Let's Talk Sun Protection
To The Point
Newsletter from the Traditional Chinese Medicine & Yoga Office of
Hanorah Sullivan Houndalas
Let’s Talk Sun Protection
Speak with your Medical Doctor for approval before starting any new health regimen or taking any supplements as there may be side effects with medications, other supplements you are taking. There may also cautions or contraindications for any underlying health issues or illnesses you may be dealing with.
Summer is in full swing and in this news letter I wanted to give you some tips about protecting the skin. The sun is at its peak all the way through the third week of September, and if you live in a warmer climate like many of my Southern California clients and students you know the sun is out all year along. The truth is the sun is out all year long even if you live in an area with a winter climate. In fact the sun’s reflection off the snow can be quite harmful to your eyes. Be sure to protect your eyes with a UVA & UVB Sun Glasses. My favorite is Iron Man sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection. There is even a polarized rendition. They are sold at Target and are between $20 and $25.00. They are super light weight and wrap around the face for a good fit and peripheral protection. More sun reminders are listed below.
Skin Cancer - Did you know that one in five people develop basal cell carcinoma skin cancer? Of course Basal cell and Squamus cell skin cancers are not as serious if caught early as melanoma, due to their slow growth factor. They are also highly treatable. There is a lot of speculation as to why so many people have skin cancer today, even if it is highly treatable at a time when we use more sun protection than ever before in our past. Hopefully research will soon shine the light on this.
It is believed most skin cancers come from sun burns or tans people get from the age of ten and under. Back when I was a kid we didn’t use sun screen and if we did it was SPF 8. If anything many of us used baby oil with iodine to try and attract the sun and that golden tan. A golden tan can be given today by what I call “tan in a can”. There are many tanning creams available now that give a realistic bronze like glow. Tanning beds are not the answer, because they burn/damage the deeper layers of the skin with higher UVA rays. You may not burn as abruptly as you do from the stronger UVB exposure of the sun, but the damage is just as harmful if not more. When those deeper layers of skin are damaged they are thought to be more likely to produce melanoma cancer cells which are the most harmful because they metastasize.
Sun Screens and Sun blocks- Our skin needs to breathe and covering it with thick oils and chemical sun screens is not the optimum choice. We need sun lotion protection, but I prefer people use natural sun blocks from Zinc Oxide However even some of the “natural “brands are toxic. I like Badger. http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-24-natural-sunscreen.aspx . Also check out www.babobotanicals . At www.vitacost.com you can find these and other natural brands like Alba botanicals & Jason. These sun screens contain Non-Nano zinc oxide. The zinc molecules sit on the skin and do NOT enter the blood stream like regular zinc oxide and other chemical sun screens. I do not like powdered sun screens as they tend to enter our lungs and can be harmful. Think face powder with SPF. Regular sunscreens contain toxic ingredients and endocrine disrupting chemicals may actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body. Even natural sunscreens often contain toxic materials Although, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I have tried just about every kind of natural and chemical sun screen under the sun.
What is zinc oxide?
Zinc is a powered mineral that sits on top of the skin. It can stand alone as a sunblock because it is truly effective against UVA, UVB and even UVC rays. It has been widely used in diaper creams because of its safety and effectiveness.
The biggest concern with nano particles in cosmetics is the threat of inhalation when they are used in powders and sprays. This is not a concern with zinc because when it is put in a lotion or balm. The environmental organization highly recommends a NANO based product over a chemical one for this reason. Nanoparticles in American sunscreens are either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide generally scores well in EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) ratings because:
· They provide strong sun protection with few health concerns.
· They don’t break down in the sun.
· Zinc oxide offers good protection from UVA& UVB rays. Titanium oxide less protection from UVB rays than zinc oxide, but better than most other active ingredients.
· Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection. It is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than titanium oxide or any other sunscreen chemical approved in the U.S. (Schlossman 2005). Years ago, zinc oxide sunscreens, often seen on lifeguards’ noses, were famously white and chalky. Today, sunscreen makers use zinc oxide nanoparticles to formulate lotions with less white tint.
Internal Sun Protection-A British study done with Tomato paste showed some fascinating results. Research participants that ate 55 grams of tomato paste a day and were in the sun had a 30% increase in UV protection than the participants that did not ingest tomato paste. It acted as an internal sun screen. It is thought that the natural occurring chemical lycopene which gives tomatoes their rich red color was the reason why. Although, I prefer eating the paste, as the other ingredients in the tomato paste have nutritional health benefits.
There is also a concern that too many diets with “vegetable” oils high in Omega 6 are harmful to the skin as well as the overall health. I personally avoid canola and corn oil. Instead I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Coconut oil. Omega 6 oils when not consumed in balance with Omega 3 oils cause all kinds of health issues.
Reminders on how to protect the skin- Between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM the sun is strongest. Be mindful even if you are driving or walking the dog to protect yourself.
1. Use a Natural Broad Spectrum sun screen- Apply sun screen before going out. Reapply after being in the water or sweating. Some sun screens only protect against UVB rays which burn the outside of the skin, but a broad spectrum that protects against both UVB and UVA rays are important as damage to the deeper layers of skin by UVA rays are behind aging and melanoma skin cancer. Remember the ears and feet need coverage as well. People often forget those areas. Apply under the bathing suit and clothing lines. As you move so does your clothing. 30 SPF is the number, anything over 30 only increase by a minor percentage. Read about SPF below.
2. Good UVA UVB sun glasses. Remember our eyes need protection too.
3. Hat or sun visor
4. When in the water for long time use a rash guard. They provide excellent protection from the sun. Wear protective clothing in general.
5. Reapply every hour.
6. Eat Tomato paste (not sauce) 3 to 6 table spoons a day throughout the summer months. You can also try taking a daily supplement of lycopene. It should not be used to replace sunscreen but as an additional way to aid the skin.
The sun is the giver of life and life on earth could not exist without it, which is why it has been worshipped by ancient and indigenous people throughout time. Vitamin D3 is best when absorbed by the sun. Our best way of absorbing D3 is through the torso front or back. However the majority of sun exposure is on the face, head, chest, forearms, shins and feet. These are the areas actually over exposed and where dermatologists look for skin cancer. If you have had no history of skin cancer and do not have a history of extensive sun bathing taking in 15 minutes of sun on the torso in the late afternoon at 4:00 or 5:00 PM can be a good way to get Vitamin D3. However you still have to protect with a covering or sun screen on the over exposed danger zones listed above. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many types of cancers including the most deadly types of breast cancer.
What is the difference between sun screen and sun block – I as well as many others unconsciously, tend to use them synonymously. However, Sunscreen combines organic and inorganic chemicals to filter the light from the sun so that less of it reaches the deeper layers of your skin. Like a screen door, some light penetrates, but not as much as if the door wasn't present. Sunblock, on the other hand, reflects or scatters the light away so that it doesn't reach the skin at all.
The reflective particles in sunblocks usually consist of zinc oxide or titanium oxide. In the past, you could tell who was using a sunblock just by looking, because the sunblock whited out the skin. Not all modern sunblocks are visible because the oxide particles are smaller, though you can still find the traditional white zinc oxide. Sunscreens usually include sunblocks as part of their active ingredients.
What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor)? - We use sunscreen to block ultraviolet light from damaging the skin. There are two categories of UV light -- UVA andUVB -- which we consider in terms of sunscreen. UVB causes sunburn, and UVA has more long-term damaging effects on the skin, like premature aging. SPF, or sun protection factor, numbers were introduced in 1962 to measure a sunscreen's effect against UVB rays.
How is SPF determined?- To determine a sunscreen's SPF, testers round up 20 sun-sensitive people and measure the amount of UV rays it takes them to burn without sunscreen. Then they redo the test with sunscreen. The "with sunscreen" number is divided by the "without sunscreen" number, and the result is rounded down to the nearest five. This is the SPF.
For example, if you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF of 15 will allow you to be in the sun for up to 150 minutes without burning. But before you grab your calculator and head for the beach, you should know that this equation is not always accurate. I myself will have to reapply in an hour to avoid burning. People usually use far less sunscreen than the amount used in testing. In the real world, the average sun worshipper uses half the amount of sunscreen used in the laboratory, which could result in sunburn in half the time.
So, now we know that a higher SPF number means more sun-exposure time. It also indicates the level of UVB absorption, but this number doesn't increase exponentially, which can be confusing. For example, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93.3 percent of UVB rays, but an SPF of 30 absorbs 96.7 percent. The SPF number has doubled, but the absorption rate has increased by only 3.4 percent.
Because of the confusion about UVB absorption, the FDA proposed a cap on SPF numbers. Any sunscreen higher than 30 SPF would be a "30-plus." Thirty was the decided cap because above that, the percentage of UVB absorbed and overall protection of the skin increases only slightly, but people may misinterpret these higher SPF numbers as a much higher level of protection or even a guarantee of all-day protection, which they are NOT. Although many companies are not complying and we still find sun screens labeled with 50 to 70SPF.
Make Your Own Sun Screen- Quick & Easy-
· An 8 ounce your favorite lotion (that doesn’t contain citrus oils!) A mix of Coconut Oil and Shea Butter are wonderful choices.
· Add two Tablespoon of non-nano zinc oxide Available at http://www.bulkapothecary.com/product/raw-ingredients/other-ingredients-and-chemicals/zinc-oxide/?mkwid=7SOvTTX7_dc|pcrid|2933342748|pkw|supplier%20zinc%20oxide%20crystal|pmt|bb| Cover your mouth & nose with a construction face mask when handling the zinc oxide to avoid breathing it in.
· Mix well
· Use as Sunscreen
For more information about sun screen and protection Check out the Environmental Working Group website to find out information about sun protection and if your sun screen contains toxic ingredients. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/
Do people of African descent or darker skin pigments need sun screen? YES! It is true having more melanin in your skin can aid in protecting it, but it still needs protection when you are exposed to the sun. Everyone can burn, no matter how dark their skin is. I suggest people with darker pigment and African descent Read this article by Dr. Aletha Maybank from Ebony magazine. http://www.ebony.com/wellness-empowerment/doctors-orders-yes-black-people-do-get-sunburn-405#axzz4DSK21d2X Actually melanoma the most deadly type of skin cancer has been more fatal in people of African descent more than any other race. This is because they tend to not think they are susceptible to skin cancer and often wait until the melanoma has been there for quite some time before seeking medical attention.
What do I do once I have burned? Say hello to my good friend, the plant called Aloe Vera. If you have a plant break off a stem and split it open and rub the soft inside of the plant on the affected area. If you purchase an aloe vera gel, please look at the ingredients, as many contain chemicals that actually irritate the skin. I like Real Aloe Gelly available at http://realaloesolutions.com/gelly.asp .
Make Chamomile tea and let it cool, wet a wash cloth in the cool tea and use as a compress, it will act as an antinflamatory , aiding in decreasing the inflammation for the burn.
Cold water showers, bathes or compresses.
Drink plenty of water as well, since the body will be dehydrated from the heat sun exposure. Eating melons can also help as they contain a lot of water and are very cold in nature to help cool the body off.
AVOID soap and bubble bath as it may irritate the skin.
Oat meal bath or compresses- Add oatmeal to your bath. You can also run cold water over oat meal and let it sit 20 to 30 minutes,, then strain use the liquid and place cloths in and make compresses to apply to burnt areas.
Yogurt- Apply plain yogurt to your sun burn and let it sit then rinse with a cool shower.
Fat Free milk mixed with 4 cups of water and ice cubes also makes a wonderful cold compress.
Cornstarch- add water to make a paste and apply on sun burn.
Baking soda- place in a bath with tepid water. Let the solution dry on your skin before rinsing or toweling off.
Vinegar- One cup of white OR apple cider vinegar in a cool tub of water will help astringe the heat and soothe the sunburn pain.
If your eyes are swollen I suggest cucumber slices and the compress of chamomile tea mentioned above. Regular black tea compress at room temperature or cold can also be used for the eyes as the tannins in the tea help soothe the sun burnt eyes.
Vitamin C- It not only boosts the immune system but is very helpful in tissue repair. Take 500 mg of a buffered vitamin C, three times a day with each meal. It should always be taken with food.
Plan to have fun, but plan- the answer is not to stay inside and miss the beautiful outdoors, but to plan ahead. Whether walking, swimming, doing sports or watching a ball game-remember to simply plan your attire, bring and apply protection from head to toe and you will be have a fantastic summer with no skin damage.
Healthfully Yours,
Nora Sullivan-Houndalas
Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher
