Sunscreen, Sun Exposure, and What Some Wellness Influencers Get Wrong
Why the Sun Is Stronger Today, How to Protect Your Skin Safely, and the Truth About Mineral vs. Chemical SPF (Without the Fear-Mongering)
Let me start by saying this: I’m a sunscreen fan—and my family and I wear it year-round. Yes, we’re that household that slathers it on even just to step outside. Not out of fear, but because I understand its place in a balanced, proactive approach to wellness and skincare.
I’ve seen the posts—“Sunscreen is toxic!” “Just get more sun!” “Big Pharma wants you afraid of nature!”.
That’s not wellness—that’s fear marketing dressed up in vintage filters and fringe hats.
At Vango Wellness, I don’t subscribe to hype or hysteria. I subscribe to uncomplicated wellness: practical, grounded, real. So let’s break down what’s actually true about sun exposure, SPF, and how to protect your body without losing your mind.
The Sun Today Isn’t the Same as It Was.
Let’s address one of the quiet facts missing from this conversation: the sun’s rays have gotten stronger.
Ozone layer depletion and climate change have altered the intensity and reach of UV rays. Research shows that UV radiation has increased in many parts of the world, especially UVB, which is more biologically active and directly linked to DNA damage and skin cancer.
So when people say, “We didn’t use sunscreen growing up and we were fine,” they’re forgetting:
The UV index is higher today than it was in the ’80s and ’90s.
We now understand that cumulative sun exposure matters more than isolated sunburns.
And we live in environments (urban heat islands, reflective glass buildings) that amplify exposure even further.
In other words: your grandmother’s sun is not your sun.
Yes, sunlight is essential—but it’s also more intense than it used to be.
Is Sunscreen Really Toxic?
Here’s what’s true: some chemical filters used in U.S. sunscreens have raised concerns in both health and environmental circles. For example:
Oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption in some animal studies and coral reef damage, which is why it’s now banned in Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean.
Octinoxate and homosalate have shown endocrine-disrupting potential at high levels of absorption, though human data is limited.
But—and this is a very important but—the FDA, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Skin Cancer Foundation all agree that these sunscreens are safe when used as directed. And the risk of not using any protection is far greater.
Still, this doesn’t mean sunscreen is inherently dangerous.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there is no evidence that sunscreen ingredients pose a risk to human health when used as directed. The AAD strongly recommends using sunscreen daily to reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging—regardless of whether you choose chemical or mineral formulas. The Skin Cancer Foundation also agrees that these sunscreens are safe when used as directed. And the risk of not using any protection is far greater.
Similarly, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated numerous UV filters—including those banned or restricted in some U.S. states—and concluded that they are safe for use in cosmetic products at regulated concentrations. The SCCS conducts extensive toxicological risk assessments on ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate, setting strict upper limits to ensure consumer safety across the EU.
The takeaway?
Yes, some sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed.
No, absorption doesn’t equal harm.
And yes, regulatory agencies on both sides of the Atlantic continue to monitor and refine safety guidance.
In fact, in countries with high sunscreen use—like Australia and Japan—rates of melanoma are stabilizing or decreasing, especially when SPF is applied correctly and consistently.
So instead of panicking over headlines, let’s ground our choices in both data and practicality.
Why Europe and Asia Are Winning the Sunscreen Game?
The U.S. FDA classifies sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, meaning any new UV filter must go through an extensive and expensive approval process.
Meanwhile, countries like:
France use filters like Tinosorb S and Mexoryl SX, which are photostable and excellent at blocking UVA rays.
Japan and South Korea lead with ultra-cosmetic formulas featuring filters like Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150, balancing protection with elegance and comfort.
These filters aren’t available in U.S. sunscreens—not because they’re unsafe, but because regulatory red tape hasn’t caught up with science.
I ❤️ Love:
Ultraviolette (Australia - not the US formulation)
ISDIN (Spain)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios (France)
Beauty of Joseon (Korea)
Anessa (Japan)
Bioré Aqua Rich (Japan)
So no, sunscreen isn’t toxic. But many U.S. options are outdated. Know better, choose better.
How to Protect Yourself Without Fear?
Sun protection isn’t all or nothing—it’s about understanding your tools and using them with intention.
Your here’s your uncomplicated SPF Toolkit:
A. Morning Sun Is Medicine
Aim for 10 to 20 minutes of unprotected sunlight between 6:30am and 9:00am, depending on your location and skin tone. This supports:
Vitamin D production.
Circadian rhythm regulation.
Better energy and mood.
If you have a wearable or app that tracks UV Index, check it! Morning UV levels are often under 3—safe for brief exposure.
B. Protect With Style
Skip the overexposure. Instead:
Wear a 2.75”–3” brim hat for full-face and neck coverage.
Use UV-protective clothing (especially for kids and long hikes).
Choose polarized sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB.
C. Use Sunscreen Intentionally
Apply SPF all over exposed areas when:
You’re outdoors for more than 15–20 minutes during 10am–3pm.
You’re at altitude, on water, or snow—where reflection amplifies exposure.
You’re protecting aging-prone areas like face, neck, chest, and hands.
Use enough. Reapply. And if you’re sweating or swimming, go again.
D. Take Breaks and Seek Shade
Not all sun is created equal. Seek shade, plan lunch under an umbrella, and remember—intentional sun is different from accidental overexposure.
My approach?
If I’m in the U.S., I personally stick to mineral-based SPF—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—because they:
Sit on top of the skin (less absorption).
Offer excellent broad-spectrum protection.
Are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin and kids.
They’re not perfect (some can feel chalky), but they do the job well—and they’re widely available.
The two brands I go for are Thinbaby and Badger.
When I travel or order from abroad, I buy international SPFs—because yes, they’re simply better.
Countries like France, Japan, and South Korea offer:
More advanced UVA filters.
Lighter, more wearable formulations.
Greater photostability and longevity.
That’s because these countries regulate sunscreen as a cosmetic, not a drug—so innovation is faster and the quality is often superior.
The truth? Sunscreen isn’t the villain. Poor regulation and outdated formulas are.
Sunlight is a gift. SPF is a tool. And nuance is your best friend.
Let’s stop vilifying products or worshiping the sun.
Let’s get better at discernment over dogma.
I’ll continue enjoying morning light on my skin, using mineral sunscreen when needed, and packing my suitcase with a few international favorites (because yes—those filters are better and my skin prefers them).
If you’ve been overwhelmed by the SPF noise out there, I hope this gave you space to breathe.
The goal is not fear. The goal is freedom.
And informed wellness is the way we get there.
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