I love being out in the sun. Although living in the Pacific Northwest there are months of rain and cold weather to endure before the sun comes out. I tell myself every year that I won’t get sun burnt. However my pale skin always seems to get scorched. The one thing that always deters me from lathering on sunscreen are all the chemicals!

So this year I was determined to find a sunscreen that was non-toxic and actually good for your skin. Here are a few all-natural ways to protect your skin from the sun.

1. Try Eating Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a super antioxidant found in salmon, shrimp, and flamingo. The pink/red coloring is an indicator of the antioxidant. Studies have shown that it works as an internal sunscreen by reducing damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If you already have a sunburn, astaxanthin, will penetrate the skin cells and reduces UVA damage.

2. Vitamin D

We need Vitamin D to help prevent getting sunburns. However the best way to get vitamin D is from sun. For very fair skin you only need about 15 minutes of sun exposure a day to get your recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. If you are able to get 15 minutes of sun exposure every day then your skin will eventually be able to stand being in the sun longer. You can also supplement with Vitamin D to help give your body the protection it needs.

3. Omega-3s

Our bodies need healthy fats to regenerate healthy skin tissue, such as Omega-3s, saturated fats, and monounsaturated fats. If you are out in the sun a lot you want to be eating a lot of healthy fats to keep your skin healthy.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a natural SPF of about 4. So lather it on your skin for some extra sun protection. You can also make your own natural sunscreen.

1/2 cup almond or olive oil

1/4 cup coconut oil

2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide

1 teaspoon carrot seed oil

1. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.

2. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt.

3. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.

4. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!

5. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated. Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months

This recipe will give you a SPF 35-40 protection.

5. Resveratrol

Resveratrol has anti-cancer, cardio protective, and lifespan enhancing qualities. Once taken, it has shown to protect skin cells from UV damage. Worth a try!