Dr. Sun is medicine and we’ve been taught to fear our healer.
It’s kinda funny—people will fiercely defend sunscreen, yet chronic illness and cancer rates have only gone up since we started “protecting” ourselves from the sun like it’s public enemy #1.
Let’s not forget: the Sun is essential to human life. Not just for plants. Not just for solar panels. For YOU.
Going out with your skin completely blocked by SPF every single time means you’re also blocking your body’s ability to synthesize Vitamin D—a vital hormone-like nutrient that regulates everything from immunity to mood to hormone balance. And guess what? Deficiency in it is widespread.
Now I know someone will say:
“But we burn without sunscreen!”
“But we burn without sunscreen!”
To which I lovingly say:
YOU NEED COMMON SENSE WHEN YOU’RE UNDER THE SUN.
YOU NEED COMMON SENSE WHEN YOU’RE UNDER THE SUN.
Sunburns aren’t from the sun being evil. They’re from overexposure and underpreparation. You don’t chug 3 gallons of water in 10 minutes and expect your kidneys to throw you a party either.
Use your intuition. Know your limits. Ease in gradually, just like you’d train your body at the gym.
Moderation isn’t a new-age concept—it’s ancient wisdom.
Somewhere along the way, we replaced sunlight with synthetic pills, blue light screens, and fluorescent bulbs. And instead of radiating health, we’re now dealing with fatigue, hormonal chaos, low immunity, and more.
Need to debate with me?
The Nerdy Breakdown
Vitamin D Synthesis Requires UVB Rays
Your body can’t make Vitamin D without sunlight. Specifically, UVB rays (wavelengths ~290–315 nm) trigger a photochemical reaction in the skin, converting 7-dehydrocholesterol into cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).
This then gets converted to calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D, which regulates calcium metabolism, immune response, and gene expression.
Study: Holick MF. “Vitamin D Deficiency.” NEJM, 2007.
→ Up to 50% of the global population may have suboptimal Vitamin D levels due to sun avoidance or overuse of sunscreen.
→ Up to 50% of the global population may have suboptimal Vitamin D levels due to sun avoidance or overuse of sunscreen.
Sunscreen and UV Blockage
Most broad-spectrum sunscreens are designed to block UVB and UVA. SPF 15 blocks ~93% of UVB; SPF 30 blocks ~97%; SPF 50 blocks ~98%.
Most broad-spectrum sunscreens are designed to block UVB and UVA. SPF 15 blocks ~93% of UVB; SPF 30 blocks ~97%; SPF 50 blocks ~98%.
That means with higher SPF, your body may not synthesize enough Vitamin D, especially if you already have melanin-rich skin, live in northern latitudes, or wear full-coverage clothing.
Study: Norval M et al., “The impact of sunscreen on Vitamin D: A review.” Br J Dermatol, 2010.
→ Routine use of sunscreen can significantly reduce Vitamin D synthesis.
→ Routine use of sunscreen can significantly reduce Vitamin D synthesis.
So What’s the Balanced Approach?
Moderate, intentional sun exposure (10–30 minutes a few times per week on arms/legs/face) is usually enough for Vitamin D in most people—without burning.
Moderate, intentional sun exposure (10–30 minutes a few times per week on arms/legs/face) is usually enough for Vitamin D in most people—without burning.
The darker your skin, the more sun you need to produce adequate Vitamin D.
Sun is not the enemy. Overexposure is. Sunscreen protects from burns, but overuse can hinder your body’s natural photochemistry. Choose balanced sun hygiene: smart timing, occasional sunscreen, and respect for your own limits.
Nature gave us the Sun. Modernity gave us fluorescent bulbs and fear. Pick your healer wisely.
Anyway—just my two cents for today.
Unplug from the programming. Reconnect with Source.
