Jinger Duggar Explains Why She Doesn’t Always Put Sunscreen on Her 3 Kids, Saying She Prefers to “Let Them Soak Up Some Sun” — and Fans Are Divided
Jinger Duggar Vuolo, known to millions from the hit TLC series 19 Kids and Counting and its spin-off Counting On, has long been one of the most independent voices to emerge from the famous Duggar family. But her latest comments about parenting have ignited a new wave of discussion, as she revealed that she doesn’t always apply sunscreen on her three young children — and instead lets them “soak up some sun.”
The revelation came during a recent episode of The Jinger and Jeremy Podcast, the show she co-hosts with her husband, former professional soccer player and pastor Jeremy Vuolo. In a candid segment, the couple discussed their evolving views on modern health and wellness, with Jinger admitting that she tends to lean “a little crunchy” — a term often used to describe parents who prefer natural or holistic approaches to medicine and daily life.
When the topic of sunscreen came up, Jinger shared her personal approach with surprising honesty. “I’m not a huge fan of using normal sunscreen all the time,” she said. “I like to let the kids get some sun on their skin — just a little — to soak up vitamin D. I think it’s good for them to have a balance.”
Her comment was delivered casually, as part of a broader conversation about parenting decisions and self-education. But it quickly caught attention online, sparking debate among fans and critics alike. The episode, originally intended as a lighthearted discussion about family health habits, quickly found itself at the center of a broader conversation about sun safety and responsible parenting.
Jinger, 30, and Jeremy, 37, share three children, and both have been vocal about the care and thought they put into raising them. Living in California, the couple has embraced a lifestyle that differs dramatically from Jinger’s upbringing in conservative Arkansas. Since leaving the Duggar family’s fundamentalist community, Jinger has redefined herself as a modern wife and mother — one who embraces freedom, individuality, and education, often speaking about how her faith and worldview have evolved since childhood.
Her latest comments, however, highlight the tightrope many parents walk between traditional advice and personal conviction. “I don’t think sunscreen is bad,” she clarified on the show, “but I’m just not comfortable with all the chemicals in certain types. I try to find alternatives or let them play outside in short bursts without it.” She explained that she believes in moderation and that her family’s approach is guided by research and intuition, not neglect.
The backlash, however, was swift. On social media, reactions ranged from curiosity to outright criticism. One comment on Instagram read, “This is how kids end up with skin cancer later in life. Sun exposure isn’t something to take lightly.” Another added, “You can get vitamin D from supplements — not sunburn.”
Medical experts were quick to weigh in as the conversation spread. Dermatologists universally agree that sunscreen is one of the most effective tools for preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Dr. Emily Jacobs, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist, explained to People, “There’s no such thing as a completely safe tan. Even limited exposure without sunscreen can cause long-term damage, especially in children.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and just a few childhood sunburns can double a person’s risk later on. “We understand parents wanting to reduce chemical exposure,” Dr. Jacobs said, “but there are mineral-based sunscreens that are safe, effective, and free from harsh ingredients.”
To her credit, Jinger did not dismiss the science. In the episode, she noted that she occasionally uses “cleaner” or mineral-based products, like those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. “I don’t want to scare anyone away from sunscreen,” she said. “We just do what works for us, and I try to find natural options that I feel good about.”
Still, the controversy reflects the complexity of Jinger’s public image — a woman navigating motherhood, modernity, and her faith while still living under the microscope of reality TV fame. For years, she has been seen as one of the more progressive Duggar siblings, often breaking away from her family’s conservative norms. She wears jeans and modern clothing, moved to Los Angeles with her husband, and has openly questioned elements of her strict upbringing under Bill Gothard’s teachings, which she later described as “harmful.”
In her 2023 memoir, Becoming Free Indeed, Jinger shared how she learned to think critically about the beliefs she was raised with. “I started realizing that some of what I had been taught about God and life wasn’t actually biblical,” she wrote. “I had to separate truth from fear.” Her decision to approach parenting with curiosity and autonomy seems to stem from that same journey — though, as seen this week, it sometimes puts her at odds with mainstream opinion.
For many fans, that honesty is what makes her relatable. “She’s not saying she’s perfect,” one listener wrote on Reddit. “She’s just a mom trying to make thoughtful choices for her kids.” Another defended her approach, saying, “It’s refreshing to see a Duggar woman actually question things and think for herself.”
Jeremy Vuolo, ever the steady counterpart, chimed in during the podcast with his own take. “We’re learning as we go,” he said. “Every parent wants the best for their kids, and sometimes that means figuring out what works for your family. There’s a lot of noise out there — you just have to be informed and intentional.”
Their conversation also touched on broader wellness habits, like limiting processed foods and spending time outdoors. Jinger explained that she encourages her children to play outside regularly, believing that sunshine, movement, and fresh air are key to a healthy childhood. “I grew up playing outside all day,” she said. “We didn’t sit inside on screens all the time. I want that for my kids too.”
Despite her explanation, public discussion around her remarks continues to grow. Fans have debated whether her stance is simply personal preference or an irresponsible message to her millions of followers. Some suggested that, given her platform, she has a responsibility to promote medically sound information. Others argued that parents should have the freedom to make their own decisions without online judgment.
The Duggar family, long used to controversy, has largely stayed out of the conversation. Since stepping away from the show and distancing herself from her parents’ strict rules, Jinger has built her own audience — one that spans loyal fans of the original 19 Kids and Counting and newer followers drawn to her honesty and vulnerability.
Her latest statement isn’t likely to change that dynamic; if anything, it reinforces Jinger’s evolution as a public figure unafraid to share her perspective, even when it invites criticism. She has said in past interviews that she values authenticity over approval. “When you live your life for other people’s opinions, you lose yourself,” she told People earlier this year. “I’d rather be honest about my journey than pretend to have it all figured out.”
As the conversation continues, one thing is clear — Jinger Duggar Vuolo remains a fascinating figure in American pop culture, walking the line between tradition and transformation. Her comments about sunscreen may have caused a stir, but they also highlight the ongoing challenges parents face in the modern era: balancing scientific advice, personal conviction, and the pressure of public opinion.
For some, her story is a cautionary reminder of the importance of following medical guidelines. For others, it’s an example of a mother daring to question norms and make informed choices. And for Jinger herself, it may simply be another chapter in her ongoing story — one defined not by controversy, but by the courage to think freely.
In the end, Jinger’s message, however polarizing, fits the theme of her life post-reality TV: one of independence, self-reflection, and growth. Whether it’s about sunscreen, spirituality, or parenting, she continues to do what few in her position have — think out loud, even when the world disagrees.
