Have you ever found yourself asking, “What can I use instead of sunscreen”? Maybe it’s the stickiness or the need to constantly reapply that is making you consider something different. The good news is that there are plenty of sunscreen alternatives out there that provide just as much protection while being better for your body and the environment.

Sun protection is relevant for everyone, no matter who you are or where you live. While chemical sunscreens are probably the most common solution, they are not the best one. We’ll cover some of the top alternatives to sunscreen so you can feel confident making the switch.

Protect your skin from the sun the easy way with Coolibar’s UPF 50+ clothing that never washes out.

Why Should You Protect Your Skin with Alternatives to Sunscreen?

The conventional sunscreens lining grocery store shelves are often loaded with active chemical ingredients that can wreak havoc on your body, internally and externally. Many of the chemicals are linked to skin irritation and allergies and can also be absorbed through the skin, enter your bloodstream, and disrupt your body’s hormones.

Chemical sunscreens aren’t great for the environment either, causing damage to coral reefs and other marine organisms. Incorporating natural alternatives to sunscreen into your routine is your best bet for a healthier you.

• Avoid harmful chemicals: reducing the number of toxic substances entering our bodies is the primary reason to find a natural alternative to sunscreen.
• Allow for healthy absorption of Vitamin D: natural sunscreen alternatives allow your body to maintain a healthy level of Vitamin D, some of which need to be absorbed directly from the sun.
• Less risk of skin allergies: a natural sunscreen substitute will be healthier for your skin and body as a whole, reducing the likelihood of skin allergies and other issues.
• Protect the environment: switching to a natural alternative to sunscreen will have a positive effect on your body and also the environment.

What to Use Instead of Sunscreen

You may have heard before that some exposure to the sun is healthy and necessary for your body to function correctly. If you always cover your body in chemical sunscreens, it will interfere with the body’s essential absorption of Vitamin D from the sun.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakness, loss of bone density, and other problems. In addition, a healthy amount of blue light from the sun through your eyes and skin in the morning helps to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and boost your mood.

Fortunately, plenty of natural alternatives to sunscreen are effective at preventing skin damage while allowing your body to get the Vitamin D it needs from the sun. Try incorporating one or more of the sunscreen alternatives below into your everyday routine.

• Keep Your Skin Covered With UPF Clothing
• Time Your Exposure to the Sun
• Seek Shade From the Sun

UPF Clothing

Arguably one of the most accessible and convenient alternatives to sunscreen is UPF Clothing, Sun Protection You Wear. Incorporating UPF clothing into your everyday wardrobe allows you to ditch the sunscreen regimen and have a built-in healthy sunscreen alternative.

When shopping for UPF Clothing, the ratings are based on how much UV light can be absorbed through the fabric, which is different from the SPF rating used for sunscreens. Look for a UPF rating of at least 50 in clothing for the best protection. Coolibar is the world leader in UPF 50+ fabric technology, so you can be confident that your skin is well-protected. At Coolibar, we make garments that are elegant and has technical features of sun protection you wear.

Time Your Sun Exposure

Although sometimes tricky to pull off, timing your sun exposure can be a good substitute for sunscreen. Pay attention to your skin type, the UV index, and the altitude of your location when planning time outdoors. If you can optimize your time outdoors for when the UV index is at its lowest, you can avoid sun damage altogether.

Because the UV index is lowest in the morning and night, it can be difficult to avoid the outdoors during the day. Keep UPF clothing on hand for those times when you can't avoid the outdoors during the peak heat of the day. It will keep you protected from the sun and cooler than regular clothing!

Seek Shade

Seeking shade from the sun is another easy way to prevent sunburn that is chemical-free. Especially on beach days or summer vacations when you are outside for long periods, creating shade for yourself can have a significant impact. Why not opt for a hike through the woods, where you will naturally get shade from the sun?

For days at the beach, Coolibar has a variety of sun-safe accessories like sun blankets and sun umbrellas that are lightweight and perfect for travel. Or, create your own unique sun shade to protect you and your family from the sun.

Check out Coolibar’s blog for more tips on how to enjoy the sun responsibly.

Protect Your Skin with Coolibar’s Sunscreen Alternatives

It’s no wonder UPF clothing is consistently at the top of the list for sunscreen alternatives. Of course, there are many sunscreen substitutes out there, but safely enjoying the sun doesn’t have to be a struggle! Incorporate UPF clothing into your wardrobe, and you’ll be set for any outdoor adventure.

Explore Coolibar’s rigorously tested, dermatologist-recommended UPF 50+ clothing and accessories, so you and your family can enjoy life outdoors worry-free.