19 Jun The Sunscreen Lie: What They Never Told You About Sun Safety
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

We’ve all heard it: wear sunscreen to stay safe. But what if the very thing we’re told is protecting us is actually doing more harm than good? In this eye-opening solo episode, Darin Olien breaks down the dark truth behind conventional sunscreens—from hormone-disrupting chemicals and blocked vitamin D to reef destruction and dangerous misinformation.
Backed by scientific research and a passion for holistic wellness, Darin reveals how sunscreen has become a fatal convenience, lulling us into a false sense of safety while quietly impacting our health and the planet. If you’ve ever questioned the ingredients in your SPF—or the fear-based narrative around sun exposure—this episode is your wake-up call.
Breakdown
What you’ll Learn
00:00 – Intro: Living your Super Life
03:18 – Why sunscreen is a fatal convenience
03:35 – Why it’s always summer somewhere—and why sunscreen matters
04:09 – The fatal convenience of sunscreen: blocking more than sun
05:32 – The 4 toxic sunscreen chemicals you need to avoid
06:11 – What your skin actually does when sunscreen is applied
06:39 – FDA’s shocking findings: 180x above safety after one application
07:50 – Hormonal chaos, fertility risks, birth outcomes & cancer
08:58 – Environmental damage: coral reefs, oceans, and beyond
09:57 – Blocking the sun = blocking your vitamin D and immunity
11:09 – Melanin, skin tone, and ancestral wisdom
13:12 – CDC confirms: communities of color are most at risk for low D
13:59 – Sponsor: Toothpaste tubes vs. Bite sustainable tablets
16:13 – Back to sunlight: nitric oxide and blood pressure health
16:49 – Nobel-winning research: sun lovers live longer
18:23 – Avoiding the sun = smoking-level mortality risk
19:09 – Global impact: sun exposure reduces stroke and heart disease
19:49 – What you can do: hats, smart exposure, mineral sunscreens
21:19 – Recommended brands: Mad Hippie, Goddess Garden, Badger
22:13 – If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin
22:37 – Final takeaway: don’t fear the sun, fear what’s in your sunscreen
23:07 – Outro: Thanks for tuning in!
LINKS
Find more from Darin:
Website: https://darinolien.com/
Instagram: @Darinolien
Book: darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/
Down to Earth: darinolien.com/down-to-earth/
SPONSORS
Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.
Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order.
I hope you enjoyed this episode of The Darin Olien Show! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:
Subscribe, rate or listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher
Follow my Instagram to keep updated on the podcast, weekly deep dives and other projects that I’m supporting (and the occasional Chaga appreciation post)
Sign up for my Weekly Email to keep up with what I’m tuned into.
For feedback or suggestions, email my team at info@darinolien.com
Find the list of brands & products that get the big tick of approval from me here.
Comment below to join the discussion!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
No Comments