Best Ways to Protect Your Skin + My Favorite Safe Sunscreens

Jaime Heer, FNTP, RWS
Jul 3, 2024
5 min read

Updated 6/11/2026

Summer is all about soaking up the sun and having fun outdoors, but it's also the most important time to give your skin extra protection. Keep reading to discover my top tips for keeping your skin healthy through the summer — including what to avoid, what to look for, and a big update in the sunscreen world that's worth knowing about.

WHAT'S NEW: THE FDA JUST APPROVED A NEW SUNSCREEN FILTER

For the first time in over 27 years, the FDA has approved a new sunscreen active ingredient. On June 9, 2026, the FDA approved bemotrizinol (also known as BEMT) — a UV filter that has been safely used in Europe and Asia since 2000, and which now joins the other approved UV filters in the US.

From a holistic perspective, this is genuinely noteworthy. Bemotrizinol offers stronger UVA protection, closing a decades-old gap between sunscreens sold here and those available abroad.

Here's why that matters: UVA rays penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, driving premature aging, immune suppression, and increased melanoma risk — and most American sunscreens have historically been weak on UVA.

So what makes bemotrizinol different from the chemical filters we've long been cautious about?

Data submitted to the FDA confirms that at concentrations up to 6%, bemotrizinol is minimally absorbed through the skin, with average absorption levels below the concentration the FDA considers indicative of systemic exposure. That's a meaningful distinction from older chemical filters like oxybenzone, which absorb into the bloodstream at concerning levels. It also has GRASE status (generally recognized as safe and effective) for ages 6 months and up, and it rarely causes skin irritation — potentially benefiting those who react to older organic filters.

Another advantage is that bemotrizinol can help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients, improving overall formula performance, and may contribute to better cosmetic elegance — helping manufacturers create products people actually enjoy wearing. That means fewer excuses to skip SPF.

My take: I'm not rushing to toss my mineral sunscreens. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide remain my gold standard for a reason — they sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it, and they're reef-safe. But for those who truly struggle with the texture of mineral sunscreens, bemotrizinol appears to be a far better option than the chemical filters we've been warning about for years.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

Despite this good news, most conventional sunscreens still contain ingredients worth avoiding. Many have been linked to hormonal disruption, environmental harm, and potential carcinogenicity.

Watch out for:

Oxybenzone — highest absorption into bloodstream of any chemical filter; hormone disruptor
Octinoxate — endocrine disruptor; detected in breast milk
Octocrylene — degrades into benzophenone, a possible carcinogen
Homosalate — disrupts estrogen, androgen, and progesterone
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) — may accelerate skin damage when exposed to UV light
Parabens — synthetic preservatives linked to hormone disruption
Avobenzone — breaks down rapidly in sunlight (photounstable); often combined with stabilizers that raise their own concerns
Fragrances — catch-all term that can mask dozens of undisclosed chemicals
Benzophenone-4 — potential carcinogen
Phenoxyethanol — irritant; concerns around reproductive toxicity
Ethylhexyl Salicylate — limited safety data; penetration enhancer

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Active Ingredients: Prioritize "mineral sunscreens" listing non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients. Be wary of "mineral-based" labeling, which often means minerals mixed with chemical filters. If you're open to the newer bemotrizinol option, look for it listed clearly as the sole or primary active ingredient — not mixed in with the problematic filters above.

Broad-Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Reef Safe: Avoids chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Clean Inactive Ingredients: Even with good actives, check the full ingredient list for hidden fragrances, parabens, and synthetic preservatives.

MY TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC SUNSCREENS

- SUNSCREEN APPLICATION HACK -

Apply organic/raw coconut oil to your skin before lathering up with a mineral sunscreen. Coconut oil has natural antioxidants to help protect your skin from UV rays while also helping with smoother application of mineral sunscreens. It even has it's own SPF of 8! Goodbye white streaks!

FOODS TO SUPPORT & PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT

By loading up on foods that are rich in nutrients + antioxidants you can help to protect your skin from sun damage while also promoting cellular regeneration, collagen production and reducing signs of skin-aging!

Foods to include in your diet to promote healthy skin:

Tomatoes — lycopene helps protect against sunburn at the cellular level
Carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash & bell peppers — beta-carotene boosts skin's natural UV defense
Dark leafy greens — spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with skin-protective antioxidants
Citrus & kiwi — vitamin C drives collagen production and reduces visible aging
Berries — blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries fight free radicals
Fatty fish — salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide anti-inflammatory omega-3s
Pasture-raised eggs & grass-fed butter — rich in vitamin A and omega-3s
Olives & avocados — vitamin E and essential fatty acids reduce inflammation
Raw & sprouted nuts and seeds — almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds protect against oxidative skin damage
Green tea — polyphenols shield the skin from UV damage and support overall skin health

Avoid processed foods, refined seed oils, and added sugars — these accelerate cellular aging and leave your skin more vulnerable to damage.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN

Even with the best precautions, sunburn happens. Here are holistic remedies to soothe and heal:

Aloe Vera — reduces inflammation and accelerates healing; use fresh gel or a pure organic product
Coconut Oil — moisturizes and supports skin repair; apply a thin layer
Calendula Salve or Oil — naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and healing; Puremedy's Healing Salve. is a favorite for any skin irritation, burns, bug bites, and more
Apple Cider Vinegar — diluted with water, helps restore skin's pH and calm inflammation
Green Tea Compresses — soak a cloth in cooled green tea and apply to reduce pain and inflammation

MY FAVORITE NON-TOXIC SKINCARE BRANDS

Daily nourishment with clean products is just as important as your sunscreen choice:

By taking a holistic approach to skin care, you can enjoy the summer sun safely and naturally. Remember to choose non-toxic sunscreens, nourish your skin from within, and have natural remedies on hand for any sunburns. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and sun-safe summer!

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