can be considered "natural" as it can be derived from sugar beets or cane sugar. But just because it sounds ok, doesn't mean it is. Let's break it down.
DHA creates a chemical reaction in the skin called the Maillard Reaction. This reaction is similar to what you see happen to grilled meat or toasted bread. The top layer of the skin produces this same reaction giving your skin the appearance that it is tan. This is called melanoidin. This reaction often comes with a scent, which is the smell of your skin literally caramelizing, aka burning flesh. Many companies try to cover this scent up with more harmful ingredients, such as fragrances- which in itself comes with a whole slough of health issues but irregardless, whether there is a scent or not, if there is DHA in it then the damage to your skin is happening.
Now let's get into what this actually does to the skin:
It deteriorates and degrades the collagen and elastin matrix causing accelerated aging.
It increases sun damage by 180%! DHA is highly unstable so if you use self-tanner while exposed to UV light, the damage increases up to 180% versus not wearing self-tanner.
Increases oxidative stress, inflammation and free radical production.
Damages the delicate balance of the protective skin barrier.
Melanoidins inhibit the production of Vitamin D.
Creates overall hormone disruption.
The bottom line, self-tanners, even the natural ones are not harmless to your skin, your health or your hormones. I always say nature first. I truly believe that when we align with nature, we naturally glow. There are no shortcuts to beauty without a price to pay later on.
I used to be self tanner OBSESSED. My highschool self would be shocked I don’t continue it….and for good reason. You might want to think twice before reaching for that bottle of self-tanner, even the ones labeled as "natural". 99% of these products have Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an ingredient derived from sugar beets. It may sound innocuous because it originates from nature, but this is not the case. Let’s take a closer look.
DHA instigates a chemical process in your skin akin to the browning effect on grilled meat or toast. This process, known as the Maillard Reaction, results in a tanned look on your skin's surface. Interestingly, it also yields a characteristic smell, which essentially is the scent of your skin undergoing a browning process. To camouflage this smell, many manufacturers add artificial fragrances which could introduce more health concerns.
Let's highlight the possible impacts of DHA on your skin:
Premature Aging: DHA can weaken the collagen and elastin in your skin, which are crucial for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.
Enhanced Sun Damage: When you expose your skin to UV light while using a self-tanner containing DHA, you are increasing sun damage by 180%! Wild.
Stops Vitamin D Production: The tanning compounds created by DHA can hinder the skin's production of Vitamin D. This can create a Vitamin D deficiency.
Hormone Disruption: DHA could potentially disturb your body's hormonal balance.
It's time to rethink our sunscreen-dominated approach and explore more holistic methods of sun protection. With proper care and respect, we can enjoy the sun's benefits, just like our ancestors did, without undue harm. After all, a tan is not just about the color—it's a sign of a body harmoniously coexisting with nature.
