There is an enormous amount of conflicting and confusing information about sunscreens. After many hours of research, here is the truth about the sun and sunscreen.

~Moderate sun exposure (10-15 minutes per day) without sunscreen is essential for Vitamin D production in the body. Vitamin D helps reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. The best time is mid-day. UVA rays create Vitamin D and are strongest mid-day. UVB (burning rays) are present all day, even on cloudy days. The common recommendation of staying out of the sun between 10 and 2 is actually incorrect. Before 10 and after 2 is when the UVA rays (Vitamin D producing rays) are low. The UVB (burning rays), however, are the same.* If you block the rays, you block the Vitamin D too.

~Do not remain out in the sun more than the 10-15 minutes needed for Vitamin D production. If you must be in the sun longer, use protective hats and clothing. And, if this is not practical or you will be out for an extended period of time, use a toxin free sunscreen that will not harm you.

~The FDA has not reviewed or updated sunscreen safety standards in many years. The sunscreen used to reduce sun related cancers, may be causing tissue damage, DNA damage, free radical production, allergies, skin sensitivities and cancer. Some ingredients are shown to mimic oestrogen and may cause reproduction problems.

Commercial sunscreens contain many synthetic and toxic ingredients. The following chemicals should be avoided:

Oxybenzone: (benzopherone3): New study results from the Centers for Disease Control say that 97% of Americans are contaminated with Oxybenzone. It is a penetration enhancer, widely used in sunscreens and has been linked to cell damage,hormone disruption and allergies. It is also found in many other personal care products. It is a strong free radical generator. Although this chemical does protect against both UVA & UVB rays, they are also powerful free radical generators activated by ultraviolet light. These free radicals can initiate a reaction that may lead to melanoma and other skin cancers. (you can read an entire analysis on this chemical on www.ewg.org and look for a March 2008 archived article on this toxic chemical).

Avobenzone: strong free radical generator

Triethanolamine: compound can cause formation of cancer causing nitrosamines (DEA,TEA)

Octyl-methoxycinnamate: UV absorber, may produce free Radicals

PABA: can cause allergic sensitivity, eczema and may product free radicals

Cinoxate: may cause allergic rashes and DNA damage

Padimate O: Dibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789, Methyl Sinapate: Can produce free radicals responsible for direct DNA damage

Salicylates, Cinnamates, homosalate, octyl salicylate and Ethylhexyl salicylate, cinoxiate, octocrylene, para amino benzoic acid: Several of these chemicals when applied to breast cancer cells in test tubes caused cancer cell growth.

Studies also show that some of the chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. The longer sunscreen chemicals are left on the skin, the greater the absorption into the body.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHYSICAL BARRIER SUNSCREENS AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and body organs and reacts to the UV rays by not allowing the skin to burn. The chemicals absorb the radiation but creates dangerous free radicals. Your skin turning red and burning is your body’s way of protecting itself-telling you its time to get out of the sun. When you stop this process, you are only stopping the skin from burning, not from the internal damage to the cells of your body.

Physical sunblockers reflect and scatter the UV rays. Very little is being absorbed into the body, creating a mechanical barrier. They reflect the rays before they reach the tissues of the skin.

ZINC OXIDE a mineral that is classified as a PHYSICAL barrier sunscreen. It provides complete UVA & UVB protection, has anti-inflammatory properties and is considered the safest sunscreen ingredient. It is the only FDA approved sunscreen for infants under 6 months old.

WHICH SPF AND HOW OFTEN?

SPF 20 is sufficient. SPF 30 only provides 2.5% more protection. This higher SPF only gives minimal additional protection and may cost as much as 25% more. Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours or after excessive sweating.

WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?

Chemical sunscreens are causing damage to the coral reefs and fish. Sunscreen being washed off in the ocean is causing viral infections and coral bleaching. Fish off the coast of California are having ovarian tissue growing in their testes. It is believed that oxybenzone is responsible for this. Some countries are banning chemical sunscreens on the beaches.

THE SOLUTION

Green Screen Sunscreen by Kabana Skincare is made with a non-coated micronized Zinc Oxide with a particle size larger than the pores, so it cannot enter and cause DNA damage. It does NOT contain any nanoparticles. It was developed by Erik Kreider, a pharmaceutical scientist who became dissatisfied with companies that mislead their customers. Kabanas ingredients are of the highest quality, chosen to ensure good health and environmental sustainability. It will not harm human or marine life.

*Obtained from website www.drmercola.com