Quote of the Month
“Welcome to Canada, the land where you can get a sunburn and frostbite in the same week”
Schools out and Summer is finally here…that usually means a lot of days at the cottage, sunscreen and sunburns.
If I asked you the following question…”Does the sun cause skin cancer?”, what would your reply be?
Most people would say “Yes”, but after reading this, you may change your mind.
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths, but studies confirm that melanoma actually decreases with greater sun exposure!
There are 3 main reasons why:
- Most sunscreens may be hazardous to your health and can actually increase your cancer risk. Oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting chemical used in sunscreens, penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. It’s also a photocarcinogen – it increases production of free radicals and attacks DNA. Another common ingredient, Octinoxate, also disrupts hormones (as tested in laboratory animals) and disrupts thyroid hormones and brain function. Wow!
- The other part of the problem ties back to Vitamin D. When you wear sunscreen, you block the body’s ability to manufacture Vitamin D AND Vitamin D is more than just a vitamin. It goes directly to the genes in your skin to help prevent abnormalities caused by ultraviolet light…in short…NO vitamin D, NO protection! I’m not saying don’t wear sunscreen, but you do need to be responsible when you are in the sun and you do need to avoid overexposure.
- Also compounding the problem is the sun’s altitude. In order for me to get Vitamin D, the sun’s altitude must be 50 degrees or higher. This is because we need exposure to UVB which helps make Vitamin D. UVA on the other hand is harmful. For example, the highest altitude in the Toronto area (43 degrees 70’ latitude and 79 degrees, 24’ longitude) on June 28th 2016 was 33.9 degrees at 3pm – not enough to get anything. You can check your location here: It’s American, but you can use your co-ordinates to obtain the information you need using Form B.
So, if you are unable to get outside daily (15 minutes) to get some real vitamin D, you will have to resort to supplementation; however, not all are created equal. Fortified foods often contain vitamin D2 which doesn’t absorb properly (if at all). Others contain vitamin D3, but they don’t include Vitamin K2 which is essential for proper absorption. We do have a wonderful high quality Vitamin D3 spray that absorbs under your tongue beautifully!
If you do not go outside because you “react” to the sun, please come see us for a complimentary consult. This sensitivity can be addressed naturally with our Allergy Relief Technique!
Now, if you’re suddenly find yourself looking for an alternative organic/natural sun protection product for you and your children this summer, there’s one called the Pre-Sun Moisturizer.
Enjoy the sun…but not too much!
Christine
Did You Know
- The following things have a natural SPF: Red Raspberry Seed Oil SPF 25-50, Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 35-40, wheat germ oil – SPF 20,coconut oil – SPF 10
- Don’t shower for 48 hours after sun exposure or you will wash off the Vitamin D before it has a chance to be properly absorbed. (taken from the great Dr. Mercola at articles.mercola.com)