Modern humans live under lights, indoors, cut off from the full spectrum of natural sunlight. But our bodies evolved in full-sun environments — exposed to dawn, midday, dusk, full spectrum waves, and cooling nights.
Dr. Jack Kruse argues that sunlight is the primary macronutrient for human biology — more foundational than calories, more primal than food. Apple Podcasts+2Zygote Nation+2
From his website:
“When the skin makes Vitamin D3 naturally … the excess D3 is then broken down to its degradation products, which have been shown to inhibit the development of psoriasis. … Optimal Vitamin D levels are also linked to ‘tighter junctions’ between the enterocytes of our intestinal lining making our guts ‘less leaky.’” Dr. Jack Kruse
What this means for the brand:
Sunlight isn’t simply about vitamin D. It’s a complex signal.
The body uses light (UV, UVA, IR, daylight spectrum) to regulate mitochondria, immune function, circadian rhythms, skin barrier, gut-brain axis.
When we feed the body well and expose it meaningfully to the sun, we shift from damage prevention to resilience.
The skin is more than a passive barrier — it’s a sensory, neuro‐endocrine organ.
A recent review shows that ultraviolet (UV) light triggers the cutaneous-neuroendocrine system and via that, the central neuroendocrine system. PMC
In short: sunlight exposure signals the body’s internal systems (hormones, immunity, circadian rhythm) to engage, adapt, and optimize.
Think of your skin’s “solar callus” — the adaptive layer built by nature over eons that helps us thrive under the sun’s energy. Two critical elements in building this adaptation:
Astaxanthin — a powerful red-carotenoid found in algae, krill, salmon — modern research shows it protects skin from UV-induced degradation. PMC+1
Lipids & Botanicals — e.g., olive oil, calendula, nettle, other herbs that support skin barrier, hydration, antioxidant defense.
Example: In a double-blind placebo-controlled human study (9 weeks), astaxanthin supplementation increased minimal erythema dose (MED) and improved skin moisture after UV exposure. PMC+1
These studies support the narrative that you can enhance skin’s natural defence from within rather than only layering external protection.
We follow the sun not just by day but by rhythm. Sunlight at dawn, morning, midday, dusk — and darkness at night — regulate our mitochondrial output, hormone release, melatonin, sleep quality. Fidalgo Island Health Center+1
Disruption of this rhythm (artificial light, indoor living, late nights) weakens solar resilience and amplifies oxidative stress and chronic-disease risk — something Dr Kruse draws attention to. Amazon Music+1
At Sunshine Rituals, our offerings are rooted in these scientific pillars:
Internal nourishment: botanicals, minerals, and carotenoid-rich formulas (e.g., the Sun God Elixir) aim to enhance your body’s solar adaptation.
External nourishment: topical oils, mists, pastes formulated to support the skin barrier, hydration, and resilience to light exposure.
Daily rhythm & practice: taking your elixir at sunrise, applying oils during daylight, aligning your exposure and rest with natural light patterns.
Below are direct links to the key sources we’ve woven into our science narrative:
Kruse, J. “Vitamin D: The Sunshine of Your Life?” (jackkruse.com) – on sunlight, vitamin D, skin, gut-health.
https://jackkruse.com/the-sunshine-of-your-life/ Dr. Jack Kruse
Ito, N., et al. “The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People.” Nutrients. 2018.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073124/ PMC
Li, X., et al. “Protective Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation Against UV-Induced Photoaging and Capillary Regression in the Skin of HR-1 Hairless Mice.” PMCID PMC7168265. 2020. PMC
“Astaxanthin study drills down into skin protection mechanism.” Supplement & Side Effects Journal. May 2023. SupplySide Supplement Journal
“Health & Sunlight: Have we been missing the point completely?” (LinkedIn article quoting Dr Kruse) LinkedIn
Review: “Role of Antioxidants in Skin Aging and the Molecular Mechanisms” Hussen NH et al., 2025. ScienceDirect
“How UV Light Touches the Brain and Endocrine System…” PMC 2018. PMC
When your body is nourished (minerals, antioxidants, hydration) and your rhythms aligned, sunlight becomes regenerative, not destructive.
Through internal + external support you can build your solar armour: enhanced skin resilience, better circadian alignment, deeper connection to nature.
This isn’t about fear of the Sun. It’s about reclaiming your place in the solar cycle — and letting light be your ally again.
Explore our Protocol (12-week plan) to see how we integrate these science-backed practices and products.
Choose one product from our Ritual Collection and begin your daily light-aligned practice.
Join our community (Sun Dial newsletter) to receive monthly science briefs, rituals, and guides to deepen your solar resilience.
All content herein is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet, supplement regimen, or sun exposure practices.
0 comments
