Most commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that may contribute to the growth of skin cancer. Yet every summer, we continue to slather it on our bodies in an effort to prevent skin cancer and avoid being sunburned. Why?
The truth is, most of us are ignorant of the dangers of sunscreen. The makers of these products are not required to disclose the potentially toxic effects of the ingredients they contain, and the media constantly inundates us with messages about sunscreen being the best way to prevent cancer.
It’s time we know the truth. Summer is on the horizon, and many of us will spend hours by the pool or the beach. How can you avoid harmful suncare products and prevent sunburn without having to avoid the sun altogether? Here are a few facts the makers of sunscreen products aren’t telling you:
#1: The sun is good for you. It’s a common misconception that spending time outdoors will cause skin cancer. In reality, indoor workers have higher incidences of melanoma than outdoor workers who are exposed to the sun all day long. Moreover, cancer patients who previously received more sunlight than those who didn’t have higher survival rates.
Sunlight is made up of three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays don’t reach the earth, so we don’t have much to worry about with those. UVB rays are strong during the middle of the day, while UVA rays are most common during early morning and late afternoon. Most sunscreens are produced to filter out UVB rays. It’s these rays that are taken into account when measuring the SPF (sun-protection factor) of a sunscreen. Because of this, most of us believe UVB rays are the ones to avoid. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, UVB rays actually produce Vitamin D, which is our best defense against diseases, including skin cancer. This essential vitamin goes directly into our genes to prevent any abnormalities that ultraviolet light may cause.
Most Americans are Vitamin D-deficient, which means we need more sun, not less.
#2: Three out of five sunscreen brands are ineffective and contain harmful ingredients. Your skin is a very porous and absorbent organ. In fact, you can test this idea for yourself by putting a clove of raw garlic between your toes. Within seconds of doing so, you’ll be able to taste its flavor in your mouth. That’s how fast your skin absorbs what you put on it.
My rule of thumb is never to put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t be willing to put in your mouth. Yet, most of us will use beauty products containing toxic chemicals without even batting an eye. The chemicals found in commercial sunscreens are not only toxic; they may actually contribute to the growth of cancer cells. And we thought we were preventing skin cancer by using them!
Some of the most common harmful ingredients include: octinoxate, oxybenzone, nano zinc oxide, and nano titanium dioxide (to name a few.) These ingredients have been found to interfere with our body’s hormonal systems and even damage DNA.
#3: There are much better ways to prevent sunburn, while still getting plenty of Vitamin D. A few things I recommend:
- Use coconut oil. It’s natural and found in most sunscreens already, and you can buy it at just about any grocery store. Simply scoop it out from the jar and apply directly to the skin.
- Use non-nano zinc oxide. Nano zinc oxide particles are small enough to penetrate the skin; non-nano zinc oxide particles are not, so they’re safer. If you know you’re going to be out in the sun for a while and need something stronger than coconut oil to protect your skin, this is the best solution.
- Hang out in the shade at noontime. It’s best to avoid spending hours in the sun in the middle of the day. If you must, wear hats and long-sleeved shirts, and try to stay in shaded areas.
- Take a good Vitamin D supplement. We recommend Maximized Living Vitamin D3 + Probiotic. It’s a great immune-system booster and will help you get your daily dose of healthy Vitamin D on rainy days. (If you set up a monthly autoship from my store, you’ll receive a discount and never run out!)
Which brings me to my #1 recommendation for staying healthy and preventing cancer: keep living the Maximized Living lifestyle! Make sure you’re incorporating the 5 DREAM principles of healthy living into your daily routine.