Post by Indilwen on Mar 19, 2012 15:18:40 GMT 12
Sun Sense - Chemical vs Natural
The active ingredients in sunscreen are usually of two types: chemical (active) and physical (passive). Chemical sunscreens absorb
Sunscreens are supposed to protect us from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which causes most skin cancers. But the irony is that, sunscreens may actually harbour potential cancer-causing agents. It is reported that most chemical sunscreens contain from 2-5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (ie oxybenzone and benzephenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is a powerful free radical used in industrial processes to initiate chemical reactions. In addition, chemical sunscreens (including those with benzophenone) are formulated to absorb UVB radiation; they let most of the UVA rays through. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to melanoma formation.
Sun safety tips
Your exposure to sun in your first 20 years of life is a strong determinant for risk of skin cancer, and there is nothing you can do to reverse the effects of UV damage you got as a child. To minimize risk of skin cancer, a prudent measure would be to limit your exposure to the sun. Stop relying on the use of sunscreens to protect yourself against skin cancer.
•Avoid 'peak' sunlight hours when the sun's rays are more intense between 10am-3pm especially in the height of summer
•Wear protective clothing, include a hat with a wide brim (to protect the eyes) and long sleeved shirt and pants during prolonged sun exposure
•Sunglasses, wrap around eyewear and broad spectrum prescriptive lenses that absorb UV-B and UV-A
•UVA rays are present even on cloudy days if you want a tan then tan progressively. Expose yourself for a maximum of 10 minutes at the beginning of the season until you have safely acquired a light tan.
•Sunlight is strongly reflected from sand and concrete, and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10-50%
•Increase your intake of beta carotene (found in cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, mango, broccoli) to protect against the suppression of the immune system by UVA rays
•Vitamin C (in fresh fruits, citrus and vegetables) and Vitamin E (in cereal products, vegetable oils, wheat germ, eggs and nuts), and selenium (in fish, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic) and reported to be protective against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation, especially cataract formation
•Cut down in fat in the diet
•If you want to use a sunscreen, minus the toxic chemicals why not check out the Organic Beauty range of non toxic sunscreens containing ingredients such as sesame seed, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, grapeseed oil and many more.
source: www.organicbeautyworld.com.au/fyi/sun_sense.php
The active ingredients in sunscreen are usually of two types: chemical (active) and physical (passive). Chemical sunscreens absorb
Sunscreens are supposed to protect us from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which causes most skin cancers. But the irony is that, sunscreens may actually harbour potential cancer-causing agents. It is reported that most chemical sunscreens contain from 2-5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (ie oxybenzone and benzephenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is a powerful free radical used in industrial processes to initiate chemical reactions. In addition, chemical sunscreens (including those with benzophenone) are formulated to absorb UVB radiation; they let most of the UVA rays through. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to melanoma formation.
Sun safety tips
Your exposure to sun in your first 20 years of life is a strong determinant for risk of skin cancer, and there is nothing you can do to reverse the effects of UV damage you got as a child. To minimize risk of skin cancer, a prudent measure would be to limit your exposure to the sun. Stop relying on the use of sunscreens to protect yourself against skin cancer.
•Avoid 'peak' sunlight hours when the sun's rays are more intense between 10am-3pm especially in the height of summer
•Wear protective clothing, include a hat with a wide brim (to protect the eyes) and long sleeved shirt and pants during prolonged sun exposure
•Sunglasses, wrap around eyewear and broad spectrum prescriptive lenses that absorb UV-B and UV-A
•UVA rays are present even on cloudy days if you want a tan then tan progressively. Expose yourself for a maximum of 10 minutes at the beginning of the season until you have safely acquired a light tan.
•Sunlight is strongly reflected from sand and concrete, and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10-50%
•Increase your intake of beta carotene (found in cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, mango, broccoli) to protect against the suppression of the immune system by UVA rays
•Vitamin C (in fresh fruits, citrus and vegetables) and Vitamin E (in cereal products, vegetable oils, wheat germ, eggs and nuts), and selenium (in fish, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic) and reported to be protective against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation, especially cataract formation
•Cut down in fat in the diet
•If you want to use a sunscreen, minus the toxic chemicals why not check out the Organic Beauty range of non toxic sunscreens containing ingredients such as sesame seed, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, grapeseed oil and many more.
source: www.organicbeautyworld.com.au/fyi/sun_sense.php