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Why I Still Follow the Sun, Despite My History of Skin Cancer
This article is a continuation of my personal Skin Cancer Saga. You can find Part One here and Part Two here.
For the past four plus decades we’ve been admonished by medical professionals and the skin care industry to take extreme caution when it comes to sun exposure. We’re told to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm and to slather on chemical-laden sunscreens of the highest SPF available every day, even if you work in Cube City in Cleveland, OH and the only sun exposure you get is walking 50 yards between the parking garage and your office building. In the shade!
We’re indoctrinated to fear the sun and regard it as an evil, cancer-causing orb.
While sun overexposure and burns are absolutely risks best avoided, especially in childhood, I no longer heed the warnings to live my life in fear of sun exposure. I regard and respect the sun, and appreciate its power to be both a source of damage and a source of healing.
In fact, living in central North Carolina, this blue-eyed, fair-skinned woman enjoys a 60 minute sunbath at least three days a week during the months of May through October, as close to solar noon as I can arrange it.
If you visit my backyard unannounced during that time, you’ll see more than you bargained for, since I sunbathe wearing only a bikini and not a speck of sunscreen.
Am I recklessly endangering my life?
Hardly.
Human Health “D”epends on the Sun
Perhaps the most well known benefit of sun exposure is free, natural vitamin D3.
Actually a hormone, D is synthesized in the body when the skin’s surface receives direct, unfettered sunlight.
Clothing, glass, lotions and cosmetics, in addition to all types of sunscreen as low as SPF 8 prevent the skin from absorbing the UVB rays which, combined with our body’s cholesterol, help the body synthesize its own D. The fairer one’s skin, the easier and faster it is to synthesize vitamin D. On the other hand, the darker one’s complexion, the longer it takes to synthesize D.
You may already be familiar with the health benefits of maintaining adequate D levels: strong, healthy bones, teeth, and immune function are the most commonly known benefits, but science continues to reveal the anticancer benefits of having Vitamin D levels in the range of 30 ng/mL and 60 ng/mL.[i]
Well-controlled sun exposure, particularly from UVB rays, however, offers benefits outside of D production, and appears to be protective against melanoma, the rarest, but most aggressive, form of skin cancer.[ii]
Anticancer Benefits from Regular, Well-controlled, Non-burning Sun Exposure.
But evidence shows that avoiding the sun at all costs offers greater risks of developing many common cancers such as colorectal, breast, prostate, bladder, and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Sun avoidance has also been associated with higher all-cause mortality.[iii]
What about Sunscreen?
A huge drawback to slathering on sunscreen daily is that many of the ingredients have been found to have a high level of toxicity. Many of these toxic ingredients cause hormone disruption, preventing the healthy functioning of the reproduction system as well as negatively affecting the thyroid.[iv]
When using a sunscreen is the only option you have, avoid chemical sunscreens in favor of physical sunscreens containing NON-nanoparticle zinc oxide. Before purchasing a sunscreen review the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Sunscreens.[v]
Alternatives to Sunscreen
For over a dozen years, my primary “sunscreen” has consisted of two supplements that have been found to support the body in avoiding damage from UVB and UVA radiation.
Astaxanthin, a red carotenoid found in shrimp, crab, salmon and microalgae, is a powerful antioxidant with far-reaching benefits. Unlike many beneficial nutrients, astaxanthin crosses the blood brain barrier, making it effective for supporting brain function. Among other benefits, astaxanthin prevents skin damage and aging from UV radiation. I take 12mg of a natural astaxanthin from Hawaii most days a week. Studies found only 4 mg a day of astaxanthin was sufficient to help prevent sunburn.[vi]
Vitamin A (retinol) from animal foods such as cod livers and unadulterated Cod Liver Oil, has been found to protect the body from UVB and UVA exposure. Natural, pre-formed Vitamin A improves the body’s ability to tolerate sun exposure.[vii] I use extra-virgin cod liver oil that is harvested from wild Norwegian cod, dosing according to the label.
These two supplements have dramatically increased my body’s tolerance to sun exposure; it used to take me only 10 minutes to get a slight burn, whereas I can now be in the direct sun for 2 hours with no burn whatsoever.
Out in the sun all day?
While I prefer to avoid sunscreens of any type, if I know I’m going to be out in the sun all day, say enjoying water sports or working in a sunny garden, I make an exception and use a safe zinc-based sunscreen and/or wear sun-blocking clothing. I also wear a hat with a brim so wide it covers my shoulders. Seriously; that hat is so awesome it would make Andie MacDowell’s character in Four Weddings and a Funeral give an approving nod.
Practicing Safe Sunbathing
The optimal time for medicinal sunbathing, when the UVB rays, associated with health benefits (and sunburn) are at their strongest is between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm. This is the time the sun is highest in the sky and the rays are most direct.
Obtaining optimal benefits of sun exposure during this time frame, especially in the summer, is faster and more efficient than earlier or later in the day.
Go slow, and start with short bouts of exposure: If you are only able to tolerate 5 minutes of sun exposure at a time, that’s better than none at all.* Slowly building up your tolerance to sun is key for harnessing the health benefits while preventing burns.
If you work in an office building, scope out sunny spots to enjoy during your lunch break. While exposing the most skin is ideal, wearing a swimsuit in the office garden would likely be frowned upon, but rolling up sleeves and pants legs will easily increase your skin’s exposure. For bonus points, if you have access to a grassy spot, take off your socks and shoes and enjoy a bit of Earthing.
Wishing you well, Susan
*Of course, if you have any medical condition or take medications that cause photosensitivity, ignore this post!
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