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I genuinely believe that aligning with nature allows us to radiate and thrive. This belief is the very foundation of The Golden Secrets.

Your relationship with the sun is a direct reflection of your health. It's time to shift our perspective—the sun is our ultimate source of healing light. Every living thing relies on the sun; deprive something of it, and you’ll see it wither.

For over a decade, I’ve championed the health benefits of sun therapy (heliotherapy), despite receiving my fair share of skepticism. As a skincare owner, I often get asked how to prevent melasma, hyperpigmentation, or “sun spots” from sun exposure.

The truth is, the sun often gets blamed, but it’s what we put in and on our bodies that truly causes these issues.

Here’s a glimpse of me at 43—untouched and makeup-free, wearing only The Golden Secrets. I’ve never used synthetic retinol (a potent and often toxic form of Vitamin A) or conventional sunscreen. I’ve been a dedicated sun worshiper my whole life, yet I have zero hyperpigmentation.

When you prioritize your internal health—focusing on gut and thyroid health—align with nature, and listen to your body’s innate wisdom and skin biofeedback, your skin will thrive and radiate. The conventional advice from many dermatologists and doctors often leads to the very issues we’re trying to avoid.

Here are some facts:

• Non-burning sun exposure is linked to a reduced risk of melanoma.
• Before the advent of antibiotics in the 1930s, sunlight therapy (heliotherapy) was the most successful treatment for infectious diseases.
• Skin cancer rates have increased in the last 30 years alongside the rise of sunscreen popularity.
• Sunscreen can primarily prevent sunburn but doesn’t prevent the rare and deadly form of skin cancer—malignant melanoma.
• A 2014 study of 30,000 Swedish women found that avoiding sun exposure increases the risk of all-cause mortality; those who sunbathe daily are half as likely to die from any cause as those who never do.

Here are 11 ways to heal melasma and hyperpigmentation:

1. Clean Up Your Diet: Eliminate seed oils high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), as they interact with sunlight and cause cellular damage. Detox your liver—hence the term "liver spots"—and supplement with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and glutathione. If possible, reduce unnecessary prescription drugs (birth control, antibiotics, artificial hormones) and opt for herbal alternatives. Check out my full list of skin health recommendations HERE.

2. Ditch Chemical Sunscreens: These can damage skin cells and block Vitamin D production. Be wary of sunscreens that separate UVA and UVB; you want the full spectrum for optimal protection.

3. Avoid Certain Mineral Sunscreens: Some, especially those with unstable oils like hemp, argan, and grape seed, can accelerate aging. The same goes for self-tanners containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which can increase sun damage by up to 180%. See my recommendations HERE & HERE and read my previous blog posts on self-tanners HERE and PUFAs HERE.

4. Steer Clear of Toxic Skincare: Avoid synthetic retinoids, hydroquinone, phototoxic oils (like lemon), and other actives that can worsen the issues you're trying to heal. This includes chemical peels and lasers.

5. Ladies, Stop Shaving Your Face: Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz, which protects your skin’s barrier from environmental damage, including the sun. Without it, you’re more prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma.

6. Try Microneedling Monthly: This helps disrupt the enzyme involved in melanin production. Check out my favorite at-home microneedling tool HERE.

7. Consider Green Light Therapy: While red light therapy is well-known, green light specifically aids in reducing hyperpigmentation by decreasing melanin production. Always use light therapy on clean skin for the best results.

8. Exfoliate with TGS Magic Brightening Powder and Illuminating Cleansing Oil a few times a week. Leave it on as a mask to naturally fade discoloration. The TGS Instant Glow Facial Mask also helps eliminate uneven skin tone over time. I love doing this post-microneedling, but it’s not recommended for those with sensitive skin.

9. Practice Gua Sha: Use the TGS Sorceress Stone 2-3 times a week to brighten and smooth your complexion while breaking up melanin production.

10. Get Daily Sun Exposure: The best indicator that you’ve received enough sun and Vitamin D is when your body feels warm. Once you feel flush, put on a hat or use a stable sunscreen with tropical oils that can withstand heat.

11. Opt for Organic, Natural Oils: Use oils formulated to work with your skin's innate wisdom. TGS Heal All Oil is perfect for daytime protection and evening skin tone, while Youth Beauty Face Oil is ideal at night for regenerating and fading hyperpigmentation.