How-To Protect Your Skin From Too Much Sun

Sun is actually good for you. In the right amount. Every day. The minutes or hours you can or should spend in the sunshine varies based on your skin type, geographic location, and whether you already have a bit of color in your skin from previous exposure. That color is caused by melanin, a pigment that gives skin (and hair and eyes) its color.

Exposure to sunlight causes the body to make vitamin D (which isn't really a vitamin, but more of a hormone). This is great news for vegans, since dietary vitamin D can be tricky to obtain except via supplementation (though omnivores are equally deficient in vitamin D in higher latitudes).

So we need to revel within the Goldilocks Zone of sun exposure. Sunscreen manufacturing is a billion dollar industry. It's up to you what kind you choose. Chemical sunblocks have not been adequately tested for safety in my opinion, so given the alternatives, I'll choose a titanium dioxide variety that creates a physical barrier. Confused about types of sunscreen? There are many articles like this one from the Wall Street Journal that explain the basic options.

Which sunscreens are vegan? Here is PETA's list, some more popular options rounded up at One Green Planet, and this list from The Vegan Woman that covers the US, Europe, and Australia. I'm not uber-brand-loyal, I just look for a "vegan" or "cruelty-free" label. I've liked Green Screen Organic and right now I've got a tube of this California Baby sunscreen in the car with a very mild lemongrass scent (they also make a fragrance-free super-sensitive variety).

There are other ways to limit sun exposure without copious sunscreen usage. If I am taking the kids to the beach for the day, or I know I will be out in the surf lineup for a few hours, then I don't hesitate to slather on the goop, especially on my face (most of the year I'm reasonably covered by a wetsuit). Long-sleeved rash guards are awesome swimwear accessories. Sunglasses protect your eyes, but sun hats can reduce or eliminate the need for sunscreen on the face, ears, and upper neck. I even wear a sun hat on a leisurely swim (look for one that dries quickly, has an easily adjustable strap to hold the hat on, and doesn't contain any leather embellishments).

Timing outdoor activities on normal days to coincide with non-peak exposure is also a helpful strategy. Try aiming for before 10am and after 4pm, depending on the time of year. Also, wearing light-colored light-weight long sleeves or pants may be an option depending on your climate and comfort.