The Sun’s Caress: Exploring the Skin–Sunshine Connection
Balancing Benefits and Risks for Optimal Skin Health
Nadine Artemis
AUGUST 2025
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The sun shines on everyone, and this cosmic catalyst is a bestower of beneficial nutrients for our bodies.
Our bodies are designed to be exposed to the sun’s rays; it regulates the circadian rhythm, stimulates sleep-inducing melatonin, and blesses the skin with vitamin D. We are covered with thousands of vitamin D receptors, and our cells have a DNA code and biophotons that require energy from the sun.
We live in a sunlight-deprived society, and this deprivation is harming us. Just a few generations ago, our agricultural ancestors spent most of the day outside. Today, most doctors and dermatologists wax weary about UV hazards and advocate for avoiding the sun.
However, our current “sun-fear” contributes to the soaring rate of vitamin D deficiency. Nearly 75% of adults and teenagers have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D.
If we are wise, we can enjoy a healthy relationship with our friend, the sun. Let’s consider the best protocols for wisely riding solar wavelengths and understanding that the sun is your sunscreen.
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Start in the Morning
Exposure to sunlight in the morning synchronizes the body's internal clock, the circadian rhythm, and influences mood and overall well-being. Morning sunlight also improves the skin. The magic is melatonin, which is more than a sleep aid. It is associated with good hair growth, wound healing, suppression of ultraviolet (UV) damage in skin cells, and antitumor properties.
Melatonin is produced when sunlight enters our eyes and stimulates our pineal gland, and morning melatonin is best. Enjoy 20-30 minutes of time in the morning sun without sunscreen or sunglasses to set your circadian clock.
Tan Wisely
Start slowly but surely, and start in the spring so that you may create a protective tan with phased in exposure. Remember to flip and forget the sunglasses. Eyes contain receptors that are essential to melanin production.
Melanin, the tanned-skin pigment, is our sunscreen, our ancient biological mechanism of photo-protection. The melanin in our skin transforms 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation into heat that easily dissipates, so we sidestep radiation that contributes to cell damage.
The best time of day for sunning is morning to solar-noon. D Minder and Circadian are handy apps that let you know how long to bask in the sun’s rays without being burned and how much vitamin D you generate that day.
Botanicals Beyond Sunscreen
UV rays blocked by synthetic sunscreens are the rays we depend on for vitamin D production, yet we don’t want to be burned. Plants, too, require wise interaction with the sun and botanical oils can preserve the juiciness of our sun exposure. Almost all plant oils offer some degree of ultraviolet protection to their own tissues—and ours. Plant oils of virgin coconut, jojoba, olive, and seabuckthorn applied to the skin provide a measure of sun protection. Raspberry seed oil also has potential use as a broad-range sun protectant. It may provide a botanical equivalent of SPF-25.
It's best not to burn, yet if we do, fresh aloe and jojoba mixed with peppermint, lavender, and seabuckthorn essential oils soothes, cools, quickens healing, and prevents peeling.
The skin’s outer layer is a thin coating of oils that provides anti-wrinkle and sun-screen protection. The integrity of this layer is damaged by synthetic soaps and moisturizers.
Washing and moisturizing the skin with botanical and essential oils also regenerates the skin's top protective layer.
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Eat Sun-Harmonizing Food
Many of the skin issues that are called “sun damage” are really the result of malnutrition. A diet of processed food triggers collagen breakdown, inflammation, age spots, and hyper-pigmentation.
Skin cells must be strengthened with real food to receive the full blessing of the sun, and an antioxidant-rich rainbow diet contributes to our internal sunscreen. Take tomatoes, for example: researchers demonstrated a 30% increase in sun protection after eating a tomato-rich diet. Other SPF foods include beta-carotene-bursting foods such as watermelon, green tea, turmeric, leafy greens, and berries.
Also, save room for chocolate! Unadulterated chocolate has four times the number of phenols and catechins as teas and protect the skin against sunburn by absorbing UV.
Rejoice in the warm sunshine. Greet it with wisdom and a well-nourished body, and a new level of vitality will be revealed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nadine Artemis, the founder of Living Libations, is the author of Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums, and Renegade Beauty: Reveal and Revive Your Natural Radiance, which was named one of “The Top 10 Books on Skin Care” by The Strategist of New York Magazine. She is a respected media guest and contributor, and her products have received rave reviews in the New York Times, LA Times, Elle, People, Vogue, and Hollywood Reporter. Described by Alanis Morissette as “a true-sense visionary,” Nadine crafts elegant formulations and healing creations from rare botanicals that have skin glowing around the world. Her concept of Renegade Beauty encourages effortlessness and inspires people to rethink conventional notions of beauty and wellness.
Disclaimer:
Contributor content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Biohack Yourself Media LLC, Lolli Brands Entertainment LLC, or any of their affiliates. Content is provided for editorial, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not medical or dental advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making health decisions. By reading, you agree to hold us harmless for reliance on this material. See full disclaimers at www.biohackyourself.com/termsanddisclaimers
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