Here Comes the Sun… Making Rays Safe and Fun
It’s SUMMER! Dust off the bbq, practice those cannon balls, and above all, DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!! You know the story, the solar rays cause painful burns, early wrinkles, and skin cancer, so your best bet is to stay under cover of protective creams, clothing, and large umbrellas or, better yet, avoid the sun altogether…RIGHT?
Well, as a sun-loving, half-Filipino gal, I get quite a few chuckles from my more Caucasian patients when I suggest that extreme measures may be a bit over the top. By no means do I suggest taking your family out at noon, slathering up in baby oil and using aluminum foil reflectors to amp up the tanning power.
However, a few things to consider before you become a hardcore sun(block) worshipper:
- Sunshine provides much needed vitamin D that is synthesized in your body as ultraviolet light contacts your skin. This is how nature intended you to get this nutrient (even though store-bought cow’s milk seems to take most of the credit these days). Vitamin D protects you from osteoporosis, colon cancer, autoimmune disease, and SKIN cancers including melanoma. This important vitamin also promotes bone growth in kids and fortifies their immune systems. The average person needs about 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure daily to meet this requirement.
- Yes, the sun can be damaging, but what’s in that sun block? Common ingredients such as oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, PABA, benzophenone, parabens, and triethanolamine are nasty synthetic chemicals that can cause cancer or disrupt hormone function. Even titanium dioxide (TiO2), found in many “natural” sunscreens, has been shown to cause DNA damage in human cells. Children’s skin is really good at absorbing these toxins. It’s pointless to try to avoid the dangers of sun exposure by slathering on dangerous creams.
Great. So can’t live with it, can’t live without it. What’s a mom to do about all those rays?
- Burn is bad. Why experts may disagree about the pros and cons of sunshine, the bottom line is that you should avoid sun burns which are directly linked to melanoma and severe sun damage.
- Choose your weapon: Sunscreen with micro-ionized zinc is the safest substance that keeps free radicals at bay while also working wonders at blocking sun. Don’t give into temptation of those invisible spray-in lotions that are neat and convenient but also toxic. By the way, the number of SPF is not an entirely accurate measure of how well your creams with do the job. Choose at least SPF 15, but more for especially fair skin or long days. Reapply the block regularly for usual summer activities involving sweat, water, and extended sun exposure. We recommend Badger, an all-natural, great smelling sunscreen made with micro-ionized zinc, natural emollients, and essential oils.
- Multi-task. This ability was innately given to you as a mom, so when it comes to sun protection, make sure to put it to use more than one method of sun protection: big brimmed hats (if your child will keep them on), breathable light colored, cotton clothing, and lots of shade with umbrellas and tents will help. One Step Ahead sells an awesome beach tent that is SPF 50.
- Timing is key. Big hot sun-glaring hours should be avoided when possible. The safest summer sun is before 9am and after 4pm. But if your beach picnic is at noon, just go equipped with lots of sunscreen, hats, and shade options as well as cool water and fruit to stay hydrated.
- Oh Baby! For the most part, keep your baby out of direct sun and refrain from sun block until 6 months of age. Unless mom was deficient, baby is born with a liver full of vitamin D which is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the body, and will continue to get some D if breastfeeding.
- Still scorched!?! Despite your best efforts, Jake and daddy have both come home cotton-candy pink! After a cool bath or shower, apply fresh aloe directly to the burn and get them to drink lots of fluids. Now you know for next weekend to up that SPF, get a wider brimmed hat, and hit the beach well after lunch instead of at noon.
For similar opinion, Dr. Mercola wrote a brief and interesting article that suggests tossing your sunscreen altogether.