Is Sunscreen Really the Best Way to Protect Your Skin? My Holistic Perspective on Summer Wellness

Every summer, the same question pops up in my office:

"What sunscreen do you use on your kids?"

As both a Chiropractor and a mom to a three-year-old and a five-month-old who is experiencing her first summer, I've spent a lot of time thinking about this question.

Like so many areas of health, I don't believe the answer is black and white.

It's not about avoiding the sun.

It's not about applying sunscreen every time you step outside.

It's about understanding how our bodies work, making informed choices, and finding balance.

We've Been Taught to Fear the Sun

For years, many of us have been taught to avoid the sun whenever possible. While protecting our skin from excessive UV exposure is important, somewhere along the way many of us began treating sunshine as something to fear.

The reality is much more nuanced.

Sunlight plays an important role in our overall well-being. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm, supports vitamin D production, encourages us to spend more time moving our bodies, and can positively influence our mood.

As someone who talks daily about nervous system health, I also see another benefit.

Have you ever noticed how much calmer you feel after an afternoon spent outside?

Or how your children seem happier after playing in the yard?

Nature has a remarkable way of supporting both our minds and our bodies.

Before You Reach for the Sunscreen, Think Bigger

When people ask me about sunscreen, I usually respond with another question.

"What does your entire day in the sun look like?"

Because sunscreen is only one piece of the conversation.

How hydrated are you?

Are you taking breaks in the shade?

Are you wearing a hat if you'll be outside for hours?

Are you listening to your body's signals?

These simple habits often make just as much of a difference as the sunscreen you choose.

Health rarely comes down to one product. It's the collection of small decisions we make every day.

Why I Started Paying Attention to Ingredients

My journey toward becoming more intentional about the products I use actually started before I was even pregnant.

It began with my own hormonal health.

As I learned more about the connection between our environment, the products we use, and how they can influence our bodies, I became curious about what I was putting on my skin every single day. I started reading ingredient labels, researching products, and asking more questions.

At the time, I wasn't making these changes because I had children to protect. I was doing it for myself and for the future family I hoped to have one day.

I wanted to create a healthier foundation for myself and build habits that would naturally carry into motherhood.

When I became a mom, those choices became even more meaningful. I now look at products through a different lens—not from a place of fear, but from a place of love, awareness, and wanting to make thoughtful decisions for my family.

Why We Choose Mineral Sunscreen

When our family needs sunscreen, we reach for mineral-based formulas made with zinc oxide.

Here's why.

Mineral sunscreen sits on the surface of the skin and reflects UV rays rather than relying on chemical filters that absorb UV energy. While research on sunscreen ingredients continues to evolve, I appreciate the simplicity of mineral formulations and feel comfortable using them on my family.

I also tend to choose lotions or creams over aerosol sprays, especially for young children.

No product is perfect, but I believe simple ingredients are often a good place to start.

My Goal Isn't Perfection

One thing motherhood has taught me is that perfection isn't realistic.

Some days we forget the hats.

Sometimes we're outside longer than we planned.

Life happens.

Rather than stressing over every decision, I try to focus on consistency.

We nourish our bodies with whole foods.

We stay active.

We prioritize sleep.

We support our nervous systems.

We choose products thoughtfully.

Those habits matter far more than chasing perfection.

Caring for Skin After a Day Outside

Our skin works hard for us.

After a long day outdoors, I think it deserves a little extra care.

Cooling aloe vera gel can feel wonderful after sun exposure, and moisturizing with beef tallow lotions afterward helps support the skin's natural barrier.

Hydration also matters more than many people realize.

Drinking enough water before, during, and after time outside helps your body recover from the heat while supporting healthy skin from the inside out.

The Bigger Picture

As a chiropractor, I spend a lot of time helping people understand that symptoms are rarely isolated.

The same is true for our skin.

Healthy skin isn't created by one miracle cream.

It reflects what's happening inside the body, too.

Nutrition.

Stress.

Sleep.

Inflammation.

Hydration.

Hormone balance.

Nervous system health.

Movement.

Everything is connected.

That's why I encourage my patients to think beyond quick fixes and instead ask, "How can I support my body as a whole?"

This Summer, Choose Balance Over Fear

My hope isn't that every family uses the exact same sunscreen I do.

My hope is that we all become more intentional.

Read labels.

Ask questions.

Spend time outside.

Protect your skin when appropriate.

Don't forget your hat.

Drink your water.

Laugh with your kids.

Watch the sunset.

Let your children experience the joy of summer while teaching them how to care for the amazing bodies they've been given.

For me, health has never been about doing everything perfectly. It's about making informed choices that align with your values and trusting that small, consistent habits add up over time.

Summer isn't something to hide from.

It's something to enjoy with wisdom, balance, and gratitude!