We can recall growing up as children being out in the sun all day and not having any concerns about damaging our skin, using sunscreen or being worried about getting cancer. Those days are over. Now, we are inundated with information about how damaging the sun is and how we should use sunscreens or sunblocks in order to safeguard ourselves from harm.
We know that in the past, studies have shown that over exposure to the sun causes skin cancer, but now we have studies proving that sunscreens can actually cause cancer due to their high toxicity which when used are then absorbed directly into the blood stream. Most chemical sunscreens contain from 2 to 5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (oxybenzone, benzophenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is one of the most powerful free radical generators known to man which leaves us with the startling reality that sunscreens actually cause more cancer deaths than it prevents.
The sun can be damaging when you are exposed during peak periods for an extensive amount of time, however, sunburn is not always the result of over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is our overall state of health that predetermines if the sun can be damaging or healing for us. Natural sunlight is actually very healing and we need exposure to the sun to maintain optimal health. Proper nutrition is what allows our bodies to build protection from sunburn from the inside out. So tanning should properly be seen as a sign of health, although care should always be taken to avoid burning. Ultimately, the healthier you are, the less trouble you will have with sunlight and better able to derive healthy benefits from the sun without being harmed.
Insufficient exposure to sunlight causes a deficiency in Vitamin D, which lowers our immune system and is linked to many chronic diseases including 16 different types of cancers, several nervous system diseases including schizophrenia, depression and multiple sclerosis, diabetes, raised blood pressure, polycystic ovary disease, menstrual problems, infertility, infections and dental decay.
Your body cannot absorb sun with the presence of sunscreen and therefore is unable to create Vitamin D. Supplementing your body with Vitamin D from food or supplements provides only about 10% of our needs.
The body not only needs Vitamin D but a proper balance of both Omega-6 and 3 to be able to deal with sunlight. The ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats is 1:1. However, the average person typically consumes far too much Omega-6 found in corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil and not enough Omega-3 found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil and fish.
You should also ensure to supplement your diet with antioxidants. Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, Canada recommends that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium be used as a protection against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation. He suggests daily dosages of 3 grams or more of vitamin C, 800 IU of vitamin E, and 200 micrograms of selenium (l-selenomethionine)(22). Vitamins C and E also protect against cataract formation.
Once you have taken care to ensure that your have sufficient nutrients to handle the sun, here is how you can begin to enjoy the healing benefits of the sun:
Develop a moderate natural suntan by adopting a regimen of regular, moderate and unprotected sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon of at least at least 10 minutes of sun twice daily, exposing as much skin as possible. At the beginning, go out in the sun gradually while progressively increasing your time in the sun. This will help maintain a protective tan and keep your vitamin D stores at an optimum level.
Eat more foods rich with Omega 3 like fresh fish.
If you are concerned about the mercury content of fish, you can always supplement with a periodic dose of Mercury in a potentised homeopathic form to detoxify your system.
Protect yourself from sunburn by not exposing yourself to the sun for long periods of time and be sure to avoid sun exposure during peak periods (usually between 10 AM through to 3 PM). Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you are outside during peak periods or at any time if you have sensitive skin.
Ensure that your skin is well hydrated by drinking plenty of natural water and keep the skin well moisturized to prevent it from drying out.
Protection
If you feel that you absolutely need sunscreen either due to poor nutrition, overly sensitive skin, or extended exposure during peak periods, then you should insist on using a sunscreen that contains metal particles large enough to sit on the skin, instead of being absorbed into the blood stream.
Some of the best sunscreens that give excellent protection and contain the highest quality of ingredients is, Aubrey Organics which produces one of the very best lines of all-natural sunscreens. Not only do their sunscreen products avoid use of toxic ingredients, they combine UVA-protective titanium dioxide with Padimate O for a full-spectrum blocking effect. In addition, these products contain much higher amounts of powerful skin protecting herbs and nutrients.
Dr.Hauschka’s mineral sunscreen free of synthetic sunscreens, preservatives, colour and fragrance. It is ideal for sensitive skin and unlike synthetic sunscreens, mineral sunscreens begin protecting immediately upon application to the skin.
Titanium Oside or Zinc Oxide sunblock which provides a thick barrier and is great to use for nose and lips. It also comes in a wise variety of colors, like hot pink, neon green and bright yellow.
In the end, remember that exposure to the sun is not a bad thing! It’s actually good for you provided that you are informed, take care of your health, and use the sun wisely.
Datepad
? / Female
Comments: 1
Posted on June 6, 2008, 9:27 am
As a fair skinned person who burns very easily, especially these days, I appreciate the alternatives you suggested!
