The Truth About Sun Block

The Sun is life giving.  It sustains plants and animals and plays a very big role in our planet.  It is so powerful that ancient civilizations like the Egyptians worshiped the Sun God.  However, the sun can also wreak havoc on our skin.  Studies have shown that people who are more exposed to sunlight have a higher chance of developing skin related cancers.  With this in mind, how do we combat the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun?

Like most other products sun blocks and sunscreens are a dime a dozen.  There are too many products and too many varieties.  Choosing an SPF can be as time consuming as choosing one that is “water-proof”, “hypoallergenic” or even “for kids”.  Even more shocking, according to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, 3 out of 5 sun blocks provide inadequate protection from the sun!  Ironic, considering that people buy sunscreen for sun protection!

The same study conducted last year reports that these products contain chemicals that are potentially toxic.  When these chemicals are absorbed in our bloodstream, they have the potential to give off allergic reactions, release damaging free radicals and some may even contain hormones which can contribute to hormonal imbalance.

In order to make sure that your sunscreen is safe physically and for our environment, check the label.  Earth and people friendly sun screen should contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide that block the sun’s rays.  These products should also contain zero dyes, preservatives and fragrance.  Another helpful natural ingredient is Vitamin E and Aloe which can soothe and moisturize skin.

Lastly look for a seal from a reputable source that can certify the product’s manufacturing process.  Approval from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or Australian Certified Organic mean that at least 95-100% of the ingredients used come from organic and natural sources.

Remember that just because a manufacturer says that their product is “organic” or “natural” automatically means that these products contain organic materials.  Look for the seal.  Second organic sunscreen can still cause allergic reactions so again, it pays to check the label.  Check and recheck the ingredients.  If unsure, do your research on the internet!

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Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer!

Summers are synonymous to the sun and, of course, the beach. What’s a summer without a trip to the beach anyway? For many, you mark a great summer by going to the beach as many times as you possibly can and get that awesome tan before the season is over. Unfortunately, it is not wise to expose your skin to the harsh sun especially with the ozone’s current state.

Your fun summer need not suffer with the threat the sun may hold since there are things you can do to make your summer as fun as it can be but at the same time, stay safe against too much sun exposure:
·    Avoid sun during those times when it’s intense usually at around 10AM-4PM. Basically, you can go out when the sun is not too “prickly” for your skin and avoid it when it stings.
·    If going out around these times is unavoidable, try wearing protective gears to ward off the sun. Sporting an umbrella never killed anyone before, so use them when necessary or if it’s too strenuous for you then try a wide brimmed hat. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
·    Most swimsuit manufacturers came up with designs that are sun-protective. While they may cost higher than your regular bathing suit. It lessens the sun’s impact tremendously.
·    Be a shade-hugger. Staying out of the harsh sun will do you good, always remember that. If there’s none then bring your own beach umbrella to the beach.
·    Apply sunscreen before you step out of the house and reapply as per brand’s instruction. Lather up especially if you intend to lounge in the beach for a while. There are natural sunscreens that are free of all harmful chemicals. Do check them out.

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Minimizing Your Cosmetic Health Risks

You and I both are aware on how intricately woven these issues pertaining to cosmetic health risks are. If we take them at face value, it is easier to see warning signs but with the constant evolution of cosmetic products, it becomes harder to distinguish the good from the bad. For me, the best way to prevent cosmetic health risks from touching our lives is to avoid using them all together. Sadly, this is something that is easier said than done. So, we resort to the next best thing, minimizing. Here are some ways to somehow lessen harmful cosmetics’ impact to our health:

·    Always read labels. This is done for you to know what things were used in manufacturing the product. Labels are required by the law so more or less, they are dependable.
·    Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean it won’t harm you. It only lessens the chance of you having a reaction to the product when applied.
·    Always do a patch test when you’re about to use a new brand/ product even if it looks harmless.
·    Cosmetics expire too. Take note of their expiration date since most of the time, they are not indicated accordingly.
·    Avoid using spray cans whenever possible. Healthcare authorities are concerned about the risk of inhaling the chemical particles when they are used by the consumers. When this happens, it may trigger a reaction within the lungs.
·    Cosmetics can be very harmful for your children too. Place it somewhere that’s not within their reach.
·    Not everything that the manufacturer claims is true. Be very weary when you hear a good sales pitch. Instead, do your own research and use your own gut-feel.

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Natural Supplements for Skin Cancer Prevention

Poor eating habits contribute to many lifestyle diseases and cancer is no exception to the rule; in fact, skin cancer is found to be a result of poor nutritional habits developed overtime. Due to this factor, it is but normal for us to seek preventive health care measures the safest way we know of and that is through natural supplements. The body needs natural supplements; these are foods we eat everyday—nutritious, natural foods not those you grab in fast food chains. Natural supplements boost up your body’s natural defenses for skin cancer. Here are some of the most important natural supplements to keep skin cancer at bay:

·    Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from diseases and anomalies—one of the most convenient too since it can be found in your regular tomato sauce and ketchup.
·    Citrus peel can be used for teas and baked goods. This aromatic substance prevents free radicals from forming. Candied citrus peel is very popular amongst people who look after their cholesterol levels.
·    Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and most of all, has anti-inflammatory properties. All the things you need to ensure great, healthy skin.
·    Fish oils are not only good for your heart but also for your skin since it strengthens the immune system therefore fights free radicals from harming the body.

Natural supplements are your best bet in fighting your risk of getting skin cancer. When engaging yourself in a healthy living composed of natural, nutritious eating habits, you’ll be adequately protected from all damaging factors that affect the body.

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Sunscreens, Cancer in a Bottle?

Most people use sunscreens to avoid the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.  Indeed prolonged sun exposure can actually induce the early appearance of freckles and wrinkles.  But a study published in the British Medical Journal reports that sunbathers who use sunscreens with higher SPF have a higher risk of developing skin cancers.  This is because a chemical called Oxybenzone which is a standard ingredient in high SPF sunscreens can cause more harm than good.

Oxybenzone’s job is to filter ultra violet light on the surface of the skin, converting it from light to heat.  Once heat is absorbed in the skin, it has the potential to damage cells.  Once light is converted into heat, it can cause basal damage to growing cells which causes malignancy in growth and cause cancer.  Scientists at the Memorial Sloan Cancer Center in New York say that sunscreens are very effective in preventing sunburns and cancers like Carcinoma but not against Melanoma.

PABA or para-benzoic amino acid which works in the same way as Oxybenzone also has similar effects.  For sunbathers and sun worshipers it would probably be better to use the old and tried tested method of applying tin oxide which reflects the sun’s rays rather than absorbing it.  It is also widely used in wound dressings and is safe.  Calamine lotion which has a Zinc oxide base is colored pink and washes off easily can also be used as a substitute for PABA or Oxybenzone based sunscreens.

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Vitamin E- Fighting Free Radicals

The primary role of Vitamin E is to provide the body with antioxidants which fight free radicals.  Free radicals are by products of oxidation metabolism in the body which destroy lipids.  Lipids are fat which is where energy is stored and are components of cell membranes.  Although lipids and fat are more or less similar, they should not be confused with each other as fat is a sub group of lipids.

The forms of Vitamin E are known to fight cancer cells and reduce cholesterol.  Studies have also shown that increase Vitamin E consumption decreased the risk of a heart attack and heart disease.  Vitamin E is also known to prevent cataracts.  Immune functions also increase with the intake of Vitamin E.  Free radicals are also known to cause cancer cells to grow, so increased Vitamin E intake may inhibit these cells from forming.

A number of foods contain Vitamin E.  These are: almonds, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, nuts, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil, wheat germ, whole grain food and milk.

The US RDA for Vitamin E for both men and women was previously set to 8mg per day.  However due to advancement in studies, this was increased to 15mg per day and 19 mg for breast feeding mothers.

Vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of  people who take anticoagulants to bleed.  People who are also deficient in Vitamin K are also adviced to seek the help of a professional before taking Vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin E protects us from chronic diseases like heart attacks, strokes, neurodegenerative diseases and some forms of cancer.  So be sure to eat Vitamin E rich foods in order to enjoy a healthy body.

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1,4 Dioxane In Natural and Organic Labeled Products

We all know how harmful these chemicals can get especially when we use it for our daily existence hence the need to use natural and organic labeled products even if they cost more than the regular, chemical-laden ones. We don’t care, as long as we keep our family safe from chemicals.

Just when we thought we made all the necessary precautions, something like this will come out.

Organic Consumers Association released a statement that revealed a byproduct of ethoxylation named 1,4-Dioxane or simply called as dioxane can be found in many popular brands that are labeled “organic” and “natural”. Dioxane is a toxic carcinogen by the way, meaning it causes cancer to those exposed to this chemical. Your usual organic household products like body washes, soaps, lotions, deodorant and toothpastes are now in question.

Although Dioxane is not easily absorbed by the skin, it enters your bloodstream when the skin is wet and your pores are open and it can also be inhaled when bathing because it permeates in the air with the steam. It is also used in air fresheners and laundry products. According to California EPA, it can harm your kidney, neuro- and respiratory systems.

Moreover, if you are rooting for ecogreen environment, you should know that dioxane is the number one groundwater contaminant and it is not biodegradable to begin with. Do not fret, for there are still organic products that we can trust. Just look for those certified by USDA National Organic Program since none of their approved products are contaminated with dioxane.

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The benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be acquired through supplements, food intake and sun exposure. It plays a major role in proper calcium absorption in the intestines and promotes bone growth. Among its healthy vitamin benefits are protection from diabetes and arthritis, muscle strength and good balance and it also ward off heart disorders from happening. Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and strengthens your immune system.

Researchers are also exploring its helpful benefits in fighting cancer. Vitamin D is found to help regulate cell growth thus preventing potential cells to develop into cancer. It is said that Vitamin D lessens our risk from growing certain types of cancer in our bodies. These includes breast, kidney, lungs, colon and rectal, ovary and uterus, as well.

Multivitamins contain vitamin D or it can be bought combined with calcium. It can also be purchased alone. By eating healthy foods rich in vitamin D and taking supplements, your body can maximize its beneficial effects. Although it is advisable to subject your body to sun exposure, you should limit it to a maximum of 15 minutes per day to avoid over exposure.

Healthy foods that contain vitamin D are milk, salmon, mackerel, sardines, shrimps, eggs and cod liver oil. Again, vitamin D can dissolve easily within the body. It can break down even before it reaches its peak so it is best to get it from all sources available. It is recommended to combine these types of food, along with supplements and right amount of sunlight.

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