It’s that time of year when we are exposed to the rays of the sun at the pool, on the lake, getaway beach vacations and outdoor activities like golf or tennis. Reaching for sunscreen before spending time in the sun has become an automatic reaction for many of us. We have been taught sunscreen is a “must” if we want to prevent skin cancer, but is this really the case?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in over 3.3 million people in the US in 2012, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the US than all other cancers combined. In fact, the American Cancer Society has stated that in the decade between 2008 and 2018, the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed annually has increased by 53%.

So that begs the question: If we are buying and using more sunscreen, why has skin cancer increased? 

According to the FDA “data fails to show that sunscreen use alone helps prevent premature skin aging and skin cancer.” There is more to decreasing the risk for skin cancer than simply lathering on some lotion.  The National Cancer Institute states that your risk of “skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation.” So, skin cancer prevention begins in childhood.  As in all things, the earlier we begin, the less risk we have for disease. 

Sunscreen use also has some other potential health risks.  Many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals. A recent review of sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group states, “Our review…shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some have toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and disrupt hormones, and several can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.”

Most commercial sunscreens use chemicals to absorb UV rays; these chemicals are linked to hormone disruption, oxidative damage, congenital birth defects, contact dermatitis, and even weight gain. Among the key ingredients to avoid:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octinsalate
• Avobenzone
• Homosalate
• Octocrylene

 

Sunscreen has also been shown to block the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D, which is vital for our overall health. Our main source of Vitamin D is from sun exposure. In about 10 minutes you can absorb 10,000 IUs. Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to a variety of health problems including arthritis, cancer and depression. When we use sunscreen and block our body’s ability to get the Vitamin D we need, then our health can suffer.  Vitamin D is helpful in preventing cancer, as well as improving the function of our immune system. It is also vital for good brain function, strong muscles and bones, and a healthy cardiovascular system. If you avoid the sun, get your vitamin D levels checked by your health care provider. A growing number of the population is deficient thanks to sunscreens and spending more time indoors.

Does all this mean we should never use sunscreen? Not necessarily. However, we should make wise decisions and healthy choices when it comes to the use of sunscreens and sun exposure. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Make sure to get at least 20 minutes of sunlight five days a week without sunscreen on arms, legs and face. Wear a hat and a shirt with sleeves once you have had adequate sun exposure to prevent sunburn. 
2. Reduce your risk for oxidative damage by eating a healthy diet that includes lots of veggies and Omega 3 fats. Often when people burn easily and/or get sun poisoning, they are frequently deficient in essential fatty acids.
3. Choose a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreen. Both offer full sun protection by blocking UV rays from reaching the skin. Look for non-nanoparticle sized zinc and titanium as the only active ingredient on product labels. Good brands are Aubrey Organics, Kiss My Face and Badger. Visit the Environmental Working Group website at www.ewg.org/sunscreen/ to review their annual guide to safer sunscreens to help you make the right purchase.
4. When using a quality natural sunscreen, make sure to use it liberally and often, especially if you are in the water or sweating. Most people do not use enough sunscreen and can be overexposed to UVA/UVB, which can lead to skin cancer.

 

Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.