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Without
the Sun, life as we know
it on this planet would
not exist. Plants would
not grow creating
chlorophyll,
anti-oxidants, vitamins,
minerals and other
valuable nutrients.
Sunlight supports the
health of our eyes and
assists the synthesis of
vitamin D so that we can
assimilate calcium for
the health of our bones
and many other health
needs. The sun feeds
our pineal and pituitary
glands affording us
restful sleep, proper
balance of endocrine
function and hormones
that influence our
growth, maintain our
youthful appearance and
balance our moods.
It helps prevent
disease.
It is important to get
some sunlight exposure
regularly. Since there
are many different skin
types with varying
degrees of melanin, the
amount of sun exposure
that is healthy and
beneficial varies for
different people. The
mid-day hours
(approximately
11 am to
3 pm) are when the sun
is most intense and
therefore are the best
hours to take cover. To
totally avoid sun is
unhealthy.
The cosmetic industry
has developed a
multitude of sunscreen
products, with many
different
SPF (sun protection factor) levels and
multiple interpretations
of the meaning of those
SPF levels. There are
many harmful synthetic
ingredients used in
sunscreen products.
During a study conducted
at the University of
Zurich, Switzerland in
February, 2001, five
sunscreen ingredients
were found to have
estrogenic properties:
octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC),
benzophenone-3,
homosalate,
4-methyl-benzylidene
camphor (4-MBC),
octyl-dimethyl-PABA.
Other commonly used
ingredients cause
irritation. Most
alarming are the
associated carcinogenic
risks. (see the Skin
Deep Report, March
Newsletter.) I believe
it is wise to avoid
products that contain
these and other
synthetic ingredients.
Sun
protection is more than
skin deep.
There is more we can do
to protect our skin than
just using topical
products. Research has
shown that eating
sufficient essential
fatty acids (efa) helps
protect our skin from
UVA-UVB rays. It is
noted that a diet rich
in omega 3 and omega 6
oils (6:3 ratio) is
effective in preventing
cancer specifically skin
cancer. Most American
diets are deficient in
omega 3 oils. Good
sources of omega 3 oils
are wild deep water
fish, fatty fish,
walnuts and flax seeds.
It is also important to
eat foods rich in
anti-oxidants (vitamins
A, C, E, and trace
minerals zinc and
selenium) preferably
from plant sources e.g.
sea weeds and raw
vegetables.
Sun care pointers:
♥ It is safe to be in the sun only as long as it does not cause
a sunburn. That is the
key.
♥ Eat sufficient omega 3 & omega 6 oils; eat foods rich in
anti-oxidants.
♥ When sun exposure beyond your skins limit is unavoidable, use
sun protective products
that are free of
synthetic ingredients.
♥ Be sure to nourish your skin with a good after sun product. Citrus
& Sass is an
excellent sun repair
cream. It contains
Kukui nut, Coconut and
Sesame seed oils, all of
which are noted
specifically for their
after sun skin
replenishing qualities.
Our skin loves to be soothed and replenished
with natural plant
ingredients. After fun
in the sun at the sea or
pool side you will find
Citrus & Sass a
delightful refreshing
treat for your skin!
Garden of
Eves approach to sun care
I saw the need for a
non-toxic sun protective
product. My skin has
always been too
sensitive
(or aware) to use
commercial sunscreen
products. I decided it
was time to see what I
could create with pure
plant oils and
micronized mineral zinc
oxide. I developed two
products one for body,
another for face that
has extra skin nurturing
properties of plant
extracts and essential
oils (Calendula, Sea Buckthorne berry and
Lavender.) This face
cream can be used as a
luxurious day cream with
sun protection factors.
Both of these products
are great for all skin
types; babies and
children too.
They are made of
certified organic oils
of plants that are
particularly rich
sources of anti-oxidants
and known to have
significant UVA and UVB
block potential with
micronized zinc oxide
added for long lasting
and non-irritating sun
protection. |
Living
Healthy,
Living Green News
