Beach Butter

Posts Tagged ‘sunscreen’

As recently as 20 years ago, most people still lacked a clear understanding of the toll that the sun can take on our skin and long-term health. We basked in the sunlight, hoping for a dazzling tan, not realizing that such exposure could have severe consequences in the years to come. Today, we know better. We understand that excessive exposure to the sun without adequate protection often comes with a steep price. We recognize the gradual damage that sunlight can have on our skin. That’s why nearly all doctors and dermatologists recommend using sunscreen if you intend to subject yourself to the sun’s rays. Below, you’ll learn about the different types of ultraviolet rays and how a chemical called ecamsule offers protection from their onslaught.

The Difference Between UVA And UVB Rays

When you hear the phrase “ultraviolet rays,” you may not realize that there are different types: most notably, UVA and UVB. When you spend the day at the beach without sunscreen, the sunburn you experience comes from UVB rays. These same rays are largely responsible for skin cancer. UVA rays, on the other hand, filter deeper into your skin. While these rays don’t cause sunburns, they can result in longer-term skin damage such as accelerated aging, wrinkles and other skin conditions. UVA rays have also been linked to skin cancer. In order to protect your skin and your health while exposed to the sun, you need to use a sunscreen that provides a shield from both types of rays.

Sun Protection Through Ecamsule

Many types of sunscreens don’t provide adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. A few, such as Anthelios and Mexoryl sunscreens do offer such protection. These sunscreens contain a chemical called ecamsule, known for its effectiveness in stabilizing under direct sunlight. By using ecamsule along with the active water-soluble Mexoryl SX and oil-soluble Mexoryl XL ingredients, Anthelios sunscreens can help prevent the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

How Ecamsule Works

Ultraviolet rays from the sun are not merely deflected by your sunscreen. They are absorbed by the ecamsule ingredient (if you’re using an Anthelios sunscreen with Mexoryl). Once absorbed, a molecular process known as photoisomerization occurs, after which the ultraviolet rays are discharged as thermal energy.

Both types of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) are defined based upon the length of the rays measured in nanometers. UVB rays are shorter, generally measuring between 280-320 nanometers. UVA rays are measured up to 400 nanometers. The ecamsule ingredient found in the most effective sunscreens can offer protection against all ultraviolet rays in the range of 290-400 nanometers. While ecamsule doesn’t shield you from all UV rays, it is one of the most potent agents in sunscreens available.

Investing In Your Long-Term Health

We often take our health and exposure to the sun for granted. Ironically, we do this largely because we’re unable to see the gradual impact the sun has on us. But, the consequences of long-term excessive exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can be severe. While most people think that any sunscreen can offer adequate protection, experts agree that those which contain the ecamsule agent provide the most effective protection. Ultimately, your health and longevity is in your control. Take the steps necessary to ensure you and your family have sufficient protection from the sun.

According to Dermatologists, the suns ultraviolet light is your skins biggest enemy – which means sunscreen may just be your skins biggest friend. All sunscreen products today block out burn-causing UVB rays; very few adequately block UVA rays. Yet, it is these long, glass-penetrating UVA rays that are responsible for the wrinkles, collagen and elastin breakdown, brown spots, and broken capillaries associated with sun damage. To help your skin, you need a product that is labeled “broad-spectrum,” which means it blocks both types of rays. You also need a formula that boasts an SPF of at least 15; with the thinning ozone layer, cautious dermatologists suggest an SPF that is no lower than 30.

Chemical sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens use chemicals that absorb UVA and UVB light, preventing it from damaging surrounding skin cells. There are a lot of chemical ingredients currently used in sunscreen, but only Parsol 1789 blocks out both UVA and UVB effectively. Remember, it’s important to block out both skin-ruining UVA and burn-causing UVB rays!

Don’t use old sunscreen because these products lose their effectiveness after 1 to 2 years. If you can’t find an expiration date and can’t remember when you purchased your sunscreen, buy yourself a fresh bottle.

Physical sunscreens

Physical sunscreens are sometimes called sun-blocks because they form a barrier to block the entry of UVA and UVB light. Titanium dioxide, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is one of the most popular physical sunscreens – and it is an ingredient in most physical sunscreens. Because it leaves a white, flaky finish, it is best combined with zinc oxide, which is one of the most powerful UVA protectants around. Unlike the thick, white stuff that surfers and lifeguards once wore, today’s zinc – which also goes by the names micronized zinc oxide and Z-Cote – is transparent.

How to use sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, how you use it is as important as what kind you use. Make sure you use enough sunscreen for the protection you need. Don’t rely on moisturizers or makeup that contain sunscreen. These can be additions to your sun ­protection routine, but it is chemically difficult to blend a strong, broad-spectrum sunscreen into a moisturizer or foundation. You’re safer using actual sunscreen as your primary defense against ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen needs a few minutes to meld with your skin before it can do its job. That’s why many sunscreen labels suggest applying at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply even if a product says “waterproof,” “rub-proof,” or “all-day formula.” Why? According to some dermatologists, most sun screening agents have a 2-hour span when they’re most effective.

Many sunscreens are heavy and greasy, which makes the acne-prone among us tempted to forego sun protection altogether. Experiment with light, oil-free gel formulas instead.

This summer, millions will be gearing up for the great outdoors. One of the most popular items that will be shopped for is sunscreen. We are constantly warned of the dangers associated with the sun, so it makes sense to purchase sunscreen to protect ourselves from dangerous UV rays. Before you go stock up on this substance, it is important that you know and understand that there are some dangers associated with sunscreen. Here, I will share with you some of the dangers associated with sunscreen.

While it is important to do what you can to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, it is best to find measures other than sunscreen if you want to do it. There are numerous products that contain a large number of toxic chemicals that can invade your skin and these chemicals can actually increase the opportunity for cancer to arise. The following represents the chemicals in sunscreen that pose a potential hazard to individuals who come in contact with them:

• 1. Oxybenzone
• 2. PABA
• 3. Titanium Dioxide
• 4. Dioxybenzone

In addition to the chemicals that can pose a potential risk for the onset of cancer in many individuals, it has been discovered that these chemicals also block the overall production of Vitamin D in the body. When the body experiences a deficiency in the area of Vitamin D, many negative health consequences occur. The following lists some examples of the negative consequences that a lack of Vitamin D causes:

• 1. The bones may begin to weaken as this vitamin assists in developing strength in all of the bones of the body.
• 2. When an individual lacks sufficient amounts of this vitamin, the body has complications when it comes to the absorption of calcium.
• 3. Cells in the body cannot grow properly without sufficient amounts of Vitamin D.
• 4. When Vitamin D is lacking in the body important regulation of certain chemicals in the body, such as melatonin is affected. When this is not regulated properly there may be complications with the natural sleep cycle.
• 5. When an individual lacks this vitamin, they stand the potential for developing various types of cancers. A prime example of a cancer that may occur includes skin cancer.

Protecting Your Skin without Sunscreen

There are many ways that you can effectively protect your skin without the use of sunscreen. The following steps will help you stay protected – it will cover reducing your chances of developing skin cancer and all the other health conditions that come with the use of standard sunscreen:

1. It is important to avoid the sun during certain times of the day. The times that you should avoid the sun include those in which the rays are the most intense. Generally, in most areas, this is around 10:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm.

2. If you know that you will be in the sun for long periods of time, it is important to ensure that you use means other than sunscreen in order to properly protect yourself. This may include wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.

3. You can easily provide your body with proper protection from the dangers of the sun’s rays by consuming foods that naturally increase the antioxidants in the body. Vegetables that are cultivated in an organic fashion and are fresh are considered to be among the best for this particular purpose.

4. There are certain supplements that will actually fight against the rays of the sun. These include those that contain high levels of Vitamin C and those that have high levels of antioxidants. It is important to select only those that do not have additives and those that are free from artificial substances.

5. You can also indulge in sunscreens that do not contain the chemicals that have been mentioned previously safely with no potential health complications.

Conclusion

Sunscreen is often viewed as a safe substance when it comes to protecting our skin against the dangers of the sun, as well as the health conditions that may accompany exposure to the sun. It has been discovered, however, that these creams and lotions may prove to be a bit on the dangerous side. You should learn alternative methods to protecting your skin so that you can remain healthy.

Chances are, you or someone you know developed wrinkles uncommonly early. An entire industry centered on skin-care products, anti-aging creams and wrinkle moisturizers has been born from the eternal pursuit of getting rid of those wrinkles. While some people are genetically predisposed to aging more quickly than others, most simply receive too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Indeed, one of the most effective ways to prevent wrinkles is to use adequate protection from these rays.

While we can’t avoid growing older, there are steps we can take to ensure our skin looks as youthful as possible as the years progress. There’s no need to be resigned to looking older than your years while frantically applying creams and moisturizers to smooth the wrinkles. In this article, you’ll discover how the sun’s rays can cause wrinkles to develop early and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Effects Of Radiation

The ultraviolet rays that emanate from the sun travel with varying wavelengths. They’re classified into multiple sects. While UVC rays are typically soaked up by the atmosphere before doing any damage to our skin, UVA and UVB rays are not. UVB rays are largely responsible for sunburns. They affect the outer layers of skin but don’t penetrate much deeper. However, the radiation from these rays can cause skin cancer over time. UVA rays penetrate much more deeply. While both types of ultraviolet rays can cause wrinkles, UVA rays work more efficiently to accelerate your skin’s aging process.

How Sunscreen Offers Protection

Using a sunscreen protects you from the radiation within the sun’s ultraviolet rays. An effective sunscreen contains a variety of ingredients that can either absorb or block these rays. For example, Anthelios sunscreens have an ingredient called Mexoryl. This ingredient contains an agent called ecamsule that can absorb and release the ultraviolet rays as thermal energy. By releasing these rays, ecamsule can provide a veritable shield that prevents the radiation of the UV rays from causing your skin to age prematurely.

Choosing A Sunscreen

You’ve probably noticed that sunscreens have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. This number reflects the level of UVB absorption provided by the product. The higher the number, the more protection it offers. Most people buy sunscreens based solely upon the SPF. However, doing so can give a false sense of security because the SPF only measures the level of protection from UVB rays. Remember, UVA rays are more efficient in causing wrinkles. Unfortunately, there’s no way to measure and assign a number based upon UVA protection. When you’re buying sunscreen, you should make certain that, like Anthelios sunscreens, it contains Mexoryl. The agent ecamsule within Mexoryl offers protection against the sun’s UVA rays.

Planning Ahead To Avoid Wrinkles

It’s not a mystery that the sun can be damaging to our skin. It can cause your skin to age more rapidly and develop wrinkles sooner than normal. Doctors and dermatologists have been telling us this for years. The key is knowing how to protect yourself. It’s not simply a matter of choosing a sunscreen with a high SPF. You need protection against both UVB and UVA rays. Look at the ingredients. The sun protection you choose for your skin will determine how smooth and youthful your skin looks as you age.

You’ve seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of sunscreens claiming to be the best sunscreen in the world. Since you love staying under the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and playing almost every sport, you need to pack up some sunscreen. But should you buy a waterproof sunscreen? SPF 15? SPF 30? How about one that’s made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?

If you are confused with the various types of sunscreens available over the counter and you can’t understand the labels of them all, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by sunscreens. It is recorded that a great number of people opt not to use sunscreens because they do not know its importance or they have no idea how to use it or why they even need to use one.

Sunscreens come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gel. Aside from their forms, they can also be categorized according to how they protect your skin from the sun and the ingredients they are made of.

Physical Sunscreens

There are two types of physical sunscreens namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblocks protects the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays before it even penetrates in the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin so they last longer and can work as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for everyday use, safe for babies as well. They only stay on top of the skin hence they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day like in the morning, noon, and afternoon.

Chemical Sunscreens

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and are made of several active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined and each one blocks a different region of UV ray. A sunscreen is labeled as “broad spectrum” when it has all the chemicals needed to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Most chemical sunscreens work against UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or Avobenzone.

Water Resistant Sunscreens

Since the sun’s UV rays can still pass through water, you still need sunscreen when you go swimming. Water resistant sunblocks are especially designed for those who are involved in water sports. There is however a difference between a water resistant sunblock and a waterproof sunblock. The first can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under the water while the latter maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of being immersed in water. A waterproof sunscreen stays and protects longer than a water resistant sunscreen. Check the labels to ensure that you got what you want.

Whatever type of sunscreen you choose to keep your skin sun protected, remember to use a sufficient amount to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.

Sunscreen (also known as sunblock, suntan lotion) is a lotion, spray or other topical product that helps protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and which reduces sunburn and other skin damage, with the goal lowering your risk of skin cancer. However in the United States, the term suntan lotion usually means the opposite of sunscreen, and instead refers to lotion designed to moisturize and maximize UV exposure and tanning rather than block it. These are commonly called indoor tanning lotions when designed for use with tanning beds or just suntan lotion if designed for outdoor use and may or may not have SPF protection in them.

The most effective sunscreens protect against both UVB (ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 290 and 320 nanometres), which can cause sunburn, and UVA (between 320 and 400 nanometres), which damages the skin with more long-term effects, such as premature skin aging. Most sunscreens work by containing either an organic chemical compound that absorbs ultraviolet light (such as oxybenzone) or an opaque material that reflects light (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide), or a combination of both. Typically, absorptive materials are referred to as chemical blocks, whereas opaque materials are mineral or physical blocks.

Contrary to the common advice that sunscreen should be reapplied every 2–3 hours, research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15–30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15–30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

Sun Protection Factor

The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen; the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (the ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn). The SPF indicates the time a person can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn with a sunscreen applied relative to the time they can be exposed without sunscreen. For example, someone who would burn after 12 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 2 hours (120 min) if protected by a sunscreen with SPF 10. In practice, the protection from a particular sunscreen depends on factors such as:

• The skin type of the user.
• The amount applied and frequency of re-application.
• Activities in which one engages (for example, swimming leads to a loss of sunscreen from the skin).
• Amount of sunscreen the skin has absorbed.

The SPF is an imperfect measure of skin damage because invisible damage and skin aging is also caused by the very common ultraviolet type A, which does not cause reddening or pain. Conventional sunscreen does not block UVA as effectively as it does UVB, and an SPF rating of 30+ may translate to significantly lower levels of UVA protection according to a 2003 study. According to a 2004 study, UVA also causes DNA damage to cells deep within the skin, increasing the risk of malignant melanomas. Even some products labeled “broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection” do not provide good protection against UVA rays. The best UVA protection is provided by products that contain zinc oxide, avobenzone, and Mexoryl.

Due to consumer confusion over the real degree and duration of protection offered, labeling restrictions are in force in several countries. In the United States in 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to institute the labelling of SPF 30+ for sunscreens offering more protection, and a similar restriction applies in Australia. This was done to discourage companies from making unrealistic claims about the level of protection offered (such as “all day protection”), and because an SPF over 30 does not provide significantly better protection.

The SPF can be measured by applying sunscreen to the skin of a volunteer and measuring how long it takes before sunburn occurs when exposed to an artificial sunlight source. In the US, such an in vivo test is required by the FDA. It can also be measured in vitro with the help of a specially designed spectrometer. In this case, the actual transmittance of the sunscreen is measured, along with the degradation of the product due to being exposed to sunlight.

Active Ingredients

The following are the FDA allowable active ingredients in sunscreens:

• P-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) up to 15 %.
• Avobenzone up to 3%.
• Cinoxate up to 3%.
• Dioxybenzone up to 3%.
• Homosalate up to 15%.
• Menthyl anthranilate up to 5%.
• Octocrylene up to 10%.
• Octyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) up to 7.5%.
• Octyl salicylate up to 5%.
• Oxybenzone up to 6%.
• Padimate O up to 8%.
• Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (Ensulizole) up to 4%.
• Sulisobenzone up to 10%.
• Titanium dioxide up to 25%.
• Trolamine salicylate up to 12 %.
• Zinc oxide up to 25%.
• Mexoryl® SX – UVA Absorber.

There are three major forms of skin cancer.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA is the most common form of skin cancer. It occurs most frequently in men who spend a great deal of time outdoors and primarily produces lesions on the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads throughout the body but can invade neighbouring bone and nerves.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA is the second most common skin cancer. It primarily affects people who sunburn easily, tan poorly, and have blue eyes and red or blonde hair. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly develops from actinic keratoses and can metastasize if left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip is 12 times more common among men than among women.

MALIGNANT MELANOMA is the rarest form of skin cancer but is the most deadly. It affects the cells which produce melanin and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among people who work out-of-doors. It does not necessarily occur on sun-exposed areas of the body and is thought to be linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence. Malignant melanoma metastasizes easily and is often fatal if not caught in time.

The skin cancer epidemic is a worldwide phenomenon. In 1978 there were approximately 480,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States alone. This is expected to rise to over one million in 1994. Malignant melanoma is growing at a rate of 7% per year in the United States. In 1991 cancer experts estimated that there would be about 32,000 cases during the year of which 6,500 would be fatal. In Canada melanoma incidence rose by 6% per year for men and by 4.6% per year for women during the period 1970-1986. Australia has the highest melanoma rate in the world. For men the rate doubled between 1980 and 1987 and for women it increased by more than 50%. It is now estimated that by age 75 two out of three Australians will have been treated for some form of skin cancer.

If the ozone layer has not yet changed significantly except at the poles, then what is causing the enormous increase in skin cancer?

The sunscreen connection

The Australian experience provides the first clue. The rise in melanoma has been exceptionally high in Queensland where the medical establishment has long and vigorously promoted the use of sunscreens. Queensland now has more incidences of melanoma per capita than any other place. Worldwide, the greatest rise in melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens have been heavily promoted.

Drs. Cedric and Frank Garland of the University of California are the foremost opponents of the use of chemical sunscreens. They point out that, although sunscreens do protect against sunburn, there is no scientific proof that they protect against melanoma or basal cell carcinoma in humans. There is, however, some evidence that regular use of sunscreens helps prevent the formation of actinic keratoses, the precursors of squamous cell carcinoma.

The Garland brothers strongly believe that the increased use of chemical sunscreens is the primary cause of the skin cancer epidemic. They emphasize that people using sunscreen tend to stay longer in the sun because they do not get a sunburn – they develop a false sense of security. Chemical sunscreens are formulated to absorb UVB radiation, they let most of the UVA rays through. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are strongly absorbed by the melanocytes which are involved both in melanin production (sun tanning) and in melanoma formation. UVA rays also have a depressing effect on the immune system.

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

UVA rays constitute 90-95% of the ultraviolet light reaching the earth. They have a relatively long wavelength (320-400 nm) and are not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA light penetrates the furthest into the skin and is involved in the initial stages of suntanning. UVA tends to suppress the immune function and is implicated in premature aging of the skin.

UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer and have a medium wavelength (290-320 nm). They do not penetrate the skin as far as the UVA rays do and are the primary cause of sunburn. They are also responsible for most of the tissue damage which results in wrinkles and aging of the skin and are implicated in cataract formation.

UVC rays have the shortest wavelength (below 290 nm) and are almost totally absorbed by the ozone layer. As the ozone layer thins UVC rays may begin to contribute to sunburning and premature aging of the skin.

All forms of ultraviolet radiation are believed to contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Most chemical sunscreens contain from 2 to 5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (oxybenzone, benzophenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is one of the most powerful free radical generators known to man. It is used in industrial processes to initiate chemical reactions and promote cross-linking. Benzophenone is activated by ultraviolet light. The absorbed energy breaks benzophenone’s double bond to produce two free radical sites. The free radicals desperately look for a hydrogen atom to make them “feel whole again”. They may find this hydrogen atom among the other ingredients of the sunscreen, but it is conceivable that they could also find it on the surface of the skin and thereby initiate a chain reaction which could ultimately lead to melanoma and other skin cancers. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have recently discovered that psoralen, another ultraviolet light-activated free radical generator, is an extremely efficient carcinogen. They found that the rate of squamous cell carcinoma among patients with psoriasis, who had been repeatedly treated with UVA light after a topical application of psoralen, was 83 times higher than among the general population.

The benefits of sunlight

Some scientists believe that UV light causes skin cancer through the combined effect of suppression of the immune system and damage to DNA. Exposure to UV light is, however, not all bad. Most of the body’s vitamin D supply, about 75% of it, is generated by the skin’s exposure to UVB rays. Using a sunscreen drastically lowers the cutaneous production of vitamin D3. A low blood level of vitamin D is known to increase the risk for the development of breast and colon cancer and may also accelerate the growth of melanoma.

Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh in California believes that the use of sunscreens causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He estimates that the 17% increase in breast cancer observed between 1991 and 1992 may be the result of the pervasive use of sunscreens over the past decade. Recent studies have also shown a higher rate of melanoma among men who regularly use sunscreens and a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma among women using sunscreens.

Dr. Ainsleigh estimates that 30,000 cancer deaths in the United States alone could be prevented each year if people would adopt a regimen of regular, moderate sun exposure.

Although the medical establishment still strongly supports the use of sunscreens there is a growing consensus among progressive researchers that the use of sunscreens does not prevent skin cancer and, as a matter of fact, may promote skin cancers as well as colon and breast cancer.

The bottom line

So what should you do to protect yourself as much as possible against these cancers? Summarizing current research the following recommendations appear reasonable:

DO NOT rely on the use of sunscreens to protect you against skin cancer.

DO NOT try to get a tan by visiting a tanning studio. The rays from their UV lamps are extremely harmful and the tan produced does not have the protective effect of a sunlight-induced tan.

DO try to develop a moderate natural suntan unless you have extremely sensitive skin and burn easily. Regular and moderate unprotected sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon will help maintain a protective tan and keep your vitamin D stores at an optimum level.

DO wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM if at all possible. Remember that UV rays, particularly UVA, are present even on cloudy days.

DO wear sunglasses that filter out 100% of the ultraviolet light to protect yourself against the development of cataracts.

DO remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, and concrete and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10 to 50%.

DO make sure you get enough vitamin D3 and beta-carotene, if necessary through supplementation. Recent research has shown that taking 30 mg of beta-carotene a day protects against the suppression of the immune system by UVA rays.

DO make sure to supplement your diet with antioxidants. Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, Canada recommends that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium be used as a protection against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation. He suggests daily dosages of 3 grams or more of vitamin C, 800 IU of vitamin E, and 200 micrograms of selenium (l-selenomethionine). Vitamins C and E also protect against cataract formation.

DO cut down on the fat in your diet. Recent research has shown that patients with non- melanoma skin cancers can reduce their risk of developing additional actinic keratoses (precursors to skin cancer) by switching to a low fat diet.

SUNSCREENS

Sunscreens are designed to protect against sunburn (UVB rays) and generally provide little protection against UVA rays. They come in two forms:

CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS contain chemicals such as benzophenone or oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as the active ingredient. They prevent sunburn by absorbing the ultraviolet (UVB) rays.

PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS contain inert minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or talc and work by reflecting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays away from the skin.

A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 filters out approximately 94% of the UVB rays. One with a SPF of 30 filters out 97%. The SPF applies for UVB rays only. The protection provided against UVA rays in chemical sunscreens is about 10% of the UVB rating.

DO wear a physical sunscreen with a SPF of 30 if you absolutely must be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Physical sunscreens containing , zinc oxide, or corn starch work by reflecting the UV radiation rather than by absorbing it. Sunscreens are tested by using artificial UV light and a screen with a SPF of 30 is not twice as effective as one with a factor of 15. Also, reapplying sunscreen during the day does not extend the period of protection. Even “broad-spectrum”

sunscreens are not very good in filtering out UVA rays. A natural suntan is probably more effective.

Read the labels on your products and avoid benzophene, diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), propylene glycol (PG), polyethyleneglycol (PEG), dea, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin.

DO see your healthcare provider if you spot any unusual moles or growth on your skin – particularly if they are irregular in shape, bleed, itch, or appear to be changing. Most skin cancers can be cured if caught in time.

The saga of sunscreens and skin cancer is far from over. Research is continuing and new findings are being published at an accelerated pace. But until we know the whole story, it would seem prudent to take precautions based on what we do know.

Neways International has been a  company manufacturing safe, effective, alternative products that really work for over 15 years.