For years, I followed the rule: “Always wear sunscreen.”

Every. Single. Day.

Even indoors. Even in the winter.

But after diving deeper into holistic health and skin biology, I started asking questions no one in the beauty industry was talking about.

What if daily SPF isn’t always necessary?

What if the ingredients in conventional sunscreens are doing more harm than good?

And what if we could protect our skin from sun damage in a way that actually works with our body instead of against it?

Today, I’m sharing my personal philosophy around sun exposure—and the nontoxic, zinc-based SPFs I actually use and trust.

 

Why I No Longer Wear Daily SPF:

Let’s get this clear: I’m not anti-sunscreen.

I’m pro-intentional sun care.

The skin is an intelligent organ. It evolved to interact with sunlight, absorbing UVB rays to produce vitamin D, regulating circadian rhythm, and supporting mood and hormone balance. But when we slather on chemical SPF every single morning (even when we’re barely seeing daylight), we’re blocking this natural relationship and absorbing harsh ingredients that disrupt our hormones and irritate our skin.

After testing everything from full-time SPF to no sunscreen at all, I found what works:

• Direct sun exposure in moderation (especially early morning and golden hour)
• Zinc-based SPF only when needed (think beach days, hikes, or long walks in full sun)
• A nutrient-rich diet that supports the skin from the inside out

 

What’s Wrong With Conventional Sunscreen?

Most mainstream sunscreens contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate—many of which have been linked to:

• Hormone disruption

• Coral reef damage

• Skin irritation and allergic reactions

• And even some forms of cancer

 

These filters work by absorbing UV rays, but they often penetrate the skin and can enter the bloodstream. If you’re like me and care about your skin and your hormones, this just doesn’t cut it.

 

That’s why I switched to mineral-based SPF, specifically non-nano zinc oxide, which creates a physical barrier on the skin without being absorbed.

 

My Favorite Nontoxic, Zinc-Based Sunscreens

These are the clean SPF formulas I trust and use for real protection, without compromising my skin or endocrine system.

 

1. DIME Beauty – Tinted Glow Wonderscreen SPF 30

I was skeptical at first. Most tinted sunscreens either left my skin patchy or unnaturally orange. But the DIME Beauty Tinted Glow Wonderscreen genuinely surprised me. It blends effortlessly, gives the most radiant, skin-like finish, and feels like a hybrid between skincare and light makeup. I use the Light/Medium shade, and it melts in without any chalkiness or white cast (thank you, non-nano zinc oxide).

I also love that it’s formulated with squalane and beetroot extract, which makes it incredibly hydrating and breathable. On days I want minimal effort but still want to look fresh and protected, this is the one I reach for. It gives that soft glow, almost like golden hour lighting, and layers beautifully over my morning skincare. No pilling, no clogged pores, and no hormone-disrupting ingredients. Just clean, effortless sun protection that actually feels good on the skin.

Code: "ULYANA" saves you 20% 🤍

 

2. Ulyana Organics Tallow Sun Cream 

This is the sun cream I created because nothing on the market felt clean or nourishing enough for my skin, or my standards. The Ulyana Organics Tallow Sun Cream is expertly crafted in small batches using grass-finished, regeneratively sourced tallow, which mirrors our skin’s own structure and supports true barrier repair. We formulated it with non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide for safe, mineral-based sun protection that doesn’t get absorbed into the bloodstream, and infused it with a blend of carrot seed, red raspberry seed, sea buckthorn, and cranberry oils, which naturally support the skin’s resilience and glow. It’s rich, protective, and deeply healing, especially for dry, sensitive, or hormonally reactive skin. While it goes on thick and may leave a soft white veil at first, it blends in beautifully with time and wear. This is the sun care ritual I trust most for my face, my body, and my energy.

Code: "SUN" saves you 20% 🤍

 

 

3. Beauty by Earth Tinted Facial Sunscreen & Mineral Body Sunscreen

This one has been a quiet favorite in my routine, especially on days when I want a light tint, breathable texture, and effortless protection. The Beauty by Earth Tinted Facial Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide and nourishing botanicals like green tea extract and coconut oil, giving it a silky, blendable finish that never clogs my pores or leaves my skin feeling coated. It’s lightweight but protective, with just enough tint to blur redness or uneven tone while still looking like skin. I also love that it doubles as a makeup base- smooth, dewy, and never greasy.

One of the reasons I trust this brand? Beauty by Earth is also known for their clean, nontoxic self-tanners formulated without dyes, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Their whole line feels like it was made for women who care deeply about what goes on their skin and into their bodies. This sunscreen fits right into that same ethos: clean, safe, and naturally beautiful.

Code: "ULYANA" saves you 15% 🤍

 

4. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

I resisted this one for a while mainly because I assumed anything with “serum,” “tint,” and “SPF 40” in one bottle was too good to be true. But after trying the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint, I fully understand the hype. This product is a skincare-makeup hybrid that gives me glowy, sheer coverage while also delivering non-nano zinc SPF, plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It’s one of the few SPF products that doesn’t just sit on my skin but nourishes it.

It applies like a silky serum, blends effortlessly, and gives my skin that “lit-from-within” glow without clogging pores or feeling heavy. I especially love it for travel days or warm weather when I want minimal layers but maximum protection and hydration.

What really makes ILIA stand out is their commitment to clean beauty without compromise. They formulate with skin health and performance in mind, which makes this a go-to for days when I want my skin to breathe, glow, and be protected, all at once.

 

 

Don’t Forget: Sun Protection Starts in Your Kitchen

SPF is just one part of the picture. What you eat can dramatically affect how your skin responds to sun exposure.

To support natural resilience against UV damage, I focus on:

• Grass-fed fats (like tallow, beef, and organs) for vitamins A, D, E, and K

• Antioxidant-rich produce, like berries, leafy greens, and carrots

• Zinc, copper, and selenium for skin repair and collagen protection

• Hydration + electrolytes to keep skin cells supple and strong

 

Your skin’s defense system is built from within ✨

 

My Sun Philosophy

 

I don’t believe in fear-based wellness.

The sun is not your enemy.

But neither is it something to take lightly.

With the right tools (clean SPF, nutrient-dense foods, and intuitive timing) you can enjoy the sun while protecting your glow and your hormones.

 

Luxury wellness begins with education. And a little sunshine. 🌞