Despite the national sunscreen usage campaign, new melanoma cases among American adults tripled between 1975 and 2010. A contributing factor might be that many sunscreens contain toxic chemicals, including oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, powerful free-radical generators that disrupt normal cell function.
Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and has been linked to endometriosis in older women. Retinyl palmitate speeds the development of skin tumors when applied to sun-exposed skin, and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen completely blocks the UVB rays that help the body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for immune system function and as a preventative to cancers, including melanoma. To optimize Vitamin D production, get sun exposure to at least 40 percent of the body for 30 minutes daily, with no sunscreen except for the face. If staying in the sun longer, use mineral-based sunscreen to prevent burn.
Look for sunscreen with natural ingredients like zinc, coconut oil, glycerine, shea butter and beeswax. Build sunscreen from the inside out by eating an antioxidant-rich diet of fresh, raw vegetables and unprocessed foods high in omegas. Supplement with 4 mg daily of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant produced by marine algae that increases the amount of time necessary for UV to redden skin. For more information on safe sun exposure, visit Abundant Life Wellness www.abundantlifewellnessga.com, 770.663.7898.