Summer has finally arrived in the Midwest, and with it comes sunshine, time outdoors, and the familiar reminder to "don't forget your sunscreen."

While sunscreen certainly has its place—especially if you're going to be in the sun long enough to burn—it's worth taking a closer look at what you're putting on your skin and whether you're using it in the healthiest way possible.

Your skin isn't just a protective barrier. It also absorbs many of the products you apply to it. In fact, an FDA pilot study found that several commonly used sunscreen ingredients—including avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule—were absorbed into the bloodstream after just one day of use at levels that exceeded the FDA's threshold for requiring additional safety testing. Those ingredients remained detectable for at least 24 hours after the final application.

This doesn't necessarily mean these ingredients are harmful, but it does raise important questions about their long-term use, especially for people who apply them every day.

Ingredients Worth Taking a Closer Look At

If you're choosing a sunscreen, consider avoiding products that contain ingredients such as:

• Oxybenzone – has been associated with hormone-disrupting activity in laboratory studies.

• Octinoxate – another ingredient that has raised concerns regarding endocrine effects and environmental impact.

• Homosalate – can be absorbed into the body and is being evaluated for potential hormonal effects.

• Octocrylene – may degrade over time into benzophenone, a compound that has raised safety concerns.

• Avobenzone – provides UVA protection but is often combined with stabilizers because it breaks down in sunlight.

The Sun Isn't the Enemy

For years we've been taught to avoid the sun whenever possible, but moderate sun exposure plays an important role in overall health.

Sunlight allows your body to naturally produce vitamin D, which supports immune function, bone health, mood, hormone balance, and many other processes throughout the body.

The goal isn't to avoid the sun completely—it's to avoid burning.

Five Tips for Smarter Sun Exposure

1. Let your body make vitamin D first.
Spend a short amount of time in the sun before applying sunscreen whenever it's appropriate for your skin type.

2. Avoid sunburn—not sunshine.
When your skin begins to show the slightest hint of pink, it's time to seek shade, cover up with clothing, or apply sunscreen. Your face, in particular, benefits from extra protection since facial skin is thinner and more prone to premature aging.

3. Choose mineral sunscreens whenever possible.
Mineral sunscreens containing non-nano zinc oxide sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than relying on chemical filters that are absorbed into the skin.

4. Support your skin from the inside out.
Some research suggests antioxidants such as astaxanthin may help improve the skin's resilience to UV exposure when taken consistently as part of a healthy lifestyle.

5. Eat a nutrient-rich diet.
A diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and antioxidants helps support your skin's natural defenses against oxidative stress from sun exposure.

A Cleaner Sunscreen Option

If you do need sunscreen, choosing a high-quality mineral sunscreen can be a great option.

One we've been impressed with is Activist Skincare's Zero-Waste Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30. It uses 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient and is formulated with nourishing botanical oils rather than many of the chemical UV filters commonly found in conventional sunscreens.

Shop the Activist Skincare Tinted Sunscreen here

Whatever sunscreen you choose, look for products with simple, thoughtful ingredients, use them when appropriate, and remember that healthy sun exposure and sensible sun protection can work together—not against each other.