Get Tan Skin Without Sun Damage

Fact: Most people look better with a tan. Fact: 95% of premature aging (wrinkles and sunspots) is due to sun exposure.  

Most people are living in conflict when it comes to the sun. The questions go on and on: Should I wear sunscreen, and which one should I wear? Should I wear sunscreen every single day, or just if I am in direct sunlight? Is it best if I just stay out of the sun, or do I need Vitamin D for my sense of well-being and happiness?  Does a Vitamin D supplement work as well as the natural sun, or should I take melatonin so I can regulate my sleep cycle? If I get burned does that mean I am prone to developing skin cancer and if so, what can I do about it? Is it worth worrying about this, or should I just lay out and get a beautiful tan this weekend?

As a facial rejuvenation acupuncturist, I hear these questions and concerns more than most. Since I live in San Diego where it is generally sunny every day (is May-gray over yet?) the sun and its effects on the skin are at the forefront of my mind. Two years ago, I realized the relationship I had with the sun was sick. I was hiding from the sun and treating it like a villain in my own anti-aging skincare thriller. When I acknowledged this, I realized I had to do something about it.  

What Should I Do

I always looking for a new organic chemical-free sunscreen launching this summer. I am ecstatic to share it with the world because we are all facing sun damage, and looking for new ways to protect our skin. At least in regards to skin health, looking good, and our vital relationship with the sun.   

Tonight, I realized the mantra I want to share with the world is the one I apply to anything challenging and complex.  It is when in doubt, to add more. Whether it is losing weight, going through a bad breakup, or mourning the loss of a loved one, I am always adding more to my life. This allows the journey to be filled with more love, more fun, more ingredients, and more of what I desire. When it comes to the health of the skin and the relationship with the sun, here are the three best things you can add to your life to protect yourself from premature aging and chemical toxicity from sunscreens:

Add more omega-3 oils to your diet

Having a high amount of anti-oxidant packed oil in your diet creates the structure within the skin layers necessary to deal with the stress of UV rays and shortwave blue light. Think about it: The natural Mediterranean diet is loaded with olive oil. When olive oil is ingested, the skin is protected from the inside out from free radicals caused by the sun.  

Use coconut oil as your daily moisturizer

Don’t get caught up in whether or not it's enough as your sunscreen, but use the oil to help regenerate healthy skin cells and protect the skin as a natural SPF 4. Your left arm hanging out the car door all day will thank you 10 years from now. If you're in the sun all day, then add more sunscreen but know that you have a good base from the coconut oil.  

Add more fun! 

This is something my friends are getting tired of hearing, but I believe it’s true. If you are getting stressed out about sun protection, aging, or paying your mortgage on time, you need to add more fun to your life.  Taking the time to enjoy your favorite things regularly is what helps combat the replication of unhealthy skin cells. 

"Rebecca you're selling happy here to combat the evils of skin cancer?" Okay, okay don’t take me to the courts on this last one, but think about it: When your body is in alignment because you have taken the time to enjoy your sense of freedom and joy, your body sings. The stress or previous concern becomes less powerful and less important to you! Your joy, your freedom, and your fun become far more interesting to you!

If this subject has sparked interest or maybe even 

For more questions about sunscreen and the sun, check out the American Academy of Dermatology.  This subject matter is complex, and while I know there are a lot of great organic sunscreens the planet has yet to see, this conversation is important as we are all learning together.  This is the place for natural recipes for burns, sunscreen product reviews, the best skincare tricks for glowing skin, and most importantly, the best ways to fall back in love with our beloved sun.