The sunshine season is upon us and we are all excited about holidays, weekend breaks and sunny days in the park or back garden (if you are lucky enough to have one).
But with sunshine goes the worry that we might get skin cancer thanks to the sun! Cancer charities are certainly picking up on it, teaming up with major brands to promote their sunscreen products! How thoughtful, right?
Except that, cancer is not just about the UV rays burning the skin, rather, a combination of many things, one of which is toxins exposure. And the sunscreen products we buy in stores are full of chemicals and toxins.
Once you are aware of the “toxins factor”, it seems crazy that charities like Cancer Research UK are happy to endorse brands like Nivea in their ads.
But let’s face it; Nivea is one of many CRUK sponsors; they pay money and as a result, they are promoted as the safe step to take for a healthy skin.
It makes you wonder, whom can you trust? Isn’t it interesting that as the sunscreen economy boomed, about 30 years ago, malignant melanoma incident rates have increased too? (Source: Cancer Research UK)
Of course, climate change and the ozone layer getting thinner have impacted how strong UV rays are. But truth to be told, they are not the main reason. I did a little digging, as I thought: ”Surely, with the sun becoming stronger, it is countries like Africa that must have the highest melanoma cases ever”
Surprisingly, or not, no country on the African continent appears on this study. (Source: World Cancer Research Fund international)
So maybe it is not so much about the UV rays as the exposure to the toxins? I acknowledge that cancer has a lot of layers we cannot see or understand and we really cannot pin point how one gets it, but with my knowledge and common sense, I am sure that what we put on our skin affects those statistics much more than the UV rays touching us.
So maybe it is time to re-think sunscreens, or at least the commercial ones! A few helpful resources, to learn about what ingredients are harmful in sunscreens are:
Another reason why sunscreen, especially “high factor”, can affect our health, is that by blocking sunlight they impair the body’s natural ability to metabolize Vitamin D, increasing Vitamin D deficiency and increasing ailments affected by that deficiency, once of which is Cancer (Source: WebMD). All connected remember?
So, we know what the enemies (toxic ingredients) look like, and you can have a good read about them in the links I shared, but what is the solution?
Here a few natural remedies that can give you sun protection without any rubbish
Almond Oil- SPF 5
With a natural SPF, almond oil can be a great way to moisturize the skin as well as protecting it. Rich in vitamin E, which prevents skin cancer, it is a great product to have at home! You can also add Lavender or Rosemary essential oils, to sooth the skin and naturally protect it from the sun too.
Coconut oil – SPF 4
Coconut oil protects the skin from 75% of UV rays with its SPF of 4. We have been taught that we need SPF 45 so that big companies can sell more and more chemical laden products, but that is far from the truth and coconut oil makes the perfect sunscreen.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil SPF 25-50
If you need something stronger for kids or if you have a sensitive skin, then Red Raspberry oil is your ally! The SPF depends on concentration of the oil. Red Raspberry oil is bright gold to reddish in color with a fruity aroma. High in Vitamin E, polyphenols and Vitamin C. It is also rich in Vitamin A and contains up to 83% omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Red raspberry seed oil is also an anti-inflammatory and if you read my posts about cancer before, you will recall that inflammation is a trigger.
Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 35-40
Another SPF powerhouse! It is not actually a base oil but an essential oil, so it needs to be added to a carrier (you can choose from one of the above) and added In as extra sun protection.
Zinc Oxide SPF 2-20
As the oils, Zinc Oxyde (powder) can have an SP factor of 2 to 20 depending on amount used. It is a great solution to naturally protect the skin against UV rays when exposed to sunlight for extended period of times. Some of the best natural sunscreens use this ingredient as base. Use non nano Zinc oxide so it is not absorbed by the skin
A great brand recommended by holistic moms is Badger, also found on Amazon in the UK! This US brand nailed it with its natural ingredients (e.g. Zinc oxide) and avoidance of all that is chemical and harmful to the body!
But for skin, as with all cancers, it starts within! Make sure you keep a healthy lifestyle and diet, so your body can heal. The skin is an organ, the largest we have, and so like all other organs it relies on nutrients to stay healthy! Take Green Tea, with its natural anti-oxidants, it has been linked to skin health and even protection against UVR. A 2000 study found that when applied to the skin, green tea protects against sunburn and a 2003 study, found those who drank two or more cups a day had a 65% lower risk of skin cancer.
And now to the obvious: Don’t lie in the sun like a lizard (unless you are trying to transform yourself in a walking leather bag). Being mindful about being in the sunshine is the best prevention. Don’t expose yourself to the hottest sun of the day (12pm to 4pm) and enjoy going between shade and sunshine and wear light clothing (like linen), which are light and still allow you to get sunshine so you get the Vitamin D kick without burning!
Be particularly careful when it is windy, as that can be deceitful and whilst you are not boiling hot, you are getting burnt anyway! Sunlight is life, enjoy it but be aware and respect its power!
Bonus: Homemade sunscreen recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Red Raspberry Seed Oil (use almond oil if you don’t have RRS)
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup Shea butter
- 2 Tbsp non nano Zinc Oxide
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp lavender
- 1 tsp rosemary oil
Method
- Boil 1/3 saucepan of water and then leave on low heat
- Combine all ingredients (except zinc oxide) large jar.
- Place the lid loosely on jar put it in the pan with the water.
- Allow ingredients to melt and stir to mix well.
- When all ingredients are melted, add the zinc oxide
- Stir in well and pour into whatever jar you will use for storage
- Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated
Use as sunscreen. It is not waterproof so it needs to be applied regularly.
Expiration date: 6 months after making.