HEALTHY YOU

Are you a Solarphobe?

STORY MICHELLE JOHNS

MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

Please note: The contents of this article are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or lifestyle changes. Resources for the content of this piece are available upon request.

it's summertime!

The days are long and the sun is bright. It’s a time of year when we are reminded to lather up and cover our skin with sunscreen, leading many people to become “solarphobes” fearful of the sun.

“Solarphobia” leaves many searching for answers to questions such as:

- How do I prevent the sun from damaging my skin, causing premature aging and skin cancer?

- Which sunscreen is the best for protection and contains the lowest amount of toxic chemicals?

- How much sunscreen do I need?

- How much natural sun is okay for my skin?

- How might the sun be helpful to my well-being?

The sun is a natural source of light, energy and vitality, however, as with anything else, too much can be problematic. For the purposes of this article, I have researched and sourced scientifically supported and published information from medical doctors at the American Cancer Society, the World Health Organization, Harvard Health, the FDA, the Cancer Council, and the Vitamin D Society.

The American Cancer Society reports skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The most frequently occurring skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are usually the consequence of lifelong exposure to the sun, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, may result from sun exposure, but that is not always the case. While skin cancer is most commonly a result of exposure to UV rays from sunlight, other sources of UV exposure, including laser devices used for medical and dental procedures, barcode scanners and other man-made laser devices can also contribute to the risk. The research is scant on how much of a role man-made, broad-spectrum UV rays play in skin cancer; however, the National Toxicology Program of the United States Health and Human Services Department reports they are human carcinogens.

Cancer is usually the result of too much exposure to an environmental or chemical toxin or a combination of too much exposure to environmental or chemical toxins. Interestingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports Vitamin D is most easily absorbed from sun exposure. The WHO reports Vitamin D is helpful to prevent osteoporosis, rickets and osteomalacia. Additionally, according to the WHO, research examining the possible benefits of skin exposure to UVB rays from the sun in preventing some cancers and immune diseases is underway.

According to the Cancer Council, the sun is the best source for Vitamin D and sunscreen inhibits the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D. The lighter your skin tone, the shorter the amount of time you need of direct sun exposure. The fairer your skin, the easier it is for it to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. A good practice is to notice when your skin begins to change color. At this point, your body is no longer making Vitamin D and you are putting yourself at risk for skin cancer. This is when you should cover up and remove yourself from the sun.

Skin cancer is serious. The very rays we need from the sun, UVB, are the same rays that put us at risk for skin cancer. UVA rays cause wrinkles and accelerate aging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen guarding the skin from both UVB and UVA rays is best to protect skin from overexposure.

The Environmental Health Perspective report published by the NBCI notes the body produces more serotonin during the day when exposed to the sun, which also increases the body’s ability to make melatonin. More serotonin corresponds to better mental health and more melatonin helps with sleep, which also benefits mental health. The same report noted that extensive sun exposure is a risk factor for malignant melanoma, but high sun exposure was related to higher survival rates in patients with early-stage melanoma. The study also noted that most melanomas occur in areas of skin least exposed to the sun.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the following factors should be considered when selecting a sunscreen: Just say no to: SPF above 50, Retinyl palmitate, aerosol spray and powder sunscreen, Oxybenzone which “penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. It can trigger allergic skin reactions. Some research studies, while not conclusive, have linked higher concentrations of oxybenzone to health disorders, including endometriosis in older women and lower birth weights in newborn girls.”, added insect repellent.

Say yes to: Hats and shade in mid-day sun, Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as active ingredients, or Avobenzone (at 3%), SPF 15 to 50, depending on your own skin coloration, time outside, shade and cloud cover, using a lot and reapplying frequently.

The bottom line is that the sun may be beneficial to your overall health and well being. Use common sense with exposure to the sun and sunscreens. Too much of anything can be a bad thing, but just the right amount can be helpful and healthy. See your dermatologist annually and have your skin and moles checked for defects.