Natural Sun Protection: How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage Naturally

Natural sun protection is all about focusing on what you put in your body so that you do not have to put toxic things on the outside of your body to avoid burning in the sun.

Key Insights

- Why natural sun protection is the best approach for long-term skin health.

- The problem with relying solely on conventional sunscreen.

- How to build internal resilience to the sun while supporting overall wellness.
- DIY Natural Sun Protection Recipes

So, if you want the short answer, stop eating seed oils for 6 months.

These oils take at least 4-6 months to clear from your body.

These oils are extremely high in PUFA’s, which are unstable and oxidize fast.

Here is a quick list of things you will want to avoid:

canola
soybean
sunflower
safflower
corn
grapeseed oil

Now, what happens when you consume them?

They are unstable and oxidize in your body, and then the sun bakes them, causing burning and irritated skin.

Look, as soon as I learned this and followed the protocol you are learning here on my blog, I stopped burning!

I stopped using seed oils, waited 6 months, and gradually got a sun tan while I incorporated sun gazing, antioxidant-rich foods, and wise interaction with the sun.

Learn more about seed oils and why you want to avoid them in my blog post here.

Then, start slowly introducing your body to the sun.

Start in the early hours or late day sun.

Then progress to solar noon time so that you can get the valuable vitamin D your body requires to keep your immune system happy and humming.

You then can build internal protection with healthy saturated fats, and foods rich in pigment such as berries.

Sometimes, regardless of how great your diet is, you do need sun protection if you will be out in the sun for a long time.

In these cases, you can opt for a clean sun-protective recipe with ingredients free of endocrine disruptors.

Go for non-toxic zinc sunscreens and large brimmed hats and beach cover-ups.

Sun Food Tips

Eat a handful of goji berries before embarking on a trek in the sun.

Or drink a chlorophyll-rich drink before heading out.

The Problem With Traditional Sunscreen

Did you know that in May of 2019, the FDA issued a report sharing that sunscreen chemicals, when used for just one day, get into the bloodstream and exceed the FDA standards for chemicals like Oxybenzone?

These chemicals change your body’s metabolic health and strain organs such as the liver and kidneys.

One study showed that chemicals in sunscreen are endocrine disruptors, which alter your hormones.

The chemicals in commercial sunscreen can also cause allergic reactions.

What is more, they can harm the environment and contribute to coral reef bleaching.

They can make you sick and contribute to disease.

There is increasing concern about the build of phthalates in children that use things like commercial sunblock.

These are endocrine disruptors, and you can read more about the study here.

1. The Foundation of Natural Sun Protection Starts with Diet

- The role of diet in how your skin reacts to the sun.

- Avoid seed oils (PUFAs): How they make skin more prone to burning and oxidative damage.

- If you’ve been consuming seed oils, wait six months before full sun exposure to rebuild healthy skin at the cellular level.

- Focus on saturated fats like grass-fed butter, ghee, and coconut oil for skin resilience.

2. Build Internal Sun Protection with Antioxidants & Pigmented Superfoods

- Natural sun protection is about building resilience, not avoiding the sun.

- The healthiest skin comes from smart sun exposure + internal nutrition.

- Ditching seed oils, eating the right nutrients, and getting gradual exposure sets your skin up for a lifetime of healthy sun interaction.
- Consider creating your own sunblock or buying from a small artisan supplier who is transparent about their ingredients.

- Aloe vera and cold-pressed coconut oil to soothe sun-exposed skin.

- Red light therapy and infrared sauna to reduce sun-induced oxidative stress.

- Hydration & mineral replenishment after sun exposure.

DIY Natural Sun Protection Recipes

1. Basic Non-Toxic DIY Sunscreen (Zinc Oxide-Based)

SPF Estimate: 20-30

This recipe includes non-nano zinc oxide, which is the only FDA-approved natural UV blocker.

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut oil (SPF ~4, provides moisture and slight UV protection)
¼ cup shea butter (SPF ~3-6, nourishes skin)
¼ cup beeswax (creates a water-resistant barrier)
2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide (the main active UV blocker)
1 tsp red raspberry seed oil (SPF ~25-50, rich in antioxidants)
1 tsp carrot seed oil (SPF ~35-40, supports skin repair)
Optional: 5-10 drops essential oils (lavender, chamomile, or myrrh for skin-soothing benefits)

Instructions:

Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Stir in zinc oxide, raspberry seed oil, and carrot seed oil (wear a mask when handling zinc oxide to avoid inhaling it).
Add essential oils if using.
Store in a glass jar and apply as needed.

2. Lightweight DIY Sunscreen Lotion (Non-Greasy)

SPF Estimate: 15-20

This one is less greasy than the coconut oil version and absorbs well.