Admin

Saturday Soundness ~ Let's Talk About Sunscreen

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

I know this post is going to rub some people the wrong way. We have all been conditioned for our entire lives that the sun is our enemy. Stay out of the sun! The sun will give you skin cancer. And, because of these narratives, we have been told to slap on sunscreen anytime we are going to be outside.

I have been doing some deep research into this whole topic and have found a lot of information that is incorrect, misleading, and downright troubling. Now, don't shoot the messenger here and just move along if you are a sunscreen-loving person. This post is probably not for you.

The sun is NOT our enemy. The problem is many will flock outside on the first sunny day of Spring or Summer and try to take it all in with one, extended sitting. If you have not been in the sun for a while, a little common sense goes a long way.

☀️ Allow your sun exposure to be "built-up". Start off with 10 minutes and extend a little more as your body makes the adjustments that it was designed to do.  

☀️ Pay attention to the sunscreen you choose. Most of the "brand name" varieties are loaded with ingredients that are not good for us. In fact most of these ingredients are known to contribute to diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and are hormone disrupters. These ingredients that are being slathered on day-after-day, are being deposited in your liver, brain, and organs. 

☀️ There is great information on using organic coconut or olive oils as natural sunscreens. This makes sense as these fruits are grown in naturally sunny areas. Again, being smart with your exposure is key. Start slow and increase your exposure gradually. Also, if you are very fair, hats and long sleeves are ideal.

☀️ Sunglasses. Now this one is going to blow your mind. We have been conditioned to believe we need to wear sunglasses constantly. Your eyes are the structures designed to take in the light. We need to allow our eyes to take in some light and again, using your noggin is key. Take off your sunglasses for a little at a time and allow your eyes to adjust. When your eyes take in the sunlight, they signal the brain to produce the melanin needed to protect your skin naturally. 

☀️ Natural sunlight exposure is great for your health and well-being. Don't fear the sun, just be smart as you allow yourself to soak it in from time to time. In fact, if you are sick, getting outside for at least 10 minutes in the sun can help your body heal more quickly. You need the sun to allow your body to naturally synthesize vitamin D that is imperative to growth, repair, tumor suppressing, and more.

As always, do your homework, know your own limitations, and pay attention to the ingredients of the products you are putting directly onto your skin. My honest opinion is that we are seeing a rise in skin cancers BECAUSE of the nasty sunscreen products that are loaded with toxins rather than from the actual sun. You can certainly disagree with me, but if you do some honest research on this topic, I think you might be very surprised.

And of course, the big companies out there want to sell you loads of products, keep you sick so you will need their big medicine, etc. Yep, I said it and I stand behind these statements. I am tired of being lied to my entire life on what is supposedly, "good for me".  And, as a two-time survivor of nasty, life-altering tumors, you can bet I will continue to do my homework. 

Here is to better health, truth, and clean living!

Posted by

Comments(14)

Show All Comments Sort:
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

The sun can cause issue for many people. however, to date, I am not one of them. 

I have spent so much time in the sun that in January I'm asked where I recently vacationed.

Apr 26, 2025 09:57 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I am glad you are able to enjoy that beautiful sunshine, Ed.

Apr 27, 2025 06:05 PM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thanks for sharing, make it a great Saturday and enjoy your weekend!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Apr 26, 2025 10:15 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Bill. Hope your weekend has been spectacular.

Apr 27, 2025 06:05 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello, Dr. Paula McDonald I cannot imagine you ever posting an article that would not be for me. No shooting the messenger here. 

I love using my noggin … I only wish more people loved using theirs – it is a God-Given gift! 

There is nothing like the real, natural gifts we have on our planet. Natural Vitamin D from the sun is among them! 

Be mindful of the research sources … most companies will not disclose that their products may be harmful. 

 

Apr 26, 2025 10:21 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

And you live in the part of the country where you get to enjoy that beautiful sunshine year around.

Apr 27, 2025 06:05 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good advice to share at this time of the year when many of us will be spending more time in the sun.

Apr 26, 2025 11:15 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Roy. I have already been taking advantage of the beautiful sunny days.

Apr 27, 2025 06:06 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Paula... after I turned 40 I developed an allergy to the sun... so I limit my exposure. My dermatologist in NY City told me never to go out without at least a 30 spf sunscreen back in the late 1970's. I listened. Everyone comments on this septuagenarian's skin!

Apr 26, 2025 11:51 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I have heard of cases like this. Bummer for you. 

Apr 27, 2025 06:06 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

 Dr. Paula McDonald   As someone who has suffered from sun poisoning due to overexposure to the sun without adequate sunscreen, I strongly disagree with your statement. I also have family members who have had skin cancer . Yes, there may be a few products on the market that contain chemicals, but most of them are very safe and can help protect people from the dangers of skin cancer. 

Apr 26, 2025 12:05 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I understand where you are coming from, Hannah. Everyone is on their own journey and must do what works for them.

Apr 27, 2025 06:07 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks, Dr. Paula McDonald! Your take on sunscreen and sun exposure is definitely eye-opening, and it’s refreshing to see someone challenge the norm. ☀️ I appreciate you sharing such valuable insights—it's a great reminder to be thoughtful about what we put on our skin and how we enjoy the sunshine!

Apr 26, 2025 12:36 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Lew. Sadly, too many companies have led us down toxic paths.

Apr 27, 2025 06:07 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I have never been a believer in sunscreen products, when I was young I used to burn badly as I have aged, I tend to have a suntan year round. But I love to be outdoors and I do tend to trey and cover up when I can.

Apr 26, 2025 12:43 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Being outdoors is a true blessing and so good for us.

Apr 27, 2025 06:08 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Paula- Larry is in your court. We went to our beach property all of the time when I was growing up. Our parents made us wear long sleeves and hats that covered our faces. We've spent so much time in the sun when we lived in FL, I did wear sunscreen that used physical blockers like titanium dioxide. 

 

Apr 26, 2025 04:27 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hey Kathy, I have worn hats all of my life outside. But, I love to let my skin turn brown throughout the summer.

Apr 27, 2025 06:09 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

I am with you Paula. Stay cool in the shade. In the long run it is really worth it. Jeff

Apr 26, 2025 09:54 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hey Jeff, I do like to allow my skin to gradually tan throughout the summer. 

Apr 27, 2025 06:10 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I've been wondering about this myself. Thanks for sharing your research.

Apr 27, 2025 04:52 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You bet, Kat. Here in Texas, we have a lot of sunny days so it is important to allow yourself to gradually tan.

Apr 27, 2025 06:10 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paula,

I am happy to see this post. I have long resisted sunscreens because of all the chemicals in them. I try to be reasonable with my exposure, and so far no issues.

Apr 27, 2025 10:08 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Carol. I too have always felt something was off about the push for sunscreen. 

Apr 27, 2025 06:11 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I completely agree with you and your research!  The sun provides so many good things for us and our health!  I don't use sunscreen myself, especially not the stuff that they sell in stores, which I think is actually designed to give people cancer rather than prevent them from getting it, haha.  I also feel lucky to live in an area where I get a lot of exposure to the sun on a daily basis!

Apr 27, 2025 04:53 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

You are probably right about upsetting some with this post.  Being a native Southern California boy I find no problem with the sun, as you say using just a bit of common sense while in it.  Enjoy the tanning season !  m

May 01, 2025 10:30 AM