Although the medical establishment still strongly supports the use of sunscreens there is a growing consensus among progressive researchers that the use of sunscreens does not prevent skin cancer and, as a matter of fact, may promote skin cancers as well as colon and breast cancer.
The bottom line
So what should you do to protect yourself as much as possible against these cancers? Summarizing current research the following recommendations appear reasonable:
DO NOT rely on the use of sunscreens to protect you against skin cancer.
DO NOT try to get a tan by visiting a tanning studio. The rays from their UV lamps are extremely harmful and the tan produced does not have the protective effect of a sunlight-induced tan(2,7).
DO try to develop a moderate natural suntan unless you have extremely sensitive skin and burn easily. Regular and moderate unprotected sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon will help maintain a protective tan and keep your vitamin D stores at an optimum level(20).
DO wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM if at all possible. Remember that UV rays, particularly UVA, are present even on cloudy days(7).
DO wear sunglasses that filter out 100% of the ultraviolet light to protect yourself against the development of cataracts(7).
DO remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, and concrete and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10 to 50%(2).
DO make sure you get enough vitamin D3 and beta-carotene, if necessary through supplementation. Recent research has shown that taking 30
mg of beta-carotene a day protects against the suppression of the immune system by UVA rays(13).
DO make sure to supplement your diet with antioxidants. Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, Canada recommends that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium be used as a protection against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation. He suggests daily dosages of 3 grams or more of vitamin C, 800 IU of vitamin E, and 200 micrograms of selenium (l-selenomethionine)(22). Vitamins C and E also protect against cataract formation(23,24).
DO cut down on the fat in your diet. Recent research has shown that patients with non- melanoma skin cancers can reduce their risk of developing additional actinic keratoses (precursors to skin cancer) by switching to a low fat diet(25).
SUNSCREENS
Sunscreens are designed to protect against sunburn (UVB rays) and generally provide little protection against UVA rays. They come in two forms:
CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS contain chemicals such as benzophenone or oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as the active ingredient. They prevent sunburn by absorbing the ultraviolet (UVB) rays(2).
PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS contain inert minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or talc and work by reflecting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays away from the skin(2).
A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 filters out approximately 94% of the UVB rays. One with a SPF of 30 filters out 97%. The SPF applies for UVB rays only. The protection provided against UVA rays in chemical sunscreens is about 10% of the UVB rating(26).
DO wear a physical sunscreen with a SPF of 15 if you absolutely must be out in the sun for extended periods of time(22). Physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or talc work by reflecting the UV radiation rather than by absorbing it. Sunscreens are tested by using artificial UV light and a screen with a SPF of 30 is not twice as effective as one with a factor of 15(17). Also, reapplying sunscreen during the day does not extend the period of protection. Even "broad-spectrum" sunscreens are not very good in filtering out UVA rays(26). A natural suntan is probably more effective.
DO see your healthcare provider if you spot any unusual moles or growth on your skin - particularly if they are irregular in shape, bleed, itch, or appear to be changing. Most skin cancers can be cured if caught in time(27).
The saga of sunscreens and skin cancer is far from over. Research is continuing and new findings are being published at an accelerated pace. But until we know the whole story, it would seem prudent to take precautions based on what we do know.
And here's the link again; it references lots of the latest research out of Harvard and other prestigious universities in case you continue to be interested in the subject of malignant melanoma, sun exposure and sunscreen.
http://vvv.com/healthnews/dsunscre.html
O.K. I do have twins to feed
, so take care and I promise I'll stay out of
your thread
.
You should know that I truly meant
you no disrespect with my initial post and that (for whatever reason)
you took very personally something that I meant simply as a (hopefully helpful) contribution to the discussion of sun exposure and melanoma. And really try taking things a little less seriously; it's just a thread in a public forum and no one is trying to get you or "crap on your thread" or make you upset, LOL
Cheers!