Non Sunscreen Ways to Protect from Skin Cancer

You know that having a great SPF on repeat is a big deal when it comes to protecting your skin from sun damage. But, if you want to expand your sun care routine, or are planning to spend more time in direct sunlight, there are many other ways to protect skin from the sun’s UV rays. Try these six holistic methods of sun care that don’t involve sunscreen to keep your skin looking and feeling great all summer long. We’ll talk about the use of sun protective clothing, antioxidants in foods, why you should get your beauty sleep, and things you should avoid that make sunburns more likely.

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Sun exposure is the number one risk factor for developing skin cancer, and also contributes to things like premature aging and hyperpigmentation on the skin. Most people aren’t aware that 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. and that it’s the most common type of cancer worldwide. So it’s abundantly clear that sun protection is crucial, but how to do this while still soaking up vitamin D and actually enjoying your time outdoors?

Sunscreen is an important part of skin protection, but we often overlook other behaviors that can massively impact your time spent in the sun. Here are five ways to prevent this disease that have nothing to do with SPF:

1. Functional + stylish protective clothing

Sometimes, the best kind of sun protection is an actual physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s damaging rays. A few pieces of SPF clothing can save the day (and look super cute) on days where you need a little extra protection. Have different options on hand depending on which part of your body you need to cover, and the situation you’re in. When you have sun protective clothing that’s functional and attractive, you’re more likely to wear them.

2. Get more beauty sleep

In the evening, your body begins to produce melatonin to get you ready for sleep. Melatonin influences your metabolism, hormone balance, and helps your body know when to sleep or wake.

So what does the sleep hormone have to do with sun protection, you ask? Melatonin is incredibly protective against UV radiation (1). In fact, melatonin has been shown to fight free radicals even better than vitamin C or vitamin E, which are both used to combat cellular damage within the skin. Melatonin functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against not only sun damage, but other types of inflammation as well.

However, studies show that melatonin is only able to alleviate cellular damage caused by the sun’s rays when it’s already present in your tissues. In short, being well-rested before spending time outside helps mitigate the damaging effects of UV rays.

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3. Eat foods with sun protection properties

Antioxidants are everywhere in your body, scavenging free radicals that cause cellular and DNA damage. UV exposure can quickly deplete the antioxidants within your skin which ramps up free radical production and increases your risk of developing all types of skin cancer. Eat foods rich in antioxidants like:

Collard greens and other dark leafy greens
Berries (good source of vitamin C)
Kale (good source of lutein and zeaxanthin)
Avocados
Salmon
Nuts (great sources of vitamin E)
Bell peppers

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in foods that have been shown to improve skin tone, and alleviate some of the visible effects of accelerated aging by lessening cellular damage within skin cells. Lutein and zeaxanthin are often found together in spinach, asparagus, kale, peas, and egg yolks (2).

While you’re working on eating more skin-loving foods, you can support healthier, glowing skin by adding CollaglowC to your routine. It’s packed with collagen, antioxidants, and naturally potent sources of vitamin C.

4. Check your skin for changes

The best early prevention strategy is detection! And the only way to do this is to get up close and personal with every beautiful inch of your skin. Whether it’s before or after a shower, or while changing into your PJs, make a monthly date to commit to giving your skin a once-over for any changes or suspicious spots.

Start at the top of your head and work your way down to your toes. Be thorough, and don’t hesitate to ask your partner or roommate to take a look at hard-to-see places like your back and shoulders.

Watch: Is Your Sunscreen Toxic?

5. Watch your alcohol intake

This isn’t a traditional prevention strategy, but the relationship between alcohol and the sun is definitely worth talking about.

Two meta-analyses (large studies involving many people) suggest a link between skin cancer and alcohol intake. One study found an increased risk for carcinoma with each glass of beer or wine each day (3). Another study showed a 20% increase in melanoma in people who drank, compared to those who didn’t drink at all, or only on occasion (4).

Does that mean that alcohol itself causes melanoma? Well, not exactly. But ultraviolet light is the main factor that increases basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and alcohol consumption has been associated with behaviors that increase one’s risk of getting a sunburn. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. And if you’re drinking while outside, follow each drink with water, and don’t slack on other sun protection measures!

Try these: Top 5 Anti-Aging Superfoods for Glowing Skin

Do natural sunscreens work?

If you’re like me, you’re probably always looking for ways to decrease the use of harsh chemicals that add to your toxic load (and can cause skin irritation). So, you’re probably exploring some natural sunscreen options.

Raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and even coconut oil are sometimes touted as having UV protective properties as a “safer” alternative to chemical sunscreens. However, no amount of these oils will protect your skin from sun damage or UV radiation.

If you’re looking for a more natural sunscreen, opt for a non-nanoparticle zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which forms a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, without adding a lot of extra chemicals to your toxic load.

Biggest sun care mistakes we’re making right now:

Think you have your sunscreen routine on lock? You might be overlooking a few key things. Here are some common sunscreen mistakes that may doing more damage than you realize:

Skipping daily SPF

About half of Americans say they never wear sunscreen, and even fewer remember to apply SPF on a daily basis (5). Yes, you should still use SPF even if you’re indoors most of the day, and even in non-summer months.

Forgetting to reapply

Especially after sweating or getting wet. Given how few Americans wear sunscreen in general, reapplication seems a lot to ask, but it matters. Dermatologists recommend you reapply sunscreen every two hours, but it’s especially important if your SPF has been washed away by sweat or water.

Staying in the sun too long

Sunscreen doesn’t block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, even if applied perfectly (which is rare in real life situations). With this in mind, don’t think that it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen and then soak up the midday sun. SPF will protect you to a large degree, but it’s not an excuse to overdo it.

Using ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight

Vitamin C serum, retinols, and some essential oils increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. And while they’re great to keep your skin healthy and glowing, using them at night is likely a better option if you’re going to be outside that day.

For great skin all year long (and to help fight the visible signs of aging like dryness) learn more about CollaglowC. It’s packed with skin-quenching hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

Settling for a lackluster product

The sunscreen product market has really exploded with all kinds of unique formulas for almost any occasion. Now, there are serum-based formulas that sit beautifully under makeup, sunscreen infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and even tinted sunscreens that can replace your foundation altogether. SPF lip balms, powders, or mists also make reapplication incredibly easy if you’re out and need a quick way to touch up your sunscreen.

Perfect sun protection all summer long

While sunscreen is an essential part of any sun care routine, it’s not the only factor you should consider. Protective clothing, antioxidants, and quality sleep are all important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. By incorporating these holistic practices into your daily life, you can maximize protection against sun damage, premature aging, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Are you ready to start protecting your skin?

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