Sunscreens, the Good & the Bad
There’s a lot of confusion about UV rays and the damage they can inflict on our bodies. UV stands for ultraviolet rays, and there are three different types, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is absorbed by the ozone, so it really doesn’t affect us. UVA is the longest wavelength and UVB the shortest wave.
It’s said that the sun can cause premature aging, cataracts, eye damage, skin cancer, and a host of other conditions. But, how can this be if we need the sun to survive? There are two obvious and vital factors that will affect how our skin reacts to the sun, what we eat, and what we apply to our skin.
We need large doses of Vitamin D to strengthen our immune system and protect our bodies from cancer. Our body will produce vitamin D when we expose our skin sunlight. Sunlight is also good for our moods. A daily 30-minute walk in the sun can alleviate depression.
We have a layer of fat just under the skin, and this is where harmful fats will be stored. If we’re exposed to toxic, hormone-laden fats or genetically modified omega oils, then they are going to be stored under our skin. When the sun penetrates the skin, it will have a negative reaction to these dangerous fats. So the quality of the food we ingest will definitely determine the quality of our skin.
Sun worshipers, be aware! What products are you applying topically? Because our skin is permeable, whatever we apply to it will be absorbed into our tissue. Rule of thumb, if you can eat, don’t put it on your skin. If you wouldn’t deliberately eat toxic foods, why would you slather it all over your body? Did you know that skincare products are completely unregulated by the FDA because they are not a food or a drug? So, this gives companies the freedom to legally add any ingredient they want, including cancer-causing agents.
If we look at some of the ingredients in various sunscreens, it’s alarming. It’s ironic that since sunscreens have been on the market, there has been a massive increase in various cancers. Most sunscreens block the UVB’s and allow the UVA’s to get into our skin. The UVA’s cause cancer and the UVB’s have protective effects and allow our bodies to produce vitamin D in our skin. Hmm, that’s illogical. So what are the dangerous and toxic ingredients we should avoid in a sunscreen or any lotion for that matter?
- oxybenzone
- para-aminobenzoic acid
- retinyl palmitate
- padimate o
- dioxybenzone
- octyl salicylate
- avobenzone
- octisalate
- octocrylene
- homosalate
- octinoxate
- parabens
- phthalates
It actually gets worse. Companies have created Nano Particles which are dangerous; you’ll find them in waterproof products. They pierce the skin, get into the bloodstream, and the fat layer under the skin, and cause an adverse response from the body. You’re exposing yourself to a whole new danger.
What if we want a sexy tanned body? What are our options? There are safer and natural sunscreen alternatives on the market, or you can use some oils you have at home. Here is a list of sunscreens along with their SPF.
Being outside is fun and our bodies thrive on fresh air and our vibrant sun. But, we want to use common sense and keep our skin from being burned as well. Using healthy and harmless natural sunscreen products on our skin ensures good results.