Sunscreen or not to sunscreen? It is one of the biggest debates amongst wellness enthusiasts like us.
Some believe that with proper nutrition, gradual sun exposure, and a healthy lifestyle, our skin has a natural ability to adapt and protect itself. Others believe sunscreen is essential because UV radiation is scientifically proven to damage skin cells and accelerate aging.
As a chemist, my view is that dosage and context matter.
Us Canadians get very little sunlight during winter and an abundance of it in the summer. In Alberta, we basically have two seasons 😎
So what happens? The moment summer arrives — or when we escape on tropical vacations — many of us suddenly spend hours baking in direct sun trying to “catch up” on vitamin D and sunshine we missed all winter.
But have you noticed something interesting?
The locals in those tropical regions are usually not lying under the sun all day. They often wear long sleeves, hats, loose clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Generations living under intense UV exposure have taught them something important:
The best protection from extreme sun exposure is physical coverage first.
Cover. Cover. Cover.
Shade, clothing, hats, and limiting excessive exposure are still the most effective ways to reduce UV damage.
Now let’s talk about sunscreen.
Many conventional sunscreens use synthetic UV filters such as:
- oxybenzone
- octinoxate
- homosalate
- octocrylene
These ingredients are approved by regulators like Health Canada and are considered safe within approved limits. However, some studies have raised concerns around hormone disruption, environmental impact, skin absorption, and potential long-term effects from repeated exposure. This is why many wellness-conscious consumers prefer to minimize their use when possible.
These synthetic UV filters work by absorbing UV energy and converting it into heat. Some can gradually become less stable with prolonged UV exposure, which is one reason sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly — especially after sweating, swimming, or long hours outdoors.
SPF itself is also often misunderstood.
Many people assume SPF 50 offers dramatically more protection than SPF 30, but the difference is actually quite small.
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks about 98%
- SPF 100 blocks about 99%
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, which is why relying solely on sunscreen while spending excessive hours in direct sunlight can create a false sense of security.
Personally, I prefer mineral-based protection using Zinc Oxide.
Zinc oxide has been used for centuries as a form of sun protection. Ancient civilizations observed that mineral-rich white pastes helped shield the skin from intense sunlight, especially in hot and dry climates. Even lifeguards and athletes today still use visible zinc on the nose and cheeks because of its reliable broad-spectrum protection.
Unlike many synthetic UV filters, zinc oxide is a highly stable mineral that helps protect the skin by absorbing and scattering UV radiation without easily breaking down in sunlight. It also provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple:
Healthy sun exposure is important. Excessive sun exposure is not.
The goal should not be fear of the sun — but respecting it.
And when extra protection is needed, I personally believe mineral-based protection, combined with smart sun habits and physical coverage, is the gentler and more balanced approach.