Badger Slow Sun - Holistic Sun Safety

Badger invites you to join us in practicing Slow Sun. Slow Sun is about simplicity, moderation, and mindfulness. The great outdoors is a place of wonder, which in recent years has been clouded by the fear of skin cancer and premature skin aging. We envision a cultural shift with a holistic approach — respectful sun worship and simple protective measures. Sunlight provides vitamin D and gives us the healthy glow of life. If we are moderate and mindful, we can appreciate the incredible gift of sun without causing harm.

Here are six principles of Slow Sun to keep you sun-safe.

floppy hat badger

1) Be Mindful: Know your limits and practice moderation.

The best sun protection is awareness and common sense. Even after properly applying a high SPF sunscreen, and then reapplying often, it’s still possible to get too much sun! That's because no sunscreen can block 100% of the  sun's rays, and the sun can be very powerful. You need to know your limit and seek shade when you've reached it. The sun's strength varies depending on the time of day, the time of year, and where you are, so keeping this in mind is a great way to be moderate and enjoy the sun respectfully.

2) Practice Simplicity: Cover up with proper clothing when outside.

Why not make a fashion statement by wearing a floppy hat! Add a stylish, long-sleeved shirt and you’re on easy street! Donning additional protective clothing means less skin is exposed. Less exposed skin means less sunscreen is needed--and that can save you and your family big bucks.

3) Seek Shade: Especially during the peak sun hours of 10am-2pm.

Siesta anyone? Many cultures take time out during the hottest hours of the day for a slow meal, a nap, time under a tree reading a good book, or coloring (download fun “Take it Slow” coloring pages HERE and HERE)! Seriously seeking shade is particularly important early in the season--before your skin has acclimated to the sun or while you’re enjoying a tropical vacation. Head for the shade and check your skin periodically for signs of a burn. Once your skin has started turning pink, adding more sunscreen will not be enough. This is your skin telling you it’s time to take a break, which makes it a perfect time to sip a tall glass of lemonade while sitting in the nice cool shade.

badger in the shade

4) Apply Enough Sunscreen! Take time to apply your sunscreen correctly!

While the amount varies from person to person, the rule of thumb is about two tablespoons to cover the adult body from head to toe. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after sweating, swimming, or toweling off.

Badger believes that good sunscreen application is an art that takes time to do right! Studies show most people do not apply enough sunscreen to get the protection they think they're getting (1). Did you know that applying half of the recommended amount of an SPF 30 results in an SPF of only 6?! Mineral sunscreens work as a physical barrier between your skin and sun's radiation so you need to get a good even coat to be fully protected.

floppy hat badger

5) Choose Wholesome Solutions: Use organic or natural mineral-based sunscreens  with antioxidant ingredients and avoid any questionable chemicals or potentially harmful ingredients.

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body and what you put on your skin will often end up in your body?

A recent study shows that 97% of Americans have oxybenzone in their blood (2). This is one of the most common and most toxic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens (but not in Badger sunscreens, of course!). You can avoid this ingredient and other chemicals by choosing a natural sunscreen that protects with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and is rich in antioxidant ingredients. Antioxidants can actually help to mitigate overexposure to the sun’s rays while providing vital food for your skin and body.

6) Protect yourself and Our Planet: Choose sunscreens that are sustainable and biodegradable or coral reef safe.

At Badger, we imagine that everything in the world is like one big interconnected organism and each action causes a reaction, whether positive or negative. Our world depends upon our kindness, so make sunscreen choices that protect your skin and the environment.

Be smart about sun protection. Remember to “Go slow. Be mindful. A day in the sun is great, but a lifetime of healthy skin is even better.”


(1) Neale, R, Williams, G, Green, A.  Application patterns among participants randomized to daily sunscreen use in a skin cancer prevention trial. Arch Dermatol. 2002 Oct; 138, 1319-1325.

(2) Calafat AM, Wong L-Y, Ye X, Reidy JA, Needham LL 2008. Concentrations of the Sunscreen Agent Benzophenone-3 in Residents of the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey  2003–2004. Environ Health Perspect 116:893-897


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