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Sun – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I love summer!  I love the longer days, the beautiful colors and the relaxed attitudes. In my heart, I’ll always be a kid feeling like I’m free -out of school for the summer!

With the long days of summer, however, come long days of sunshine. For many that can mean hours in the sun swimming, playing, gardening or working.

Over the past several years, we’ve been getting some mixed messages about sun exposure. One group tells us to completely cover up to protect from skin-damaging rays and skin cancer. The other group tells us that we actually need some sun exposure regularly to enhance vitamin D production and actually prevent cancer.

In between these two extremes, we have the sunscreen debate.  Are sunscreens safe? If so, are some better or worse than others?

What a dilemma for us outdoor enthusiasts!

The internet is teeming with articles on the sun and sun protection. In the interest of keeping this blog a relatively quick I am going to hit the highlights that I think are important for you to know and provide links for you to continue reading if you want to learn more. Mostly I want to share with you some exciting new research that was recently published about a supplement that helps reduce photosensitivity and battle skin cancer!

First up – Sun is it healthy or is it the devil?

• Sun exposure stimulates the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical for
  • bone structure
  • immune function
  • cancer prevention
  • reduce the incidence of certain diseases such as MS,
  • and has even been shown to reduce the necessity of C-sections!

• Sun exposure actually has many health benefits, beyond stimulating the production of vitamin D. In the early 1900’s scientists observed sunlight to ‘cure’ some 160 different diseases.

• The electromagnetic rays from the sun balance your cells' energy balance.

• It is difficult to get sufficient vitamin D from the diet.

• You can’t overdose on vitamin D via sun exposure.

Length of sun exposure should be short enough to prevent a change in skin color e.g. sunburn. This time frame depends on the intensity of the sunlight, but generally, 15 minutes per day is recommended or 30 minutes four times per week. Everyone’s response to sunlight is different, so be vigilant about getting out of the sun if you’re feeling changes in skin color may be taking place.*

Expose as much of your skin as possible – not just face and arms. Time to break out that old speedo or bikini!

*Note: With children, you may not see the full ramification of sun exposure for up to 12 hours. So even what looks a little pink skin tone in a child may show up as a sunburn 12 hours later.

Sunscreen or not to Sunscreen?

What if you want or need to be out in the sun longer than 15 minutes?

There are generally two types of sunscreen – chemical and physical.

• Chemically based sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and react with the sun’s rays causing them to be released as heat.
  • Some of the chemicals used in this type of sunscreen have controversial health issues.
  • These chemicals have been shown to kill coral reefs and are currently being banned in Hawaii.
  • The two primary chemicals are oxybenzone and oxinoxate.
  • Be aware that sprays and powders cause these chemicals to become airborne and enter the lungs which could pose further health concerns.

• Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide an actual physical barrier to the sun’s rays, hence the classic ‘lifeguard nose”.

• Bear in mind that your skin is your largest organ. What goes on your skin will get to the rest of your tissues eventually. The big picture with sunscreens is those that provide a physical barrier are probably safest.

Click here for the EWG sunscreen guide.

Sun Safety: Sunscreen and Sun Protection - WebMD

https://www.ucsd.tv/search-details.aspx?showID=29085

Other barrier options:

• Clothing
• Hats
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Scarves

NOW the exciting research I was telling you about..

MILK THISTLE!

Recent research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center has shown that milk thistle protects against UV-induced skin cancer. When treated with milk thistle, skin cells that had suffered UV damage could be repaired. Those cells with significant damage were killed which prevented mutation into skin cancer. Milk thistle is non-toxic to healthy cells.

Milk thistle appears to have both a protective effect against UV damage and acts as an active patrol to seek out and destroy UV damaged skin.

As a side note, milk thistle has also been shown to be effective against damage from chemotherapy as well as prevent cancer metastases.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a set dose, nor are there topical milk thistle products (yet!).

Dr. David Williams suggests 100 mg capsules three times per day.

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/milk-thistle/?gl=582829842&mpweb=144-1535335-408791818

https://www.drdavidwilliams.com/milk-thistle-protects-against-skin-cancer

I hope you’re as excited about this discovery as I am!

I know this is a ton of information.  Here’s the take away:

• Sunlight in proper doses is GREAT for your overall health and well-being.
• When planning on being in the sun for more than 15-30 minutes, use some form of barrier sun protection, e.g. clothing, zinc oxide etc.
• Look into milk thistle and it’s benefits for sun protection and overall health.

Finally..

Have a fun and safe summer!

Until next time,

Be well

P.S.  BIG NEWS! My Book, From Overwhelmed to Inspired, was named FINALIST in the International Book Awards – Health Category.  Trust me. You’ll be seeing more announcements in the near future.