Sunscreen, Tallow, and Toxins: What’s your summer skin routine look like?

(Niko Neko) #1

I just watched this fascinating video discussing the chemical loads in conventional sunscreens, and it really got me thinking as I put a lot on my skin thanks to having Rosacea on my cheeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR1oXta-b_0&t=1s

It makes a lot of sense that if we are fueling our bodies with clean, high-quality animal proteins and fats, we might want to look at what we’re absorbing through our skin, too.

Personally, I’ve shifted away from conventional options and started using a homemade mix of non-nano zinc oxide and whipped tallow for my outdoor time (paired with a trusty, giant floppy hat, of course!). There are tons of great DIY recipes online, and I know places like Etsy have a lot of great handcrafted options if you aren’t into making your own.

I don’t want to be dogmatic about it, because sun protection is a personal choice and heavily depends on your skin type and environment, but I’m incredibly curious to hear where everyone else stands on this.

  • Do you stick to conventional high-SPF brands, or have you explored mineral/ancestral alternatives?
  • How do you balance getting your daily sun exposure with skin health?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and routines!

(And if you’re sitting on a rosacea cure I’m all ears!)

(Jane) #2

I have rosacea but it’s been better since going keto 8 years ago.

It is pointless for me to put sunscreen on - I have always been hot-natured and sweat as soon as I go outside and the sunscreen is wiped off as soon as I wipe my face to keep the sweat out of my eyes. And I can sweat in 20F temps if doing any physical work outside - it’s bad!

I had 3 pre-cancerous spots frozen off my face this year (I am 67 years old). I mentioned my dilemna and was told to wear a large hat and to buy some long sleeve “fishing shirts” at Walmart to protect my arms. They are the lightest, thinniest shirts I have ever worn and they have UV protection built into the fabric. They are cooler than my old raggedy t-shirts I was wearing under my work overalls.

#3

I don’t do anything product wise, it’s such a bother (probably would need a ton and a long time to put everywhere, probably… no idea, when I was a kid, we just used it at the beach once a year at most) and I always forget anyway. I trust my genetics, try to eat well and the rest isn’t something I worry about. It seems the best (lack of) action for my individual case.
By the way, some people are sure one need to wear some super strong stuff ALL THE TIME (winter, inside, well maybe not at night), nope.

I simply hide in the house in summer, that sounds just about right. I still get some sun but it mostly happens when it’s cooler and I am a huge fan of shadows. I should worry about my lack of activity, I probably will bring myself to leave the house at some point, I really miss my walks now but it’s hot and I am a summer zombie who has no mood for anything. Even my food consumption may drop at this point, well that’s good (and almost never happens. my hunger is very healthy and if it goes on a holiday, my body notices if it doesn’t get its due).

I am waiting for October, that will be nice. But some rain would be welcomed until then too.

(Rebecca ) #4

I don’t use sunscreen at all. I use coconut oil on my skin as a moisturizer all year round. It has a natural SPF of @ 8.
My belief is, we absorb vitamin D3 through our skin. If I wear a strong sunscreen, I won’t be able to absorb it. I’m not a sun worshipper like I was in my younger years, so this seems to work well for me.

(Niko Neko) #5

I love Coconut oil, I have two kinds in my pantry - one is thick and white and the other is plain oil. I dumped some lavender drops in the clear and use it on my skin, but I’m not sure which is better or the difference.

I used to live in the Southern US and it gets very hot in the summer so we either had to get everything done at dawn or late evening because noon was brutal! When I was pregnant I was full summer zombie mode and discovered daytime television so spent the last months of pregnancy watching tv reality talk shows and relaxing. It was amazing :smiley:

(Bob M) #6

I still have to use sunscreen. I know the idea is that we’re impervious to the sun because of the lower PUFAs, but I get burnt every year. I go from no sun to way too much sun.

If I could get out “naturally”, and get some sun over time, I don’t think I would burn. But I go from zero to too much.

My wife does the research and finds a metal-based sunscreen for us.

(Edith) #7

I am of pale European descent and have had many bad sunburns over the years. When I became Keto, I noticed my skin did not burn as quickly. I used to joke that sunblock 30 meant I could spend 30 minutes in the sun instead of one.

Now, if I am going to be outside putzing in the yard or going for a walk for an hour or less, I don’t bother with sunblock, but if I’m going to outside, for many hours, I will put sunblock on my face and upper body. I have tried zinc-based, natural sunscreens, but I have to admit, I don’t like the white coating they give me. I also really like the smell of Hawaiian Tropic sunblock. :laughing:

Unfortunately, I work all day in a windowless office and don’t have a chance to get outside until late afternoon or early evening. I certainly don’t bother using sunblock at that point.