DO get some sunshine!
We need at least 15 min. of sunshine per day for our body to absorb the vital Vitamin D it requires. Vitamin D deficiency leads to MS, lowered immune function and cancer. Extreme deficiency can lead to rickets. Since it takes 15 min or so for the sunscreen to absorb, it’s fine to go out right away so you can soak up your 15 min. or so of Vitamin D. But when choosing sunscreen, BEWARE of dangerous ingredients:
3 Main Sunscreen Ingredients that CAUSE free radical damage found to be higher in people using sunscreen than those who don’t!
- Octocrylene
- Octyl Methoxycinnamate
- Benzophenone
Three more culprits to beware of:
- Oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor and linked to skin cancer
- Retinyl Palmitate may increase risk of cancer when exposed to sunlight
- Avobenzone can break down into toxic chemicals when exposed to chlorinated water & sunlight. It’s also found in:
- lipsticks
- lip balms
- moisturizers
Sunscreen should provide protection against both Ultraviolet A (UVA) & Ultraviolet B (UVB) referred to as “Broad-Spectrum” sunscreen and should be applied 30 min. prior to sun exposure & re-applied every 2 hrs.
- UVA rays cause skin aging & wrinkling
- UVB rays cause reddening (free radical damage)
- SPF rating is a measure of time before burning occurs
- SPF 15 = 150min = 2 1/2 hours of protection before burning occurs
- Higher SPF factors don’t increase the protection factor by much: benefits max out at 15 so keep SPF under 50
- use Zinc Oxide WITHOUT Nanoparticles
- use Titanium-based mineral sunscreens
- Avoid spray or powder formulations
The following alternatives provide natural sun protection:
- Antioxidants from carrots, fruits (kiwis, oranges & strawberries) green tea, leafy greens, nuts & seeds, oily fish (salmon) red peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes & watermelon
- Antioxidant and Vitamin D supplements
- Slowly work on getting a tan which is your body’s own natural sun protection
- Wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat