Sunscreen Facts!

Did you know studies have proven that individuals who use sunscreen products, avoid the sun,  & spend their days under fluorescent lighting actually are more likely to get melanoma than those who don't use sunscreen & who get regular sun exposure? 
Skin cancer is actually caused by Vit D deficiency and nutritional deficiencies! Vit D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world effecting 90% of the population! Our bodies need sunlight for optimal health & function. Never avoid the sun or think you are doing yourself a favour by slathering on cancer causing sunscreen products. ESPECIALLY on your young children! I cringe when I see parents applying their kids with this stuff. The only way to protect their skin is to slowly expose them to it. Kids are a lot less prone to burning than adults are and they NEED the Vit D!
Obviously you want to have common sense about it.....gradually expose your skin to the sun a little bit each day uncovered, wear a hat if going to be out for a long period of time, know your limit, seek shade when needed, etc. The more you are exposed, the longer you can handle the sun without burning. 20 min to 1 hour per day is adequate for optimal Vit D production. Vit D prevents cancers, osteoperosis, depression, heart disease, & even obesity and diabetes!
Stay away from commercial sunscreen products which contain toxic ingredients like oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, Paba, Retinal Palmitate...these are all cancer causing as well as contributing to other health issues! If you are looking for something to put on your skin before you go out into the sun for a light protection which still allows for Vit D production, opt for natural ingredients like Shea nut Butter, Raw coconut oil, Jojoba oil, & Zinc Oxide. They protect as well as nourish and heal the skin before and after sun exposure. And most important is a diet high in antioxidant rich berries, fruits, & vegetables, as well as natural fats like raw nuts and seeds, coconut meat and its oil, flax seeds and oil, avocado, & un-refined olive oil. Internal sun protection comes first! If you have a crappy diet of processed foods and alcohol, the less protection you have from burning! So make sure you hit the fruit & veggie stands for local in season produce, and indulge for the health of your body & skin!
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