Sun Sense

We’re finally able to enjoy days outside without being bundled, but it does bring a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen before and re-applying every 2 hours during sun exposure to prevent skin cancers. On the other, constant presence of sunscreen on our skin eradicates vitamin D production. Add to that the constantly emerging evidence that some sunscreens are carcinogenic in and of themselves, and it becomes a real quandary of what to do on a given day. At least I’ve felt that way when my kids have asked me, “Do I need sunscreen today?”
To answer that question, my strategy has been to weigh how long they will be outside, what time of day it is, what part of the summer we’re in, what they are wearing, and what sunscreen product is available. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 am to 3 pm, so extra care is needed during those hours, especially if we are going to be outside for more than 30 minutes. Outside of those hours, depending on a person’s skin type and how long they will be outside, going without sunscreen may be advisable to maximize vitamin D production. The concept of building a base tan gradually to prevent damage is a contested one. It is true that skin already exposed to sun numerous times will not burn as easily, but a deep, dark tan does still indicate sun exposure and potential damage. The best form of protection is in the form of clothing or a hat, but when temperatures or activities don’t allow for us to make that choice, a sunscreen may be necessary.
I encourage everyone to consult the Environmental Working Group website (www.ewg.org) on which sunscreen to purchase. They have a comprehensive listing of the products and rate each according to effectiveness and toxicity, depending on the ingredients. For quick reference, the ones to avoid are ones containing either oxybenzone , PABA, octinoxate, benzophenone, and/or padimate-O. The safest sunscreens are ones which contain only physical blocks, either from zinc oxide or titanium, together with anti-oxidant ingredients. These products have improved in quality and are often easily applied.
Another extremely important factor in how your skin handles sun comes from the inside out. The anti-oxidants in creams are helpful, but even more effective are ones ingested in your diet. Lycopene ( think tomatoes), EGCG (green tea), resveratrol (red grapes), and vitamin C are amongst the most effective in skin care, but many others play a role so that maintaining a diet high in vegetables and fruit, especially in raw form, will go a long way towards helping your skin recover from the sun’s rays.
Any questions? Please give us a call!