As someone who is always reaching for what nature intended, whether it’s for skincare or nourishment or just a bit of peace, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our relationship with the sun. How it’s always been a source of life, healing and warmth, and how we might be able to embrace it more consciously, with our skin and wellbeing in mind.
A Natural Approach to Sunscreen: Where It All Began
Long before SPF numbers and lab-made formulas found their way into our holiday bags, sun protection looked a little different. Ancient Egyptians turned to rice bran and jasmine, the Greeks reached for olive oil (of course they did) and across the globe, indigenous communities used red ochre, clay and mud from the land to shield themselves. Their wisdom was simple, earthy and intuitive. It worked with the body not against it, something we at Olive & Joyce feel deeply aligned with.
Sunlight, Skin & the Gifts We Often Forget
Let’s talk about vitamin D. It’s one of the sun’s most generous offerings, vital for everything from our bones and immune system to our mood and hormonal balance. In the UK, we don’t need much; just a few short bursts of unprotected sunlight a week can help our bodies stay topped up, depending on skin tone and the time of year. What’s more surprising is how sunlight through the eyes helps signal to the body that it’s time to get the vitamin D factory going, yet another reason why an early morning moment in natural light can be so healing.
Our skin also has its own built-in wisdom. It responds to UV light by producing melanin through melanocytes, gently building our skin’s natural shield, a kind of inbuilt SPF. And when sunlight reaches us, it doesn't just nourish our body it lifts our spirits. Serotonin the ‘feel-good’ hormone rises, easing anxiety and inviting a deeper sense of calm. No wonder a sunny walk can feel like therapy.
However, our relationship with the sun has shifted over the years, often leaning more towards fear than balance. We’ve been conditioned to armour up before stepping outside; sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats.
And while there’s a time and place for all of those things, doing so constantly can unintentionally block our body’s ability to access sunlight where it matters most. Without even realising, many of us are preventing the natural production of vitamin D, and this is thought to be one of the contributing reasons behind the global rise in vitamin D deficiency.
Modern Sunscreens: Are They Still Serving Us?
Despite the ancient wisdom we inherited, our modern approach to sun care has become a little… over-engineered. Many mainstream sunscreens contain chemical ingredients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, with links to hormone disruption and environmental harm. Places like Hawaii have already started banning some of these in an effort to protect coral reefs and marine life.
Skin First, Sunscreen Later
Something that’s become a bit of a ritual in our house is giving our skin just a little time to ‘wake up’ before we reach for the sunscreen. On sunny mornings, my kids and I will pop out into the garden before heading off for the day. I might water the grass or hang out the washing while the little ones potter about barefoot, and we’ll all go without sunglasses for ten minutes or so. It’s just enough time for the sunlight to reach our eyes and gently tell our bodies, “Alright, it’s time to make some vitamin D.” If it’s cloudy or we’ve been indoors all morning, we’ll take a quick walk around the block, 10 minutes max, then sunscreen goes on, hats go on and we’re out the door. It’s a small thing, but it’s helped me reconnect with my own instincts. I’ve learnt to trust my skin and trust my eyes. We’ve got eyelashes for a reason, not only do they protect our eyes from dirt or dust but they are also nature’s own little sunshades. Our bodies are clever, if we give them the chance.
But here’s the tricky part, greener organic sunscreens can be more expensive. I say that with compassion because choosing kinder, healthier options shouldn’t feel like a luxury. At Olive & Joyce, we believe in doing what we can, when we can. Even small changes or a little more mindfulness go a long way, and there’s never any judgement, only gentle encouragement.
A Little Secret Hidden in Every Olive & Joyce Cream
What I’m proud to share is that all of our moisturisers and face creams already contain non-nano zinc oxide. This gentle mineral sits on the skin (rather than soaking into it) and naturally reflects the sun’s rays. It’s not only a soothing ingredient that supports your skin barrier, but also a form of daily, low-level sun protection, especially helpful during the autumn, winter and even into early spring, when the sun might feel soft but can still have an impact.
So, if an extra sunscreen isn’t quite in the budget or if you're simply stepping out for a gentle bit of morning light, you can feel reassured that our creams have got your back (and your cheeks, and your nose!). However, if you are looking for a little extra natural sunscreen, a few UK-based brands we admire include Green People, who offer certified organic sun care for sensitive skin; Odylique, whose formulas are handmade with soil association-approved ingredients, and Shade™, a simple, balm-like sunscreen with just a handful of natural ingredients. They’re all great examples of sun protection that works in harmony with your body and the planet.
And if You Do Catch a Little Too Much Sun…
We’ve all had those days where we forget just how strong the sun can be. If you find yourself a bit pink, nature’s still got you covered. I’ve always turned to whatever’s in the kitchen—a squishy avocado past its prime, a dash of olive oil or a drizzle of avocado oil can work wonders to calm, soothe and nourish sun-stressed skin. It’s like giving your skin a healthy salad, but minus the crunch.
Natural sunscreen, conscious sun exposure, and a little kitchen magic—that’s what summer skincare looks like at Olive & Joyce.
With sunny smiles
Emily - Founder, Olive & Joyce Skincare