Vitamin D: My Take on a healthy dose of the sun

The Sunshine Balance: Getting Enough Vitamin D While Protecting Your Skin Safely

There’s something undeniably healing about sunshine. Just 10–20 minutes outdoors can lift your mood, warm your bones, and naturally boost your body’s Vitamin D levels. But as we soak up those rays, we also face the very real risk of skin damage—and potentially much worse.

Like many of you, I’ve always tried to strike the right balance. I’m a huge advocate for daily movement outdoors, whether it’s a walk, hike, or simply gardening. Sunlight is essential for our health—Vitamin D supports immune function, bone strength, mental clarity, and even helps regulate mood and inflammation.

But here’s the tricky part: protecting your skin without compromising your health.

The Truth About Sunscreen

Did you know that skin cancer rates have increased by over 200% since sunscreen hit the market? While that sounds counterintuitive, many of the first—and even current—formulas on store shelves contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are not only potential hormone disruptors, but some have been linked to allergic reactions, cellular damage, and environmental harm (especially to coral reefs).

You may think you're doing the right thing by applying sunscreen every day—but not all sunscreens are created equal.

What I Use Instead: Safe Sun Protection

Over the years, I’ve become a lot more mindful of what goes on (and in) my body. That includes:

• Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (look for non-nano versions)

• Wide-brimmed hats for full face, neck, and shoulder coverage

• UV-protective clothing, like long-sleeve swim shirts and lightweight cover-ups

• Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 2 PM)

  
  

This way, I still get the benefits of sunlight—like natural Vitamin D production—while minimizing the risk of overexposure and toxic chemical absorption.

My Personal Wake-Up Call

Recently, I went in for a routine skin check. No major concerns, just something I try to do annually. My dermatologist noticed a small, unusual-looking mole—something I’d barely paid attention to—and recommended removing it as a precaution.

A few days later, I got the call: it wasn’t cancer, but it was a precancerous lesion that could have become dangerous if left untreated.

Thanks to staying on top of my skin health and being proactive with sun safety, I caught it early—and today, I’m cancer-free. It was a powerful reminder that prevention is everything.

A Healthy Dose of Sun—The Smart Way

Here’s what I recommend:

• Get your Vitamin D, but aim for early morning or late afternoon sun

• Cover up with breathable, UV-rated clothing

• Ditch the drugstore chemicals—opt for clean, mineral-based sunblocks. Click HERE to get my favorite sunscreen products

• Do annual skin checks (and don’t ignore your gut if something feels “off”)

  
  

You can love the sun and protect your health at the same time. It just takes awareness, the right tools, and a bit of self-care.

Stay sunny—and stay safe.