With the July 4th week upon us…we are posting an earlier blog on “Sun Health”, enjoy and we will have a new post next week.
With spring here and the summer months upon us, it is time to start thinking about lathering on the sunscreen to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Or is it? If you are like me, you are fearful to
send your children outside to play without any sunscreen on during the summer months. However, there are
physicians and researchers that now believe the dangers of the sun have been completely exaggerated. As I researched the topics of sunlight and sunscreen, a clear message kept reoccurring. WE NEED SUNLIGHT, and there is no scientific proof that sunscreens actually protect us from melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. Sunscreen can protect us from sunburn, but there are other options to protect us as well (please see above for tips).
Ninety percent of our vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D reduces the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. The mechanism is quite fascinating, as sunlight converts cholesterol in your body into the vitamin D. Other clinically proven benefits are as follows: improved mental performance and mood, a reduced risk of melanoma, reversals in the negative effects of bone diseases, including osteoporosis, relief from depression, enhanced pancreatic function that could increase insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes, promotion of weight loss, more restful sleep, more energy, lower blood pressure, a reduction in high blood sugar levels, a lowering of bad cholesterol in blood, and a build-up of immunity. One research study of 4000 women found those with higher doses of sun exposure had 50% less risk for breast cancer versus those who had lower exposure levels. It is suggested that we get 15-30 minutes of sun exposure every other day, beginning with lower amounts early in the season to prevent burning.
A more disturbing side to my research on sunscreens is the risks they may pose to our health. My question is, do the benefits of sunscreen outweigh the risks? What we put on our skin to protect us from cancer may actually be causing more damage than good. One such ingredient, is Benzophenone (or derivatives Benzophenone-3 or Oxybenzone) which is found in many popular sunscreens including the Coppertone Water Babies which I had frequently used. It is a good protector against UVB and UVA rays, however, it is a powerful free radical generator activated by UV light. These free radicals are what can ultimately lead to melanoma and other skin cancers.
Other ingredients include the petrochemical version of PABA, which has been removed from most sunscreens. This is absorbed into the skin and can cause skin irritation. It is not known if it is absorbed into other organs as well. Chemicals such as TEA and DEA, Octinoxate, and Salicylates are suspected or known carcinogens and can even be readily absorbed into the blood stream. This is of particular concern for children who have less developed systems to eliminate these harmful chemicals. Paraben, which was discussed in our January newsletter, has been shown to mimic estrogen and can lead to diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and even breast cancer.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have come to the forefront of current research. The July 2007 Consumer Reports rated the most effective sunscreens for protection against UVA and UVB light. It also ran an article on nano-particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, indicating the lack of companies listing these nano-particles in their ingredients and questioning their safety. Consumer Reports concluded that there has not been enough research regarding the safety of these ingredients and, therefore, they should be avoided.
On the heels of the article by Consumer Reports, the Environmental Working Group performed their own research and, to their surprise, reached different conclusions. After reviewing 15 peer-reviewed studies on skin absorption of these nano-particles, nearly all showed no absorption through healthy skin. Therefore, they concluded zinc and titanium based formulations are among the safest, most effective sunscreens on the market. Further support for the use of nano-titanium is that it has been fully cleared as safe by the European and Australian cosmetic regulatory bodies.
The Environmental Working Group has a list on their website of the safest and most effective sunscreens for UVA/UVB protection. It is my opinion that the safest sunscreens contain the least amount of harmful chemicals, and, for now, I feel comfortable using nano-sized particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in moderation. My plan for the summer is to allow my family to get healthy doses of sun exposure without sunscreen and applying the sunscreen of my choice, Badger Sunblock spf30, only when out for longer periods of time or during peak sun times to avoid sunburn. To research your own sunscreens, visit www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.
This blog and information herein is the sole opinion of the authors. No statement is to replace the care of a physician, nutritionist and no product claims to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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