We honor the sun as a vital part of our well-being. Daily, balanced sun exposure supports vitamin D production, boosts mood, and aids in critical cellular repair. The sun isn’t something to fear, but rather something to approach with reverence and respect.
We also recognize that overexposure to the sun can disrupt our skin’s harmony. We’re here to offer a more holistic way to protect your skin — one that nourishes and shields without compromising protection.
THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SUN
For most people, 5 to 30 minutes of unprotected midday sun (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), a few times per week, is enough to support healthy vitamin D levels—without tipping into overexposure. Fair skin may need just 5–15 minutes, while deeper tones may require longer due to melanin’s natural UV protection. This is when UVB rays, which trigger vitamin D production, are strongest.
And yes, you can build your skin’s sun resilience. Like any system in the body, the skin adapts with gradual, consistent exposure. Over time, brief, mindful moments in the sun can increase melanin (your body’s natural photoprotective pigment) and strengthen internal antioxidant systems—especially when supported by nutrient-rich foods and barrier-loving skincare.
The key is intention: expose mindfully, protect when needed, and listen to your skin.
CHEMICAL VS. MINERAL SUNSCREEN
Many products that promise SPF protection are made with chemical sunscreens. They contain harmful ingredients like:
- oxybenzone
- avobenzone
- octisalate
- octocrylene
- homosalate
- octinoxate
These chemical filters work by absorbing the harmful UV rays into the skin, then converting them to heat. Studies have linked these ingredients to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Worse yet, they don’t just stay on the surface of your skin. Once applied, they absorb into the skin and find their way into your bloodstream.
GO MINERAL-BASED
Mineral based sunscreens are our preferred choice against synthetic, chemical based sunscreens. Mineral based (also called physical sunscreens) work by actually sitting on the top layer of skin and reflecting both UVA and UVB rays.
We champion non-nano zinc oxide — a naturally occurring mineral that forms a gentle barrier on the surface of the skin, reflecting UVA and UVB rays, not absorbing them.
Non-nano = non-invasive.
The particle size is large enough to sit on the surface of skin, not sink in, so you never have to worry about harmful absorption of chemicals
Broad-spectrum Coverage.
Offers physical protection from both aging (UVA) and burning (UVB) rays
Gentle and Effective.
Ideal for even the most sensitive of skin types
Reef-Safe.
Unlike chemical SPF ingredients, zinc oxide won’t harm marine life when it enters our oceans
EXPLORE OUR MINERAL-BASED FORMULAS
A note on our Coconut Cream Foundation: While not labeled or approved as a sunscreen, this formula contains 25% non-nano zinc oxide—an ingredient widely used in mineral-based sunscreens to physically block both UVA and UVB rays. We always recommend pairing it with a dedicated, labeled SPF product for extended sun exposure.
Also worth exploring:
OUR FAVORITE CLEAN SPF BRANDS
PROTECT FROM WITHIN: EAT YOUR SPF
Topical protection is only one part of a complete suncare ritual. Your skin’s resilience is also shaped by how you fuel your body. Antioxidant-rich foods can help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure, reducing oxidative stress and keeping your skin strong and vibrant.
Support Your Summer Glow
Lycopene
A powerful antioxidant that helps buffer the skin against UV damage and reduce inflammation. It accumulates in the skin and supports a smoother, more even tone.
Found in: Tomatoes (especially cooked), watermelon, pink grapefruit, red peppers
Beta-Carotene
A precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene helps strengthen the skin’s natural defences and supports regeneration after sun exposure.
Found in: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dark leafy greens
Vitamin C
Essential for collagen synthesis, vitamin C also helps combat free radical damage from UV rays, promoting firm, radiant skin
Found in: Strawberries, oranges, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts
Omega-3’s
These essential fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, reducing inflammation and increasing moisture retention
Found in: Flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds
Polyphenols
Naturally occurring compounds that neutralize oxidative stress and calm skin reactivity after sun exposure
Found in: Green tea, dark chocolate, berries, red grapes, olives
REDUCE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION
Chronic inflammation—from processed foods, stress, and environmental toxins—can make your skin more reactive to the sun. A holistic lifestyle that includes clean eating, regular movement, mineral-rich hydration, and non-toxic personal care supports overall balance and builds internal resilience.
HYDRATE LIKE IT MATTERS
Hydration plays a powerful role in how your skin responds to the sun. Without enough fluids and minerals, the skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and barrier breakdown—especially when you’re sweating.
But hydration isn’t just about water. It’s about electrolytes, antioxidants, and trace minerals that help your body absorb and retain moisture on a cellular level.
Try this mineral-rich drink next time you’re heading into the sun:
Our Coconut Citrus Hydrating Tonic
- 1 cup coconut water (rich in electrolytes + potassium)
- ½ cup filtered water or aloe vera juice (gut-soothing + hydrating)
- Juice of ½ a lemon (vitamin C + liver support)
- Juice of ½ an orange (extra vitamin C + natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
-
Pinch of sea salt or pink Himalayan salt (adds trace minerals)
Sip slowly, and let it become part of your sun ritual.
PROTECT WITHOUT DISCONNECTING
Sun protection doesn’t mean hiding from the light. It means honoring your body’s natural limits and showing up with care. If you’ve reached your skin’s threshold but still need to be outside, here are gentle ways to stay protected:
Seek shade
During peak UV hours (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), especially after getting your daily dose of vitamin D.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
To shield the face, chest, and shoulders.
Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing
That covers without overheating.
Listen to your body
Step out of direct sun when your skin feels warm or overstimulated.
These practices allow you to stay connected to nature while protecting what matters.
SUMMER RITUALS FOR BALANCE & REPAIR
The sun offers us so much, but even the most balanced exposure can leave you feeling vulnerable. If your skin has had a little too much, we hope that you can find a ritual to restore harmony, hydration, and radiance. These moments will help your skin bounce back and thrive —
Sooth with light hydration.
Choose weightless layers that bring moisture but not heaviness. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, or jojoba that can comfort sun-warmed skin while supporting repair.
Reset with gentle detox.
Skip any harsh scrubs and reach for a detoxifying clay mask made with minerals like kaolin or bentonite. These help draw out any impurities while maintaining balance.
Treat heat with cool rituals.
Store your facial mist, jade roller, or sheet masks in the fridge. The cooling sensation reduces puffiness and provides instant relief after exposure.
Rebuild your barrier.
Look for formulas with rosehip seed oil, comfrey oil, buckthorn oil, calendula, or chamomile — ingredients known for their ability to soothe and rebuild your skin’s natural defenses.
Protect what you’ve nourished.
Daily mineral SPF remains essential, even when it’s cloudy. The goal isn’t to block out sun entirely, but to remain in harmony with it.
Explore our nourishing skincare
References:
1.“The gut microbiome is now understood to play a key role in systemic inflammation and immune-mediated skin responses.”
— O’Neill CA, et al. “The gut–skin axis in health and disease: A paradigm with therapeutic implications.” BioEssays. 2016.
Link
2. “Supplementation with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can reduce UV-induced erythema and improve skin resistance to oxidative damage.”
— Greul AK et al. “Photoprotection of the skin by dietary carotenoids.” Arch Biochem Biophys. 2001.
Link to study
3. “Western dietary patterns are associated with elevated systemic inflammation, which may promote oxidative stress and accelerate photoaging.”
— Katta R, Desai SP. “Diet and dermatology: the role of dietary intervention in skin disease.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014.
4. “Inflammation is a key component of acute and chronic responses to UV radiation.”
— Katiyar SK, et al. “Inflammatory responses to ultraviolet radiation and photoprotection by plant polyphenols.” Mutation Research. 2005.
Link to abstract
5. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that repeated low-dose UV exposure increases the skin’s tolerance over time by promoting a protective adaptation response, including thickening of the outer skin layer (stratum corneum) and melanin production.
— Foulongne-Oriol M et al., 2006
6. “In fair-skinned individuals, full-body sun exposure can produce 10,000–25,000 IU of vitamin D in under 30 minutes.”
— Holick, MF. (2004). Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
-[Lindqvist PG et al. Avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death. J Intern Med. 2016;280(4):375–387.]