We all Scream for Sunscreen - Alameda Sun

[Charlie]

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We all Scream for Sunscreen
Alameda Sun, CA - 1 hour ago
Not only is this not a reasonable option, but inadequate sun exposure has its own problems — namely vitamin D deficiency. Recent research suggests much more ...


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[Neon Beach]

According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States and represent the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008. In addition, researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, say that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for more than half of all human skin cancers.

At first glance the solution seems easy — simply avoid the sun. Not only is this not a reasonable option, but inadequate sun exposure has its own problems — namely vitamin D deficiency. Recent research suggests much more importance linked to this deficiency than first thought. Not only is vitamin D deficiency associated with bone and muscular problems but now there seem to be links to autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurologic and gastrointestinal disorders.

For many years now, our second line of defense has been sunscreen. Behind the scenes there has been much debate over the safety and effectiveness of these chemicals. One of the main problems has been that sunscreens are very effective at reducing sunburn; however they have not done a great job of reducing the risk of cancer. This has evolved into a controversial subject and has lead to confusion as to what people can do to protect themselves.

Sunscreens work in very simple ways. They either absorb the UV rays, reflect them, or both. The absorption involves an organic chemical (eg. oxybenzone) and the reflection involves an opaque material (eg. titanium dioxide) that prevents the UV rays from entering the skin. The bottom line is that in August 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that "the available evidence fails to show that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer or premature skin aging."

Here are three healthier choices:

1. Use proper sun-protective clothing. UV-blocking clothing offers a chemical-free alternative to sunscreen. Look for clothing with a 50+ UV Protection Factor. (UPF)

2. Use an all-natural sunscreen. A general rule of thumb to remember — if you can't pronounce it, it's probably not good for you.

3. Get into the sun. Yes, that's correct — get light to moderate sun exposure during non-peak times of the day (before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.). The vitamin D gained during sun exposure is vital to your health. Just 15 minutes per day of direct sun exposure — even without sunscreen — is a generally acceptable guideline to follow for optimum vitamin D production in your body. Also, remember that use of sunscreen with as low as SPF 8 inhibits more than 95 percent of vitamin D production in the skin.

Remember; use your best judgment when making important choices for you and your family. Read the label and make the best choice based on the best information available to you.