How to Prepare Your Skin for Summer—Naturally
We’ve been taught to fear the sun—but what if sunlight is actually part of the solution to healthy, glowing skin?
As a Master Herbalist and natural skincare educator, I want to help you reconnect with the sun wisely—not fearfully. Because when we support the skin from the inside out, sun exposure can become a healing tool, not a hazard.
☀️ Why Gradual Sun Exposure Matters
Melanin—the pigment that gives your skin color—is also your body’s natural sunscreen.
The best way to build melanin? Use, consistent exposure to morning and evening light.
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Morning and evening sun helps regulate circadian rhythm, mood, and vitamin D. It also helps your skin prepare for extra sun exposure.
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Gradual exposure teaches your skin to adapt to sunlight without burning.
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Sunscreen can block this adaptation process, leaving your skin more sensitive long-term.
😎 The Truth About Sunglasses
This may surprise you: wearing sunglasses all the time can actually make you more prone to sunburn.
Here’s why:
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Your eyes are photoreceptors. When they detect bright light, they signal your skin to produce more melanin.
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If you block that signal (with sunglasses), your body stays in “low-light mode”—which means less protection for your skin.
👁 Try skipping sunglasses during early morning or late evening walks when UV rays are gentler and try to only use them when absolutely necessary.
🥗 Blood Health = Skin Health
One of the most overlooked ways to protect your skin in summer? Thin your blood.
When your blood is too thick or toxic (from poor diet, dehydration, or sluggish elimination), your body pushes toxins out through the skin—which can show up as rashes, heat bumps, acne, and even increased sun sensitivity.
Support detox and skin health by:
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Eating high-water fruits like watermelon, berries, citrus, and cucumbers
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Enjoying raw vegetables and light, living foods
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Reducing animal products, processed carbs, and fried foods during hot months
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Drinking structured or mineral-rich water
According to functional medicine sources, these foods support the liver, lymph, and kidneys—your body's main detox channels—so your skin doesn’t have to carry the load.
🧴 Safe Sun Protection (When You Need It)
If you're going to be in midday sun for a long period (especially during peak UV hours: 11 am–2 pm), use a mineral-based sunscreen with:
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Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient
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No parabens, benzene, synthetic fragrances, or silicones
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Bonus: Raspberry seed oil offers some UV protection (studies suggest it may have a natural SPF between 8–30)
Avoid:
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Aerosol sprays
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Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate (common hormone-disrupting filters)
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Any sunscreen that lists “fragrance” or “benzene” (a known carcinogen)
A 2021 study from the FDA found that many popular sunscreens contain benzene, which has been linked to blood cancers and hormone disruption. Always choose brands that are EWG-approved or small-batch natural options you can trust.
💛 Final Thoughts
Getting your skin ready for summer isn’t about slathering on SPF 50 and hiding inside.
Cleansing with oils doesn’t just remove dirt and makeup—it actually strengthens your skin’s natural barrier.
When you use gentle, plant-based oils (like jojoba, rosehip, and argan), you nourish the outer layer of your skin instead of stripping it. This helps:
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Lock in moisture
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Balance your skin’s microbiome
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Protect against environmental stress—like UV rays and pollutants
A strong skin barrier = less inflammation, better resilience, and skin that’s less prone to sunburn, breakouts, and irritation.
It’s about:
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Building up natural resilience
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Supporting detox from the inside out
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Being mindful of what you put on—and in—your body
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Working with nature, not against it
Let your skin feel the sun again. Slowly, safely, and naturally.