Sunscreen?
Yeah, nah.
Growing up in sunny places like Hawaii and Florida, and now living in Australia—where the sun feels more like an omnipresent neighbor than a distant star—you’d think I’d be an avid sunscreen user. Yet, despite these sun-drenched locales, I’ve never been one to slather myself in sunscreen. Initially, it wasn’t some grand philosophy. I just preferred to soak in the sun naturally, perhaps a bit recklessly. But as the years have gone by, and more research has surfaced about the potential downsides of sunscreen, I’m beginning to think maybe I wasn’t so crazy after all.
Environmental Costs: The Ocean’s Reaction to Sunscreen
The first time I considered that avoiding sunscreen might have been a good call wasn’t when I read about human health concerns—it was when I learned about sunscreen's environmental effects. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are present in many sunscreens, have been linked to coral bleaching and the disruption of marine ecosystems. These chemicals don’t just wash off and vanish; they persist in the water, slowly eroding delicate ecosystems. As someone who’s always felt at home in the ocean, learning that sunscreen was harming the waters I grew up loving was like a gut punch.
This issue is serious enough that places like Hawaii have started banning sunscreens with these chemicals. Imagine that: sunscreen is now considered a pollutant in places where sun protection is nearly a religion.
Sunscreen and Health: What’s Beneath the Surface?
But if environmental damage wasn’t reason enough, there’s mounting evidence that sunscreen may pose risks to our health as well. A study published in JAMA found that chemicals like oxybenzone can seep into the bloodstream within a couple of hours after application. And they don’t just disappear—they can linger in the body for weeks. That doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of thing you want floating around your system, especially when oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption.
It gets worse. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been raising alarms, pointing to research that shows how chemicals in sunscreen can mimic estrogen, throwing off hormonal balance. Octinoxate and homosalate—other common sunscreen ingredients—have similar hormone-disrupting effects. Suddenly, that “healthy glow” from a beach day seems a little less carefree.
Vitamin D: A Perk of Sun Exposure
One reason I’ve never fully embraced sunscreen is that I’ve always seen sunlight as a net positive, at least in moderation. Living in bright, sunny places, I’ve come to appreciate the value of vitamin D, which our skin produces when exposed to UVB rays. Vitamin D is vital for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness. More intriguingly, there’s growing evidence suggesting that adequate vitamin D levels may play a role in preventing certain cancers like breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
The EWG points out that overuse of sunscreen can reduce our ability to produce vitamin D naturally, which may lead to deficiencies and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Here’s the kicker: vitamin D from sunlight is more effective at maintaining optimal levels than supplements. So, by obsessively shielding ourselves from the sun, we might be robbing our bodies of something essential.
The Swimming Pool Conundrum
As if sunscreen’s environmental and health impacts weren’t enough, it turns out that certain sunscreen ingredients can become toxic when they mix with chlorine, which is found in most swimming pools. Research shows that avobenzone, a popular sunscreen ingredient, breaks down in chlorinated water, forming byproducts like aromatic acids and aldehydes, which can irritate the skin and potentially have more serious long-term effects.
This is especially concerning for frequent swimmers—every time you step into a pool, those toxic byproducts may be forming and lingering in the water. In indoor pools, where ventilation is limited, there’s an additional risk that these chemicals can become airborne, meaning you might be inhaling them as well.
Balancing Sun Protection and Health
Despite what mainstream advice might suggest, I have no regrets about skipping sunscreen over the years. The more I learn, the more confident I feel in that choice. That said, it’s not about throwing caution to the wind. Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is important, but so is allowing some sunlight for its benefits—especially when it comes to vitamin D.
As I look back on my decision to avoid sunscreen, I’m reminded of the importance of questioning conventional wisdom and staying informed about the products we use daily. The research is increasingly clear: the chemicals in many sunscreens carry risks for both our health and the environment. It’s all about balance—protecting our skin while not denying ourselves the benefits of natural sunlight. And if you’re going to use sunscreen, consider mineral-based options. They’re less likely to harm marine life, and they seem to stay on the skin instead of invading your bloodstream.
In the end, what may have once seemed like a reckless decision—embracing the sun without sunscreen—now feels more like a well-considered choice. The sun is powerful, but so is knowledge, and I’d rather trust the latter as I continue navigating this sunny planet.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Environmental Working Group’s report on sunscreen chemicals here.
Further reading: Higher ultraviolet light exposure is associated with lower mortality: An analysis of data from the UK biobank cohort study // TL;DR: Moderate sun exposure may actually lower mortality rates, particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer.