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We live our lives in the sun—RVing full-time with kids from the desert to the beach. Over the years, we’ve found a simple, natural way to protect our skin without relying on conventional sunscreen.
People are always shocked when we say we don’t wear sunscreen. But even with desert heat and beach days, we stay burn-free using a routine based on natural sun protection without sunscreen. It’s not about throwing caution to the wind—we just protect our skin in a different way.
Why We Don’t Use Conventional Sunscreen
We used to slather it on, just like everyone else. But most commercial sunscreens are full of ingredients we’re not comfortable using, chemicals that absorb into the skin quickly, then sit there while the sun bakes them in.
Once we learned what was actually in those bottles (and what they were doing to us), we stopped using them altogether and found a better way to protect our family.
“We stopped fearing the sun and started respecting it.”“””
What Really Causes Sunburn?
Most people think sunburn is caused by too much UV exposure.
But the truth is: burning is often a response to inflammation and oxidative damage in the body.
If your body is overloaded with toxins—like processed foods, sugar, seed oils, or chemical-heavy products—your skin becomes far more sensitive to sun exposure.
When we cleaned up what we were putting in and on our bodies, we noticed a huge shift. Less burning. More resilience. Better energy all around.
Common Culprits That Increase Sun Sensitivity
- 🧴 Toxic lotions
- 🧼 Chemical detergents
- 🌽 Seed oils
- 🍬 Processed sugar
- 🍟 Fast food / fried oils
Our Internal Sun Protection: Astaxanthin
Every spring, as the days get longer and the sun stronger, we start taking Astaxanthin. A natural antioxidant that supports the skin from the inside out. Unlike topical sunscreens that sit on the skin, Astaxanthin works at a cellular level to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are major contributors to sunburn.
- Adults: 12 mg daily
- Kids: 4 mg daily
- Start supplementing at least 2 weeks before sun exposure
- Pair with clean eating for best results
What the Research Says
Clinical studies have shown that Astaxanthin supplementation can increase the skin’s resistance to UV damage, improve elasticity, and reduce visible signs of photoaging. It also helps minimize oxidative stress at the cellular level.
Here are a few studies that support its benefits:
- Tominaga et al. (2012)
- Daily supplementation with 4 mg astaxanthin improved skin moisture, elasticity, and resistance to UV-induced skin deterioration.
- Citation:
Tominaga, K., Hongo, N., Fujishita, M., Takahashi, Y., & Adachi, Y. (2012). Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. Acta Biochimica Polonica, 59(1), 43–47. - Link to study
- Nishida et al. (2022)
- In vitro research showed astaxanthin reduced oxidative stress and cell death in human keratinocytes exposed to UVB rays.
- Citation:
Nishida, Y., Yamashita, E., & Tanaka, T. (2022). Astaxanthin reduces UVB-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes. Molecules, 27(3), 905. - Link to study
- Park et al. (2019)
- In animal studies, astaxanthin supplementation reduced UV-induced collagen degradation, inflammation, and skin damage.
- Citation:
Park, J. S., Mathison, B. D., & Hayek, M. G. (2019). Astaxanthin decreases UV-induced skin aging. Journal of Dermatological Science, 96(1), 14–20. - Link to abstract study
“Sun protection starts from the inside out and for us, Astaxanthin changed everything.”
Sunlight is Medicine
For years, we were taught to fear the sun. But over time, we learned that sunlight isn’t the enemy, it’s essential.
Different wavelengths of sunlight throughout the day help regulate energy levels, mood, digestion, sleep, and hormonal rhythms. Morning sun exposure tells your body it’s time to wake up and create energy. Evening sun helps the body wind down and prepare for sleep.
“When you block sunlight from your skin and eyes with sunscreen, sunglasses, and shade all day long—you’re also blocking the signals your body depends on to function well.”
“Sunlight helps regulate your body’s clock, it tells your brain what chemicals to produce and when.”
Our Natural Sun Protection Routine
(Without Sunscreen)
We don’t avoid the sun—we prepare for it. This is the daily routine we follow to protect our skin naturally while spending long hours outside, whether we’re in the desert, on the beach, or hiking a mountain trail.
This is the simple routine we follow for natural sun protection without sunscreen, and it’s kept us burn-free even on the sunniest travel days.
- Take 4–12mg of Astaxanthin daily
- Eat 80%+ clean and avoid inflammatory oils and sugar
- Build tolerance slowly with early morning sun exposure
- Use mineral-based sunscreen only when needed
- Wear protective clothing for extended outdoor time
- Avoid sunglasses when possible to keep circadian rhythms in sync
- Eliminate toxic lotions, soaps, detergents, and dryer sheets
“It’s not about hiding from the sun—it’s about helping your body handle it better.”
FAQs About Astaxanthin and Sun Safety
We get asked a lot about how we manage natural sun protection without sunscreen—here are the top questions we hear.
Keep It Simple
We don’t fear the sun, we just work with our bodies instead of against them.
With a few intentional habits, like daily Astaxanthin, morning sun exposure, and clean living, we’re able to spend more time outdoors without burning or relying on toxic products.
If you’re looking for a safer way to enjoy the sunshine, know that natural sun protection without sunscreen is absolutely possible—with a few small habit shifts and the right support.
Follow Along with the RoadRabers
We’re a full-time RV family of five sharing real-life tips for travel, health, roadschooling, and living life your way.
📌 Save This for Later
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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and reflects our personal experiences. We are not medical professionals, and this content is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or health routines—especially for children.
