Sun Exposure: The Good, The Bad & My Family’s Slightly Crispy Beach Day ☀️

Written By Stephanie M

After our first beach day of the year, I have officially been humbled by the Florida sun. 😅

We had the best family day - salty air, sandy snacks, chasing waves, all the happy memories — but somewhere between “just a little longer” and forgetting to reapply sunscreen, we all ended up a little more sun-kissed than intended. (Okay… sunburned.)

It reminded me how important it is to understand both sides of sun exposure: the benefits of getting natural sunlight and knowing when protection matters.

Is Sun Exposure Actually Good for You?

Short answer: yes - in moderation.

Unfiltered sunlight plays an important role in:

  • Vitamin D production

  • Mood support

  • Circadian rhythm regulation

  • Energy and sleep balance

Getting intentional sun exposure in moderation can offer real benefits for things like mood, circadian rhythm regulation, and vitamin D production. Morning sunlight - especially between 8–10 AM is often considered ideal for supporting your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and overall energy levels. Midday sun, typically between 10 AM–3 PM when UVB rays are strongest, is most effective for vitamin D production.

That said, balance is key. Short periods of unfiltered sun exposure (around 10–30 minutes depending on skin type and UV intensity) are generally best to help minimize the risk of skin damage or burning. If you plan to spend longer periods outdoors during peak sun hours - especially between 10 AM–4 PM - it’s important to use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and incorporate additional protection like hats, sunglasses, and shade breaks.

I personally love getting outside to water my plants without sunglasses or sunscreen first thing in the morning to help wake up my body naturally.

But there’s a big difference between healthy sun exposure and overexposure.

When Sun Protection Matters

Extended direct sun exposure - especially during peak UV hours - can increase the risk of:

  • Premature aging

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Sunburns

  • Skin damage

  • Skin cancer

The goal isn’t to fear the sun. It’s to support your body while still protecting your skin when needed.

For us, the biggest lesson from this beach trip was that prevention matters before you feel like you need it.

What We’re Doing Differently Next Time

  • Reapplying sunscreen way more consistently

  • Wearing sun hats the entire time

  • Taking more shade breaks

  • Packing extra water and electrolytes

  • Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection to protect our eyes

  • Spending more time under the tent

And one very specific lesson we learned the hard way…

Trying to apply sunscreen at the beach after everyone is already hot, sweaty, sandy, and running around? Not ideal. 😅 My husband applied sunscreen to the front of his body before we got there and was completely fine. But by the time I helped with his back at the beach, he was already sweating, and apparently I didn’t apply a thick enough layer because his back ended up absolutely lobster red.

Lesson learned: Applying sunscreen before arriving (on clean, dry skin) makes a huge difference. It gives it time to absorb properly and helps ensure you’re actually getting even coverage before the heat, sweat, and chaos begin.

Because apparently “quickly rubbing some on while standing in the sand” is not a reliable strategy. 😂

Don’t Forget Eye Protection 🕶️

One thing I’ve become more mindful of lately is protecting our eyes from prolonged sun exposure too. Prolonged UV exposure from the sun can damage the skin cells around the eyes, contributing to early signs of aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer in delicate areas like the eyelids. UV radiation can also be a contributing cause of cataracts, macular degeneration, keratitis (corneal sunburn), and conjunctival cancers.

Good UV-protective sunglasses and wide-brim hats made a huge difference for us - especially at the beach where the reflection from water and sand makes everything even more intense (including for the little one). It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook until your eyes feel completely exhausted after a long day outside.

Another reminder that wellness and protection can coexist - it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Hydration is Key💧

This might not technically be “sun protection,” but it absolutely matters.

Heat + sun exposure + salt water can dehydrate you quickly, especially little ones. Staying hydrated helps your body regulate temperature better and can help you feel so much better after a long beach day.

Next time I’m definitely packing:

  • More water than I think we need

  • Electrolyte packets

  • Hydrating fruits/snacks

  • A reminder on my phone to actually drink the water 😅

Non-Toxic Sun Protection Products I’ve Been Loving

Finding cleaner products that actually work can feel overwhelming, but these are a few I personally like:

Body Sunscreen

I’ve been using Native sunscreen (https://a.co/d/03TSV2q3) for body protection and really like it as a non-toxic option. It blends in really well and when used properly (unlike my poor hubby’s recent experience), it usually works really well!

If you’d like an easy option for re-applying, they also have a SPF 30 spray that scans well on the Yuka app.

Face Sunscreen

For my face, I love the tinted mineral sunscreen from All Good: https://a.co/d/0hak0PZd.

It gives light coverage while still feeling breathable and protective.

*A little warning: Some of the All Good sunscreens don’t scan well on the Yuka app. If you look at the spray or the non-tinted Mineral Sport sunscreen, they contain an ingredient that’s a potential endocrine disruptor, which can interact with female hormone receptors and is reported to have effects on fetal weight gain as well.

SPF Lip Balm Recommendations

Lips are one of the easiest places to forget and one of the fastest places to burn.

Some cleaner SPF lip balm options worth checking out:

Beach Moms, Wellness Girlies & Sun Experts — I Need Your Tips ☀️

What are your must-haves for a successful beach day?

I’d love to hear:

  • Your favorite non-toxic sunscreen products

  • Beach hacks that make life easier

  • Hydration tips

  • Kid-friendly sun protection ideas

  • Anything you never leave home without

Drop your favorites in the comments so we can all learn from each other - especially those of us recovering from our “first beach trip of the year” mistakes. 😂

With love & SPF reminders,

🤍Stevi

Founder of Stevi Ann Designs

A Quick Note

None of the products mentioned in this post are sponsored . These are simply products I personally use, enjoy, or have researched while trying to make healthier swaps for myself and my family. As always, everyone’s skin and health needs are different, so it’s important to do your own research and consult a healthcare professional when needed. This post is based on personal experience, wellness research, and publicly available educational resources - not medical advice.

Helpful Resources & Further Reading

Stephanie M
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Spring Allergies & Home Wellness: April Showers, May Flowers & Creating a Low-Toxin Home