We moms do a lot to protect our families, especially when it comes to sun safety. Hats, rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen… we’ve got it all covered! But here’s something most of us haven’t heard: what we feed our families might be affecting how their skin responds to the sun.
I recently learned that certain oils commonly found in our foods, especially seed oils, can actually make us more likely to get sunburned. At first, I was skeptical. But after diving into the research, I realized this is something we need to talk about, especially as moms who care deeply about what we put into (and onto!) our children’s bodies.
Let’s break it down together.
What Are Seed Oils, and Why Are They Everywhere?
Seed oils are vegetable oils made from, you guessed it, seeds. This includes:
- Soybean oil
- Corn oil
- Sunflower oil
- Canola oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Grapeseed oil
They’re often used in processed foods because they’re cheap and shelf-stable. You’ll find them in salad dressings, chips, crackers, fast food, and even some “health” snacks. If you check the ingredient list on most packaged foods, chances are you’ll see one of these oils.
The Problem: Inflammation from the Inside Out
These oils are high in something called omega-6 fatty acids, which our bodies do need but only in small amounts. When we eat too much (which is very easy to do with today’s food supply), it can throw off our body’s balance and lead to inflammation.
Inflammation is like a slow burn in the body and it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Researchers have found that when our skin cells are full of unstable fats like those in seed oils, they’re more likely to break down when exposed to UV rays. That breakdown can cause faster burning, more skin damage, and even premature aging.
As one study put it, when you eat a lot of these oils, they actually build up in your skin, making it more vulnerable when you’re outside in the sun (Black et al., 1994).
Real Food, Real Protection
Now, don’t panic, we don’t need to be perfect. But we can be aware and start making some gentle shifts.
Here are a few practical swaps I’ve started making in our home:
- Cook with stable fats: I use butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and even some olive oil for most of our cooking. These fats are more heat-stable and less inflammatory.
- Read labels: I look out for soybean oil, canola oil, and “vegetable oil” in packaged foods. We’ve slowly swapped out some favorite snacks for brands that use better oils.
- More omega-3s: These are the anti-inflammatory fats found in wild-caught fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
This isn’t about fear, it’s about being equipped to make wise choices for our families.
A Simple Spiritual Perspective
In Psalm 139, David writes: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God designed our bodies with incredible wisdom and resilience. When we nourish them with the foods He originally provided, whole foods, real fats, fruits and vegetables, we work with His design, not against it.
Our job as moms isn’t to control every little thing, but to steward well what’s within our reach.
If making a few changes in the kitchen can help our kids spend more time outdoors without pain or damage, I’d say that’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
We’ll still wear our hats. We’ll still bring the sunscreen. But now I also think about how what’s on their plate can affect what happens under the sun.
So next time you’re packing a lunch or cooking dinner, consider skipping the seed oils. It might just help protect their skin in a way you’ve never thought about before.
Further Reading and References:
- Simopoulos, A.P. (2006). Omega-6/omega-3 balance and inflammation. NCBI
- Black, H.S. et al. (1994). UV damage and skin fat composition. PubMed
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