Today I want to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

THE SUN

The sun is the most important source of energy for life here on earth. We need this powerful star but it should be highly respected.

Why am I talking about the sun and why is it near and dear to my heart?

It’s what the sun did to my beautiful niece Ashley Drury. She was diagnosed at the age of 26 with stage 3 melanoma. Unfortunately, too many people know what it feels like to get the diagnosis of cancer.  According to the Surgeon Generals Office, 5 million people in the US are treated for skin cancer. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country and most cases are preventable.

MAY IS MELANOMA MONTH

There are six known risk factors for melanoma.

The risks include family history, indoor tanning, the number of moles, fair skin and freckles, UV radiation, and severe sunburns.

We can control our use of tanning booths, getting sunburnt and exposure to UV radiation and that is my  intent of sharing this blog. I hope this increases your awareness so you are better equipped to protect yourself and your family. To honor melanoma month, I would like to share information on sun protection and prevention.

To understand sun protection via sunscreen, let’s back up a little bit and talk about sunshine.

RAYS

There are two main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB.

UVB rays cause our skin to burn and are responsible for NON-melanoma skin cancers. These types of cancers are slow growing and more treatable.
UVB rays are responsible for the synthesis of the hormone that 50% of the population is deficient in. YEP, you guessed it, Vitamin D. It has been shown that sunscreens with an SPF of 8 can decrease Vitamin D synthesis by 95%. Interestingly, Vitamin D has been shown to be protective against many forms of cancer such as bladder, breast, lung and even skin cancer. Sunscreens block the synthesis of a vitamin that protects against skin cancer. Hmmmm…

UVA rays penetrate deeper and are responsible for the most deadly form of melanoma skin cancer. Many sunscreens do not block UVA rays. Backwards, right? We’re blocking the wrong rays. Obviously, we don’t want to burn but we also don’t want to have exposure to UVA rays that can cause melanoma cancer.

SUNSCREENS

Sunscreens are designed to protect us by blocking UVB rays and slowing down the rate at which we burn. As a consumer, we need to be “buyer beware” when it comes to purchasing sun care products.

Did you know that there are two types of sunscreens?

There are physical and chemical sunscreens, each with a different purpose.

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays; they prevent our body from sweating, interfere with vitamin D synthesis and are loaded with toxic ingredients that get absorbed right into our skin.

The key ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, PABA’s and nanoparticles. Mumbo Jumbo? Well, to help clarify and dig a little deeper click on here.

These ingredients are known endocrine disrupters or sensitizers.  This means that they increase the likelihood of skin damage and burning. What? The sunscreen that I am putting on to protect me may increase sun damage and cause me to burn?

Physical barrier sunscreens will reflect/block UVA and UVB rays altogether by becoming a physical barrier on the skin. They include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and clothing.

SPRAY NO MORE

Sunscreens come in sprays or lotions. Avoid the spray sunscreens as you get a double whammy. Chemicals absorbed and inhaled. With the spray, people apply less and it’s hard to tell if you have missed a spot. In 2011, the FDA began an analysis of the potential risks of spray sunscreens and in 2014 the Consumer Reports urged people to avoid spray sunscreen until the FDA could finalize their review.

IN CONCLUSION

Be your own advocate

I hope and pray that you gained insight and awareness to the fact that not all sunscreens are the same. Realize that there are toxicities in everyday sunscreens, which can cause more harm than good.

My next blog post in a few days will include the alternatives and options for good sources of sunscreens, ways to protect yourself and input from a guest 🙂

We need to live in harmony with Mother Nature and the Sun as they are beautiful gifts.

Nature listens.  Nature Heals- Brittany Burrows