Is sunscreen bad for you?

Sunscreen is not automatically bad, but ingredient quality matters. Some chemical sunscreen ingredients have raised concerns regarding systemic absorption, hormone disruption, skin sensitivity, and environmental impact. Sunscreen should also not create a false sense of unlimited sun exposure.

Does sunscreen protect against all sun damage?

No. Sunscreen can help reduce sunburn risk, especially from UVB exposure, but it does not make prolonged sun exposure risk-free. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can contribute to oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, premature aging, and cellular damage.

Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen?

Many health-conscious consumers prefer mineral sunscreens, especially zinc oxide-based products, because they provide broad-spectrum protection and may have fewer systemic absorption concerns than some chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Can natural oils replace sunscreen?

Some natural oils have shown modest UV-filtering properties in laboratory settings, but they should not be considered a reliable replacement for tested sun protection during prolonged or intense sun exposure. Natural oils may support skin barrier health, but physical protection and smart sun habits remain important.

What is the best natural approach to sun protection?

A smarter natural sun protection strategy includes gradual sun exposure, avoiding peak UV hours, using shade, wearing hats and protective clothing, supporting antioxidant intake, and choosing cleaner topical protection when needed.

Natural Health and Wellness Information

May 26

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Person enjoying healthy sun exposure with protective shade illustrating smarter sun protection strategies

The Sunscreen Myth: Are You Really Protected From Sun Damage?

By Mark Scott Functional Medicine, Total Health

The Sunscreen Myth: Are You Really Protected From Sun Damage? For decades, we’ve been told that sunscreen is one of the most important things we can do to protect our skin. And while sunscreen certainly has a role, there’s a bigger conversation that many people never hear. The truth is this: Preventing a sunburn is not the same thing as…

Feb 24

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Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting

By Mark Scott Functional Medicine, Total Health, Weight Loss

A Science-Based, Practical Approach to Fasting for Better Health Intermittent fasting (IF) has become one of the most popular health strategies in the world — and for good reason. In my practice, I’ve seen how the proper use of fasting can support weight loss, metabolic health, and even long-term disease prevention. But it’s important to understand: intermittent fasting is not…

Feb 16

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How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

By Mark Scott Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Functional Medicine, Hormones, Total Health

A Functional Medicine Approach to Restoring Deep, Restorative Sleep By Dr. Scott Sleep is still one of the great mysteries of human biology. Like gravity or the quantum field, we don’t fully understand why we sleep — but we absolutely know this: Sleep is one of the cornerstones of health. Most adults need 6–8 hours per night, and both too…

Jan 29

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Dr. Scott’s Favorite Supplements—Glycine

Dr Scotts favorite supplements gylcine

By Mark Scott Total Health

While dietary supplements cannot take the place of a healthy lifestyle, they can be used strategically to boost your health, especially in cases of deficiency. In the U.S., 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over, use supplements, with multivitamins, vitamin D and omega-3 fats representing the top three. Another survey put the percentage of Americans using supplements at 86%. So, it's…

Jan 29

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Dr. Scott’s Favorite Supplements — B Complex

By Mark Scott Total Health

Dr. Scott’s Favorite Supplements While dietary supplements cannot take the place of a healthy lifestyle, they can be used strategically to boost your health, especially in cases of deficiency. In the U.S., 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over, use supplements, with multivitamins, vitamin D and omega-3 fats representing the top three.1 Another survey put the percentage of Americans using supplements…

Apr 24

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7 Budget-Savvy Tips for Practicing Yoga at Home While Self-Isolating

By Mark Scott Total Health

7 Budget-Savvy Tips for Practicing Yoga at Home While Self-Isolating Not being able to get to the yoga studio can put a real damper on your practice. Still, self-isolating is the best way to keep yourself, your family and your community healthy. So how can you strike a balance between staying inside and sticking to your yoga goals? Well you…

Mar 30

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Illustration comparing hyper and hypo immune responses, highlighting the effects of overactive and underactive immune systems.

Do you have a hyper or hypo immune response?

By Mark Scott Total Health

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve received some questions from our community about what to do differently if you have an overactive or underactive immune system. First, I think it’s best to take a step back and ask, “How do you know you have an overactive or underactive immune system?” There are some situations that have a high…

Mar 08

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Digestion Herbs

By Mark Scott Digestion and Digestive Disorders, Total Health

The Power of Digestive Herbs… And Which Ones Matter Most Digestion… The under-appreciated process that drives life and well being. Digestion begins once food enters the mouth, where chewing and saliva start the break down process. A quick swallow and consumables are sent to the stomach, ready for the real action to commence. As the acids and enzymes transform…

Feb 11

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How To Correctly Test For Adrenal Fatigue

By Mark Scott Total Health

Often new patients come into our practice complaining of tiredness, where the alarm disturbs rather than wakes and getting up and ready for each day is difficult. Coffee is reported as an indispensible best friend, although it doesn’t ease the brain fog or poor memory. Energy slumps snatch their focus at around 3-5pm and 7-10pm, yet if they stay up…

Jan 21

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CAN BRAIN POWER RESTORE YOUR HEALTH AND REDUCE YOUR PHYSIOLOGICAL AGE?

By Mark Scott Total Health

Can Brain Power Restore Your Health and Reduce Your Physiological Age? Do you ever feel like you are not in command of your health and your life? Would you like to get that control back? This is a common problem in today’s society. We’ve been conditioned to believe that circumstances outside our control are responsible for our problems. But is…

Total Health

The Sunscreen Myth: Are You Really Protected From Sun Damage?

Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Dr Scotts favorite supplements gylcine

Dr. Scott’s Favorite Supplements — B Complex

7 Budget-Savvy Tips for Practicing Yoga at Home While Self-Isolating

Do you have a hyper or hypo immune response?

Digestion Herbs

How To Correctly Test For Adrenal Fatigue

CAN BRAIN POWER RESTORE YOUR HEALTH AND REDUCE YOUR PHYSIOLOGICAL AGE?

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