SUN SENSE
By Gayle Eversole
Being in the sun feels good and it actually improves health.
New studies tell us that the majority of people, especially those who don’t go outdoors or live above the 45th parallel, are severely deficient in vitamin D. Sunshine gives us the best source of vitamin D.
Two new reports looked at sunscreen products, although from different perspectives.
EWG, the Environmental Working Group, reported on a lengthy list of products based on toxic ingredients. Consumer Reports Health evaluated products based on length of stay especially when exposed to water, aroma and similar “feel good” factors like how the product felt, and how it rubbed in or sprayed on.
If you look at the top 4 from the Consumer Reports Health survey you’ll find that they don’t meet the mustard when it comes to toxicity. All of these products contained an endocrine disruptor, oxybenzone.
Overexposure to the sun, and indoor tanning beds, does increase your risk of developing skin cancer. At the same time, sunlight helps use get vitamin D which is essential for immune support. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and several cancers, including melanoma.
Cumulative UV exposure to both sunlight and tanning beds can contribute to a substantial increase in cancer, according to epidemiologists at the University of Minnesota.
Looking back to an article I published in 1999, these suggestions still hold true:
It is important to limit exposure to the sun’s damaging rays, while remembering that we need sunlight to give us our daily dose of vitamin D. Avoiding the hottest hours of sunlight where you live is very important too.
The amount of safe sun exposure we need depends on skin tone, the time of year, and time of day. Star with 5 minutes exposure and build up to about 15 minutes three times a week is usually considered adequate.
Cloudy overcast days magnify the sun’s effect, more so if you are on or near the water. Taking a little extra care will prevent serious solar accidents.
Use sun screen with care. Note too that some titanium containing products may not be healthy.
If you are going to remain in the sun for lengthy periods of time you may wish to wear a loose fitting, long sleeved, light colored shirt made from natural fibers, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
A friend shared with me that an extra serving or two of tomatoes offers sunscreen like benefit. Her children get a big serving daily and don’t get burned.
I encourage people to take additional thiamine, vitamin B1, and use a spray solution of vitamin C to help protect from the hazards of sunshine.
Aloe vera gel, lavender oil, vitamin e, apple cider vinegar, or plain tea, applied to the skin, work well to soothe the harmful effects of too much time in the sun. Using a spray bottle for most of the liquids makes application easier. And remember to use plain aloe, not a product with coloring, fragrance, or additives. Also check labels to avoid alcohol or petroleum containing products.
Peppermint or yarrow herb baths help soothe you after a day in the sun.
Homeopathic remedies may also be beneficial if you stayed too long in the sun. Calendula cream or ointment helps soothe minor sunburn, and it is good to keep in your medicine chest for scrapes or scratches.
You can make you own solution using potentized calendula, either, 1X, 3X or 6C. Put 1 pellet in a glass jar filled with purified, swirl in the jar until dissolved, and use it as a rinse. Add 5 pellets to a cool bath and relax. If you don’t have potentized calendula, you can use tincture in water. Topical calendula can accompany oral use. Making a sun tea with calendula flower blossoms also serves as a rinse, or for cool compresses.
Should the sunburn be severe, or you experience sunstroke or heat stroke, if a person is unconscious or their cognitive ability is impaired, get immediate help from your local EMTs or the closest ER.
Best friends: Don’t forget your pets. They’ll need more water when the weather is hot. Pets eat less, or not at all, if they get overheated. Use sun screen on the nose, especially for animals with white or light fur.
More Information:
How much sun is right for you? http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2006/04/05/1609208.htm
Sun Safety http://blog.seattlepi.com/naturalnotes/archives/169914.asp
Sun Screen Report http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
Sun Safety Hot Weather TIP Healthy Skin
PHOTO: Calendula Soaking Up Some Sun by Greeneberry
from our "Natural Notes" series, copyright 2010