For decades we’ve been told to fear the sun and slather our bodies in the plastic-laden chemical soup of SPF. But what if the narrative is more complex? Emerging research suggests that responsible sun exposure is not only beneficial, but essential for long-term health, and our new Vitamin C Gold Serum fits seamlessly into this philosophy.
Sunlight and Longevity: What the Science Says
In our previous newsletter, I spoke about Dr Jack Kruse, a leading expert in mitochondrial health, who has talked extensively about the critical role sunlight plays in regulating our circadian rhythms, improving mitochondrial function, and reducing oxidative stress.
Sunlight exposure, particularly in the morning, provides a spectrum of light essential for optimal health, helping to prevent mitochondrial damage caused by artificial light, the blue light of technology, and indoor living.
A landmark Swedish study echoes this perspective. It followed women over several decades and found that those with regular sun exposure lived significantly longer and had better overall health than those who avoided it.
This challenges the somewhat outdated notion that all UV exposure is harmful when, in reality, mindful sun exposure is crucial for vitality.
Why Was Skin Cancer Rare 200 Years Ago?
One compelling argument against the modern fear of sunlight is the fact that skin cancer rates were significantly lower 200 years ago. Why? Several factors could explain this:
- Natural Sun Exposure: people in the past spent more time outdoors consistently, allowing their skin to adapt gradually rather than experiencing intense, sporadic sun exposure that leads to burns;
- Diet and Nutrition: traditional diets were rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and unprocessed food, all of which support skin health and protect against oxidative damage;
- Hormonal and Vitamin D Balance: regular sun exposure helps regulate hormones and boosts vitamin D levels, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation;
- Chemical-Free Living: unlike today, people weren’t exposed to industrial pollutants, seed oils, and over-the-counter skincare ingredients that might compromise skin resilience. Certain chemical sunscreens are also said to contribute to skin damage rather than preventing it.
The SPF Myth?
While excessive sun exposure and burns should be avoided, the idea of total sun avoidance may not be the healthiest approach.
Instead, many experts advocate for smart sun habits – such as morning sun exposure, wearing natural protective oils, and using antioxidant-rich skincare.
Traditional cultures have long relied on botanical oils for hydration and natural UV protection, long before the invention of SPF.
A Balanced Approach to Sunlight and Skincare
So, what to do? Well, this is what I do:
- AM Sunlight: I aim for at least 20 minutes of early sunlight exposure without sunglasses to support circadian rhythms and mitochondrial function;
- Smart Protection: I choose my own natural, antioxidant-rich skin support instead of chemical-laden SPFs;
- Liberally Apply Vitamin C: my Vitamin C Serum is a daily not-to-be-missed part of my routine to strengthen skin resilience and enhance my natural protection against environmental damage.
Why Vitamin C Matters
Our skin is designed to interact with sunlight, but modern lifestyles mean we often lack the natural resilience our ancestors had. This is where a quality vitamin C serum plays a transformative role.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radical damage caused by environmental stressors, including UV exposure.
My Vitamin C Gold Serum is specifically formulated in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and effectiveness.
Applied generously to the face, neck, décolletage, arms – and anywhere else exposed to the sun – it enhances skin’s natural defences against oxidative stress while promoting a radiant, youthful glow.