By Dr. Melanie Brown Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
After a long gray winter in the Mt. Hood area, sunshine’s finally here. And with it, the unmistakable glow of people soaking it in — whether on the ski hill, in the garden, or at the soccer field. Lately, I’ve been seeing sun-scorched cheeks on skiers and hikers. While it’s wonderful to feel the warmth again, it also makes me think about skin damage.
Sunlight is essential, but too much or the wrong kind of protection can cause real harm. Spring sun can be deceptive. The breeze and clouds make it easy to forget the UV rays’ intensity. Whether gardening or going for a long walk, your skin needs protection.
Too much sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest kind, is linked to intense, intermittent exposure, like a few bad burns early in the season. Even without cancer, UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to early wrinkles, spots, and rough skin.
Vitamin D is essential for immunity and mood. Most people need just 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun a few times a week without sunscreen. After that, it’s best to cover up or apply a safe sunscreen.
Not all clothing protects equally. A white T-shirt only gives about UPF 5, which is not enough. Instead, choose tightly woven or UV-rated gear, which you can find at most sporting goods stores or online. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.
Many commercial sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which are linked to hormone disruption and can be absorbed into the body. Instead, look for mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on top of the skin and reflect rays instead of being absorbed.
Trusted Non-Toxic Brands
If you want clean ingredients, here are a few to consider:
Babo Botanicals
Raw Elements
Earth Mama
Look for mineral-based sunscreens made with simple, organic, or food-grade ingredients. Avoid products with parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum derivatives, which can irritate skin or disrupt hormones. Biodegradable, reef-safe formulas are better for both your body and the environment.
Make sure the label says “non-nano” and “broad-spectrum.” Avoid sprays, which are easy to inhale.
The sun is finally here, and it’s tempting to soak it all in. However, it only takes a short time for skin damage to start, especially in spring. With some planning, you can enjoy the warmth and protect your skin.
So here’s to a sun-smart spring, where we get the glow, not the scorch.