Why Bryan Johnson is Wrong About the Sun

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Jan 23, 2026

David Herrera, health and longevity commentator who studies sunlight biology, explains why avoiding the sun can backfire. He covers how chronic sunscreen use weakens skin, the protective role of DHA in membranes, and how seed oils and linoleic acid increase burn risk. He also recommends gradual morning sun to build tolerance and improving omega-3 levels for solar resilience.

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ADVICE

Build Sun Resilience With DHA And Gradual Exposure

Increase dietary DHA (omega-3) to strengthen cell membranes and reduce sunburn risk.
Gradually expose yourself to morning sun and add minutes over weeks to build tolerance safely.

INSIGHT

Sunscreen Can Weaken The Skin's Natural Defenses

Sunscreen acts like a cast on skin and can atrophy protective mechanisms if relied on chronically.
Atrophied skin then fails to signal properly to the brain about solar exposure and repair.

ADVICE

Adjust Fats To Improve Sun Tolerance

Reduce high-linoleic seed oils and prioritize low-linoleic fats to lower burn risk.
Maintain a high omega-3 index to turn UV-interacted DHA into protective dicosinoids.

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Longevity experimenter Bryan Johnson famously avoids direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and photo-aging. But is avoiding the sun actually protective… or does it create a deeper biological problem?In this episode, David Herrera breaks down why sunburn, sunscreen, and modern diets are tightly linked, and why fear of sunlight may be doing more harm than good. We explore how chronic sunscreen use weakens the skin, how seed oils increase burn risk, and why DHA and gradual sun exposure help the body adapt instead of break.Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to save an additional 5% off your Build a Box Subscription!🩸 Get your BLOODWORK/TRT/PEPTIDES! 🩸 ➢ https://marekhealth.com and use code "POWERPROJECT" for 10% off Self-Service Labs and Guided Optimization®.🧠 Methylene Blue: Better Focus, Sleep and Mood 🧠 Use Code POWER10 for 10% off!➢https://troscriptions.com?utm_source=affiliate&ut-m_medium=podcast&ut-m_campaign=MarkBel-I_podcastBest 5 Finger Barefoot Shoes! 👟 ➢ https://Peluva.com/PowerProject Code POWERPROJECT15 to save 15% off Peluva Shoes!Self Explanatory 🍆 ➢ Enlarging Pumps (This really works): https://bit.ly/powerproject1Pumps explained: https://youtu.be/qPG9JXjlhpM?si=JZN09-FakTjoJuaW🚨 The Best Red Light Therapy Devices and Blue Blocking Glasses On The Market! 😎➢https://emr-tek.com/Use code: POWERPROJECT to save 20% off your order!👟 BEST LOOKING AND FUNCTIONING BAREFOOT SHOES 🦶➢https://vivobarefoot.com/powerproject🥶 The Best Cold Plunge Money Can Buy 🥶 ➢ https://thecoldplunge.com/ Code POWERPROJECT to save $150!!➢ https://withinyoubrand.com/ Code POWERPROJECT to save 15% off supplements!➢ https://markbellslingshot.com/ Code POWERPROJECT to save 15% off all gear and apparel!Follow Mark Bell's Power Project Podcast➢ https://www.PowerProject.live➢ https://lnk.to/PowerProjectPodcast➢ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/markbellspowerproject➢ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/markbellspowerprojectFOLLOW Mark Bell➢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksmellybell➢https://www.tiktok.com/@marksmellybell➢ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkBellSuperTraining➢ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marksmellybell