Here Comes the Sun: Why Men Need More Rays (and Less SPF Hysteria)

Ah, the sun.
That giant, fiery life-giver 93 million miles away that somehow makes us feel alive, powerful, and ready to take on the world.

But over the last few decades, the sun went from hero to villain.
One minute we’re tanning on beaches in the 80s without a care, the next we’re being told to bathe in SPF 50 from head to toe — even if we’re just popping to the shops.

So, what happened? And how do we strike the balance between sun-kissed vitality and skin safety?
Let’s dig in.

---

☀️ Why the Sun Is Still Your Friend

First things first: we are solar-powered creatures.

Human biology was built with sunlight in mind — not fluorescent lighting and Netflix caves. Here’s why soaking up some rays is essential:

• Vitamin D production – Just 10–30 minutes of sun a day can help your body generate this critical hormone-like vitamin, which supports testosterone levels, immune function, mood, and bone health.
• Mental health boost – Sunlight stimulates serotonin, which improves focus and mood. It’s like nature’s anti-depressant (without the side effects).
• Sleep support – Morning sun exposure regulates your circadian rhythm and improves melatonin production later at night — leading to better sleep.
• Testosterone & vitality – Studies have linked sunlight exposure (especially on large areas of skin) with improved testosterone levels and general energy in men.
• Skin conditions – For many men with psoriasis, eczema, or acne, short sun exposure actually improves skin clarity.

---

☂️ Wait, But Isn’t the Sun Dangerous?

Yes… and no. Like anything in life, it’s about dose and timing.

The surge in skin cancer awareness over the past few decades came from a good place. But along the way, some companies saw opportunity. Cue a multi-billion-dollar sunscreen industry that now recommends slathering SPF on kids in winter… inside.

But here’s the thing:

Sunlight isn’t the enemy. Chronic sun burns are.

You don’t need to burn to get benefits — and you definitely don’t need to avoid the sun completely.

---

🧴 The Sunscreen Dilemma

We’re not saying all sun cream is evil. But we are saying:

• You might be using too much
• You might be using the wrong kind
• And you might be putting blind trust in an industry whose profits depend on you fearing the sun

Many commercial sunscreens contain questionable ingredients (like oxybenzone) that have been linked to hormone disruption.

On top of that, blocking the sun entirely means you’re missing out on all that good vitamin D.

Plus, let’s be honest — sunscreen manufacturers have a financial interest in making us think the sun is out to get us. (Hint: It’s not.)

---

🔥 How to Enjoy the Sun Safely — Like a Boss

Here’s your summer strategy for soaking up rays without roasting yourself:

• Build up gradually – Start with 10–15 minutes of exposure on arms, legs, and torso. Increase over time.
• Get sun in the morning – Aim for early sun (before 11 AM) when it’s less intense and better for your body clock.
• Cover up if you’ll be out long – A T-shirt, a hat, and shade go a long way after you’ve had your sun fix.
• Use natural sunscreen if needed – Mineral-based creams (like zinc oxide) are better for your skin and the ocean.
• Don’t burn – Seriously. A little pink is one thing. Peeling? Nope. That’s when damage happens.
• Let your skin breathe – Sometimes, go without lotion entirely — your skin knows what to do.

---

🌞 Final Thoughts: Sunshine Is Your Superpower

We’ve been taught by some advertising and dubious media articles to fear the sun — but it’s the ultimate free medicine.

A daily dose of sunshine supports everything from energy to immunity to testosterone to mental clarity.
You don’t need to go full Greek god in your garden (although… no judgment).
But you do need to stop hiding from the very thing that helps you thrive.

So this summer, let’s ditch the sun paranoia.

Step outside.
Soak it up.
But don’t stay out like a numpty without protection for hours on end.

Because when used wisely, the sun doesn’t drain your health — it powers it.

Ohh, let’s don’t forget to stay hydrated! 😉