A chiropractic outlook
on the sun and sunscreen.
By Amy Dusek
It’s summertime and you are bound to be inundated with messages about
the sun and skin cancer. If the media and medical experts have their way, every
trip to the neighborhood pool won’t be made without a bottle of sunblock.
There is a chiropractic view regarding healthy sun exposure, and it doesn’t
necessarily involve slathering on sunscreen. Dr. Joseph Mercola has long supported
the benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D for your long-term health. In a recent
health newsletter, Mercola writes, “The commonly spread word is that sunlight
is not good for us and will only cause cancer. We are encouraged to slap on
sunscreens to protect ourselves. Well, it is important to know that there are
contrary views. One clearly needs to exercise caution with the sun and avoid
ever getting sunburned, but this is relatively easy to do.”
Incidences of skin cancer are on the rise in the U.S., so, there is a cause
for concern and greater media coverage. Mercola, author of “Total Health
Program,” advises that sunscreen is the last thing you want to put on
your body—it does not stop skin cancer and blocks your skin’s ability
to produce vitamin D by more than 95 percent. In addition, Mercola has found
that sunscreen is a “toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system
and increase your risk of disease.”
Sunscreen contains active ingredients that the FDA classifies as “generally
safe and effective:”
Para Amino Benzoic Acid
Avobenzone
Cinoxate
Dioxybenzone
Homosalate
Menthyl Anthranilate
Octocrylene
Octo Methoxycinnamate
Octyl Salicylate
Oxybenzone
Padimate O
Phenylbenzimidazole
Sulisobenzone
Titanium Dioxide
Trolamine Salicylate
Zinc Oxide
Unfortunately there is no conclusive research regarding the toxicity of sunscreens.
However, Mercola and his teachings support a vitalistic philosophy. He suggests
reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals as much as possible and avoiding sunscreens
altogether.
“At the beginning of the season, go out gradually and limit your exposure
to as little as 10 minutes a day. Progressively increase your time in the sun
so that in a few weeks you will be able to have normal sun exposure with little
risk of skin cancer,” Mercola writes. “You can further avoid the
damage from the sun by staying out of the sun during the harmful times from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can stay in the shade during this time or wear lightweight
long sleeve shirts, long pants and a wide-brim hat.”
Mercola also suggests staying away from tanning beds—they increase your
risk of cancer. Play in the sun, but don’t get burned. For more information
on natural health topics, visit mercola.com.