You’re probably aware of the dangers of sun on your skin. Everywhere you go, the media and countless sunscreen ads have done a good job telling you how sunlight is bad for your health. They have convinced you that you need a high level of SPF to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Since you are not fully informed of what sunscreen is made of, you simply succumb to the belief that the sun is indeed harmful and that sunblock is necessary for skin cancer prevention.
Sunlight Can Reduce Your Risk of Certain Diseases
Now here’s something you should know: research shows that sunlight is actually healthy for you. Contrary to what the press and sunscreen manufacturers would like you to think, sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, a nutrient with beneficial effects to your health. Vitamin D can protect you from getting some types of cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and etc.
Most Sunscreens Are Toxic
Beware also of sunscreens. One study has shown that using sunscreen lotion has increased the prevalence of melanoma, a malignant tumor that causes dark pigment on the skin.
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading nutrition expert, explains that majority of sunblock products on the market can:
• Block your body’s vitamin D production by as much as 97.5% to 99.9% – Natural sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D and once you use sunscreen, it immediately prevents you from getting all the benefits of vitamin D.
• Harm your body because of its chemical components – What you don’t know is that majority of sunscreens are toxic. They contain man-made chemicals, which when absorbed through the skin, may circulate in your blood stream and cause potential complications to your health. Some of these chemicals are:
- Titanium dioxide, a common ingredient, is pointed out as a “potential occupational carcinogen” by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
- Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), the main chemical used in 90% of sunscreen brands, is toxic when exposed to sunshine. There is evidence that low doses of OMC can kill mouse cells.
- Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, a UVA filter, exhibits toxic properties.
- Dioxybenzone and Oxybenzone may damage your cells because they cause the generation of dangerous free radicals in your body.
These are just some of the many chemicals that may potentially harm your skin. So if you are going to buy sunscreen, check out the labels first for these ingredients.
Sunscreen Does Protect You from Sunburn
Let’s make one thing clear: we are not saying that sunscreen is totally not necessary. At times when it is impossible to control the duration of your sun exposure, sunscreen is still needed to protect you from sunburn. These refer to unavoidable circumstances where you have prolonged exposure to the sun. For example, if you are in a situation where you are forced to stay out for a longer time than what is considered optimal or safe and when wearing additional clothing is impractical, of course you would need sunscreen – but it has to be a safe, good quality sunscreen product. Dr. Mercola recommends using natural sunscreen, which is made of organic ingredients and minerals, without any chemical content .
Don’t Tan Too Much in the Sun
But if you can limit your time in the sun, do that. Remember that the sun is not your enemy. You can always go out and tan in the sun. As long as you keep track of your sun tanning – only getting optimal levels of Vitamin D, with your skin turning the lightest shade of pink – you are safe.
Bear in mind that overexposure to the sun’s UV rays is potentially harmful. Always be careful not to get sunburn. Otherwise, moderate, gradual, and optimal sun exposure can be healthy for you.
Now you know the truth about sunscreen, don’t just believe anything you see and hear on TV. Get informed. Check this site for more tanning articles and other related topics.
