Sun-kissed or Sun-cursed?

Developing a Healthy Relationship with the Sun

SPF BFF is on sale now!

Sunscreen, sunblock, SPF, UVA, UVB… we’re all too familiar with these summer-time terms and yet they perplex us all the same. Is SPF 50 really that much better than SPF 45? And how do they calculate those numbers anyways? Why does it burn when I rub it into my face, and how often should I reapply?

Yes, we want to protect our skin from excessive exposure, but it is only natural to seek the sun after a winter filled with cold and clouds. And of course, most can’t deny the desire for that sun-kissed, summertime glow.

But that’s just it: sun-kissed has become equated to cancer-kissed in the modern world. We are scared to go outside and rightfully so: study after study confirm that the sun is determined to fry us to a crisp and turn all our skin cells against us. And now there’s all this talk of sunscreens actually causing cancer and destroying coral reefs.

Interestingly, even though there are more sunscreens and media coverage than ever before, cases of malignant melanoma are rising every year, representing a 200% increase from 1975 to 2013¹. How could this be if our awareness and product access is better than ever?

Well, the answer is complex, but here are some key points:

1. UVA & UVB confusion:
   

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays reaches the earth as UVA and UVB light. Both are labeled as human carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) with UVB described as being the more deadly of the two². This was an unfortunate call because it compelled sunscreen companies to create products with incomplete protection, blocking UVB but not UVA rays. We have since learned that UVA plays a role in the most aggressive form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, and that conventional UVB-blocking sunscreens don’t actually have any effect on basal cells potentially contributing to malignant melanoma ³. From a holistic viewpoint, these complications make sense: whenever we dissect naturally occurring compounds or processes, searching for that reductionist magic bullet, we end up hurting ourselves in the long run. When a body isn’t allowed to process something wholly, issues elsewhere typically erupt.

In a nutshell, UVA and UVB represent different wavelengths. UVB is highest around solar noon (11 am- 2 pm) and is critical for Vitamin D absorption. UVA rays are much more intense, seeping deeper into your skin cells and causing more free radical damage. UVA is also present all hours of the day whereas UVB is low in morning and afternoon 6.

1. Vitamin D elimination:
   

When we block UV rays, we are also blocking our bodies ability to synthesize Vitamin D. We don’t like to play favorites, but this vitamin might be one of the most important (and misunderstood) of them all. Vitamin D receptors are found in every cell of the body and it is well-known that this steroid hormone serves as a powerful cancer fighter. Calcitriol, the activated version of Vitamin D, is used to repair damaged tissue, particularly that caused be cancerous cells. D increases the self-destruction and reduces the spread of mutated cells. It even reduces the growth of vessels that feed tumors. Many doctors, like renowned Dr. William Grant, feel strongly that higher Vitamin D can reduce 30% of cancer deaths yearly 7. Over 200 studies confirm that Vitamin D is a critical component to steer clear of cancerous situations, so why the heck would we want to disrupt this process. Furthermore, sunlight converts cholesterol in the body to Vitamin D, a critical component of our immune system 6. Therefore, responsible sun exposure protects from skin cancer by making Vitamin D available; it’s a delicate D dance.

While supplements exist and offer some benefit, the most efficient and effective way to absorb Vitamin D is through direct sun exposure- 15-25 minutes a day, especially during the sun-rich spring and summer months around noon (remember this is when beneficial UVB is at its highest!). The more skin exposed the better! Our body stores up Vitamin D during the warm months to use all year long. This partially explains why many of us come down with the flu or other viral and bacterial infections in the late winter months; our bodies Vitamin D stores have dropped to their lowest point. The darker your skin, the more time you will need in the sun. You can always get your Vitamin D levels checked- 40 ng/ml is minimum; 50-70 ng/ml is ideal 6. As a supplement during the dark days of winter, we like Bio-emulsified Vitamin D by Biotics.

1. False claims-
   

In 65 different sunscreen products, 43% had less SPF than promised on the label 4… Enough said. Affirmation that you can’t always trust labels it appears.  Plus, SPF ratings aren’t all they are cracked up to be (more on that later- read on!).

1. More chemicals-
   

This might be our biggest reason for avoiding conventional sunscreen (and other skin products for that matter). The CDC has shown that 97% of people in USA are contaminated with a common sunscreen chemical called oxybenzone (also the chemical linked to coral reef destruction). There are at least 600 different sunscreens that contain this chemical 5 !! Avoid it! Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disrupter and xeno-estrogen. Not only is it a toxic chemical (we are only beginning to understand) linked to numerous skin reactions and widespread bodily effects, but it’s messing with the fish, too 8. Avoid it!

HATS ARE COOL!

Our Responsible Sun-lover TIPS

1. SPF BFF: Use sunscreen when you can't control how much sun you are exposed to - and by sunscreen, we mean SPF BFF or any natural, herbal alternative. If you can’t understand the ingredient list, stay away! Especially avoid oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate (vitamin A). Safety research from years ago illuminated the harmful effects of synthetic A in sunscreens, but for some reason the FDA didn’t broadcast this important information until recently. Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) might seem like a good thing, but don’t be fooled! It’s synthetic and dangerous when added to a sunscreen. Here’s why: Retinyl palmitate, once added to at least 40% of sunscreens, actually speeds the development of cancerous skin cells when applied during sun exposure and Vitamin A toxicity is a real thing- this fat soluble vitamin accumulates in fat cells overtime causing anything from increased osteoporosis, brittle hair and nails, hair loss, and liver damage. Governments in Germany and Norway have started campaigns to eradicate these harmful formulations, but the word hasn’t really gotten out in USA 10. Bottom line: don’t use any topical product with retinyl palmitate or any of its derivatives, even if it smells good or is expensive! (other harmful Vitamin A forms include  retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate).
2. Tan at noon & in the nude: UVB rays are the wavelengths that allow skin cells to synthesize Vitamin D- you want this! These rays reach their peak at noon, so plan to get your sun around this time. The more skin showing the better, 15 minutes at the least.
3. Supplement in the dark winter months- While the sun is the body’s ideal Vitamin D source, supplementing is sometimes necessary in the dark winter months, especially if you have darker skin and/or live in the north. Bio-emulsified Vitamin D or D3 are ideal. If you do supplement, have your levels tested! Vitamin D can accumulate if taken in excess 6.
4. Listen to your body: when your skin starts turning pink or red, it’s time to hit the shade. There’s no such thing as good sunburn. Pace yourself! SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number preceding SPF  indicates how many more times that product/material enhances your body’s natural ability. For example, cotton is 15 SPF and coconut oil is ~5- but SPF isn’t the whole story…SPF only measures UVB rays. UVB rays, remember, are responsible for Vitamin D production and are highest at solar noon. UVA rays, on the other hand, are present throughout the day and in the cloudiest of weathers. They might not technically cause your skin to redden but they penetrate even deeper, are associated with the most malignant of skin cancers, and don’t really play a role in D synthesis. So SPF really doesn’t mean much. Non-nano (the non-nano part is very important!) zinc is a mineral that physically deflects all sun-rays- no chemicals or incomplete protection involved 9. Non-nano zinc is also a star ingredient in SPF BFF.
5. Eat Well & Hydrate: let me lay out (no pun intended) the scene: laying on the beach smothered in synthetic sunscreen, ignoring your body’s cues because you feel protected by your SPF 100 and imbibing multiple sugary alcoholic beverages while forgetting to drink actual water: this is the tale for so many sun-loving beach babes and beaus. However, this is probably the worst combination of factors for your skin! What conventional thought tends to forget is that everything is connected.  The body, especially our largest organ- the skin!- needs hydration, and sunshine dries it out- so drink (good quality) water: ½ your body weight in fluid oz/day is ideal. Add a bit of lemon and sea salt for extra hydration. Sugar (of any kind, but especially refined) dehydrates and inflames. Avoid it in excess. Sunburn is the epitome of inflammation- so don’t add fuel to the fire! Think cool hydration and protective antioxidants. Eating an antioxidant rich diet and staying hydrated offer an incredible, internal SPF. Dark berries, dark leafy greens, balanced omegas, and colorful veggies are all antioxidant rich.

Prioritize your body’s largest organ this summer season. Practice responsible sun exposure, hydrate, eat right, protect, and rejoice the wonders of the sun!

Resources
1 Melanoma of the Skin - SEER Stat Fact Sheets. (2016). Seer.cancer.gov. Retrieved 30 May 2016
2 NTP Board of Scientific Counselors Report on Carcinogens Subcommittee Report on Carcinogens Background Document for Broad-Spectrum Ultraviolet (UV) Ra
3 Planta, M. (2011). Sunscreen and Melanoma: Is Our Prevention Message Correct?. The Journal Of The American Board Of Family Medicine, 24(6), 735-739.
4 Carina Storrs, S. (2016). Many sunscreens have lower SPF than labels claim. CNN. Retrieved 30 May 2019
5 NTP Board of Scientific Counselors Report on Carcinogens Subcommittee Report on Carcinogens Background Document for Broad-Spectrum Ultraviolet (UV) Ra
6 Mercola, J. (2011). Sun Can Actually Help Protect You Against Skin Cancer. Retrieved 3 May 2019
7. Grant, W. B., & Holick, M. F. (2005). Benefits and requirements of vitamin D for optimal health: a review. Altern Med Rev, 10(2), 94-111.
8. Coronado, M., De Haro, H., Deng, X., Rempel, M. A., Lavado, R., & Schlenk, D. (2008). Estrogenic activity and reproductive effects of the UV-filter oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl-methanone) in fish. Aquatic Toxicology, 90(3), 182-187.
9. Rosebrook, J. (2017) The Best Sunscreen - Understanding Zinc Oxide SPF And The Nutrient Day Cream. Retrieved 5 May 2018
10. EWG (2017).The Problem With Vitamin A, https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/references/ Retrieved. 5 May, 2019