As a society, how did we go from worshipping the sun to fearing it?

Since the dawn of time, humans across the globe have literally worshipped the sun. Sure, we're past the times of thinking the sun is a god riding his fiery chariot across the sky, but we think early civilizations had good reason to show so much love for the sun and all it provides. It's (literally) life-giving, and modern science is proving all the reasons why.

So why did we take such a hard turn as a society to the point of fearing the sun? Well, it's complex. But not unlike many things today, fear-mongering and misinformation played a heavy role. Skin cancer rates have risen sharply, and the dermatologic field responded with touting widespread sun avoidance and SPF as the solution. But is it? We'll dissect some of the nuances in this post.

Is the sun really a problem? Are SPF and sun avoidance really the solutions? 

First off, blaming the sun for what is really a multi-faceted problem ignores the nuance required to have a holistic conversation on the matter of sun exposure and skin cancer.

The root issue behind skin cancer prevalence (and most modern illnesses) isn't only the sun - it's poor diet, metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, and poor sleep patterns caused by a loss of ancestral adaptation to sunlight.

The "wellness community" responded on the opposite end of the spectrum from the "medical community" (surprise, surprise) and now we see a deep rift in thinking on the matter and all-or-nothing approaches. 

So where does a healthy balance really lie? How do we strike that balance?

Somewhere in between the two extremes is a healthy middle ground supported by scientific research and your unique physiology.

The good news: Sunlight is good for your health. Beyond supporting Vitamin D synthesis, sunlight regulates your cortisol production, governs your circadian rhythm, and so much more. There's no pill or supplement that can substitute what sunlight does for you. Vitamin D supplementation does not replicate the full physiological cascade of benefits triggered by healthy sun exposure and most certainly cannot provide the same cortisol/circadian regulation that morning sunlight exposure does.

However, there is a smart & safe way to get sun. Understanding timing of sun exposure, dosage of exposure, and your individual biology are key here:

• Timing: "Low-angle" sun (early morning & late afternoon) are the most ideal for achieving circadian and hormonal regulation benefits while minimizing the risk of UV damage
• Biology: Responsible, common sense exposure respects your individual limits. Someone with naturally darker skin living near the equator year-round can tolerate more exposure than someone with light skin from northern latitudes vacationing at noon on a summer's day near the equator. 
• Dosage: Though we can build some sun tolerance over time, like training a muscle, your tolerance threshold is impacted by your unique biology: skin type, genetic factors, and your overall metabolic health.

Can sun exposure actually support skin health?

Done correctly, sunlight actually supports the health of your skin, with anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.

Particularly when your metabolic health is optimized (which is key, and missing in many in our modern society), sunlight actually helps skin function rather than harm it.

When metabolic health is not optimized or your unique biology of skin type limits your threshold for dosage/timing of sun exposure, this is where sun protection really comes in.

And again: doing sun protection correctly is key.

What's the best form of sun protection?

Look for PHYSICAL blockers - not chemical filters. The chemical compounds used in most SPF protection products today are being broadly linked themselves to the uptick in rates of skin cancer.

What touches your skin really matters - especially since it all gets absorbed by the skin into your body, ultimately impacting your metabolic health (which as already discussed, is a critical factor in whether sun exposure ultimately benefits or harms you).

Never underestimate the benefits of a simple protective layer from a hat, hood, or long sleeve. Natural materials like cotton or linen go a long way in protecting you from direct exposure without the harmful consequences of synthetic materials. 

And keep an eye out - we've been contemplating adding our homemade sunscreen to our product collection in the near future.

What should be the main takeaways from this discussion?

Burning is never a win. But being metabolically unhealthy makes you more vulnerable to UV damage. If you're sleep deprived, over-stressed, and nutrient-depleted, the sun will do more harm than good.

So focus on your internal health as a first step. Because healthy mitochondria, a clean diet, and low inflammation, the sun will only serve as a supplemental longevity tool further boosting your state of health.