For most of you born after the invention of suncreen (about 1940), you have grown up with the common "knowledge" that if you don't wear sunscreen you will end up with a sunburn and more seriously, skin cancer. You have been taught that the sun is dangerous and to stay away from it to avoid its damaging effects. If you take a step back and think logically about the sun, you will realize that the sun has been around since the beginning of time and is absolutely necessary for the health and well being of everything living! The old saying "too much of a good thing" does go into play when it comes to sun exposure, but if you are safe and conscientious with how you manage those rays, your health will BENEFIT. Listen up, because you are going to learn what you can do to get the most out of the sun's beam, and what you can do if you are forced to have unsafe levels of exposure.
Contrary to what has been advertised by the dairy association, fortified milk and other fortified foods do not cut it when it comes to vitamin D. The sun is your best source for vitamin D. Your body can easily utilize this type of vitamin D that the sun provides.
Vitamin D is technically a hormone that helps to:
- promote optimal cholesterol levels
- support your cardiovascular system
- enhance your muscle strength
- help produce optimal blood pressure levels
- help maintain a healthy immune system
- support healthy kidney function, promote healthy teeth
- and help to keep your bones strong and healthy
Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to:
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
- arthritis
- infertility
- fatigue
- depression
- autoimmune disorders(Crohns, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis)
- and even obesity
If this isn't reason enough to get out and get some sun, then I don't know what is!
In general, the darker your natural skin tone, the more sun exposure it takes to get the necessary Vitamin D levels. Fairer complexions should get 10-15 minutes a day of SUNSCREEN FREE exposure, and darker complexions should get 15-20 minutes a day. Mid day is the best time to get your daily dose because it has more of the UVB "good" rays. The morning and evening have more UVA rays, which are the more damaging beams. If you are required to be in the sun for a longer period of time, the easiest sun protection is clothing. Wear a hat, and wear lightweight, light colored, long sleeved clothing. If this is not an option, you will need to use a sunscreen.
Go to your cabinet and pull out your sunscreen. If it contains any of the following ingredients, TOSS IT!
- Para amino benzoic acid
- Octyl salicyclate
- Avobenzone
- Oxybenzone
- Cinoxate
- Padimate O
- Dioxybenzone
- Phenylbenzimidazole
- Homosalate
- Sulisobenzone
- Menthyl anthranilate
- Trolamine salicyclate
- Octocrylene
These chemicals are man made chemicals that cause free radical damage to the body, and disrupt your hormones. The more free radical exposure your body has, the higher your chances that your cells will become cancerous. Your skin is your first line of defense and is also the largest organ of your body. It is extremely permeable, so don't think that just because you aren't ingesting it orally it isn't getting to your bloodstream.
If your sunscreen contains these harmful chemicals, DON'T WORRY! There are many options for all natural, chemical free sunscreen.
Here are a few:
- Badger http://www.badgerbalm.com/
- Burt's Bees http://www.burtsbees.com/
- Caribbean Solutions http://www.caribbean-sol.com/
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