Summer in Florida has a way of inviting us outdoors. The beaches call our names, the pools sparkle, and even an ordinary walk to the mailbox feels like stepping into sunshine. Living here, we quickly learn that sunscreen isn’t just something we pack for vacation, it’s something our skin depends on nearly every day of the year.
But here’s a question that deserves a little thought.
If we are diligent about protecting our skin, shouldn’t we also care about what we are putting on it?
For years, the conversation about sunscreen centered on one simple message: wear it. That advice remains as important as ever. We know that protecting our skin from excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation helps reduce sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer. There is no debate there.
What has become more interesting is how we protect ourselves.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens work in exactly the same way.
Mineral sunscreens, made with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit primarily on the surface of the skin where they reflect and scatter much of the sun’s UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV energy and convert it into heat before it can damage the skin.
Both approaches can be effective when used correctly. However, from a functional medicine perspective, many people appreciate mineral sunscreens because the active ingredients are minimally absorbed through healthy skin. This means there is generally less concern about unnecessary exposure to certain chemical UV filters that have been detected in the bloodstream after repeated use. Scientists are still studying what those findings ultimately mean for long-term health, but many individuals prefer to minimize avoidable exposures whenever practical.
After all, one of the central principles of functional medicine is beautifully simple. And when two effective choices exist, why not choose the one that may place less burden on the body?
A Functional Medicine Perspective: Your Skin DESERVES Thoughtful Care
Our skin is remarkable. It is not merely a covering; it is our largest organ and one of our first lines of defense against the outside world. Every day it works tirelessly to protect us from microbes, toxins, injuries, and ultraviolet radiation. Doesn’t it deserve the same thoughtful care that we give to our heart, our brain, or our digestive system?
Of course, sunscreen is only one piece of the puzzle. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, lightweight protective clothing, and seeking shade during the most intense midday hours all work together to keep our skin healthy for years to come.
I don’t believe there is a single product that magically creates health. Wellness is built one thoughtful decision at a time. Choosing a quality mineral sunscreen is simply one of those small, daily acts of self-care that can quietly protect your skin for years to come.
Over the years, many people have asked me which sunscreens I personally recommend. Rather than sending them off to sort through hundreds of products on their own, I’ve put together a carefully curated collection of mineral sun protection products that I trust and often recommend in my practice.
If you’re looking for a place to start, you’re welcome to browse my collection and look for my Sun Protection collection HERE! I often remind my clients that healthy aging is rarely about one dramatic decision. More often, it is the result of hundreds of small, consistent choices that quietly add up over time.
Today’s small choice may not seem important, but years from now, your skin will remember it.
