FYI from Sazdanoff Clinic
The Truth about Sunscreen
Beautiful Day! Time to head outside to rest and relax with family and friends. First things first and slather on that sunscreen. After all, that’s the right thing to do to prevent a sunburn and skin cancer down the line… right?
Not necessarily, claims the Environmental Working Group in their annual report. According to the EWG, close to 50% of the 500 most popular sunscreen products contain toxic ingredients that can actually accelerate the development of malignant cancer cells, including Vitamin A derivatives retinyl palmitate and retinol. Other synthetic chemicals used in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone, can enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc with your hormones. Only 39 of products reviewed by the EWG were considered safe and effective to use. Many of these are available in health food stores.
The truth is, we need the Vitamin D we get from exposure to the sun. Our bodies don’t produce Vitamin D naturally, and the sunlight is the best way to get this nutrient that plays a major role in optimizing your health. So what alternative ways can you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful affects? Here a few suggestions:
- Stay out of the sun. During the midday hours when the rays are the most harmful
- Wear protective clothing
- Stay in the shade
- If you must use sunscreen,
Be mindful of the amount of the time you’re spending in the sun. If you notice that your skin is starting to turn even the slightest shade of pink, it’s time to head to shade or indoors.
