Summer is here, and being so, we all spend a greater amount of time
outdoors. Today, parents are almost considered abusive if they do not
protect their children from the sun, a presumed cause of skin cancer.
This article will bring new light to your attitudes about sun exposure,
causes of skin cancers and the traditional sunscreens we rely on. Let the Sun Shine In
Natural sunlight is necessary for good health. Daily
moderate exposure enables the body to produce Vitamin
D and synthesize melanin (our body’s natural sunscreen).
Overexposure to the sun causes photo damage to the
skin, actinic keratoses, a precursor to squamous cell
carcinoma. It is also immunosuppressive and accelerates
skin aging. Underexposure is dangerous as well, as
one becomes “light deficient.” Light deficiency induces
Vitamin D deficiency, thus accelerating melanoma growth
risks.
Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh is a proponent of regular moderate
sun exposure, which he believes can prevent as many as
30,000 cancer deaths in the United States yearly. A study
published in CANCER (March 2002:
94:1867-75) bolsters his thesis.
Rates of thirteen types of cancer
were found to be higher in New
England where people may not be
synthesizing Vitamin D at all due to
lack of sunlight in the wintertime.
Deaths from cancers of the rectum,
stomach, uterus, bladder and others
were nearly double of that of people
in the southwest. Dietary patterns
were compared and little difference
was noted. Most sunscreens are designed to block UVB
rays, which are from what Vitamin D are synthesized.
In light of this report and others, along with epidemiological
studies linking a lack of sun exposure to sub-optimal
Vitamin D levels, it may be time to reevaluate our notions
of sun exposure and its effects on our health.
Putting Light on the Subject of Skin Cancer
Although sun exposure is usually blamed for skin cancer,
these studies reveal provocative findings.
1- Melanoma was occurring in areas where sunscreen
is used the most and melanoma rates are highest
among those that avoid the sun and work in indoor
urban environments.
2- A study in BMJ examined the relationship between
indoor fluorescent lights and the ever rising rate of
melanoma. Taking into account such factors as hair color,
skin type and the history of sun exposure, it was found
that working under fluorescent lights had doubled the
risk of melanoma in the subjects of the test group.
3- Evidence that the sun was the causative factor in the
development of melanoma was weak and inconclusive.
Tanned skin from regular exposure to the sun and people
who received more sunlight were less vulnerable to the
deleterious effects of fluorescent lights.
4- Russian researchers found women working under
fluorescent lights to be at a greater risk of melanoma.
In 1990, a U.S. Navy study found the highest rates of
melanoma in those that worked indoors.
5- In 2001, the National Academy of Sciences published
a comprehensive review showing that the omega 6:3
ratio was the key to preventing skin cancer development.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fats are both essential for human
health, however the typical American consumes far too
many omega-6 fats in their diet while consuming very
low levels of omega-3. While the ideal ratio of omega-6
to omega-3 fats is 1:1, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3
averages from 20:1 to 50:1! The
primary sources of omega-6 are
corn, soy, safflower and sunflower
oil; these oils are overabundant
in the typical diet, which explains
our excess omega-6 levels. Avoid
or limit these oils.
Uncovering the Facts
about Sunscreen
1- Studies fail to prove sunscreens
prevent basal cell cancers and
melanoma, yet most public health officials still insist
that sunscreen use or or abstinence from the sun is our
best protection.
2- Oddly enough, since the introduction of chemical
sunscreen, skin cancer rates began to climb and not fall.
For example, melanoma rates doubled from 6 to 13 per
100,000 people since 1973. Today, skin cancer diagnoses
surpass all other cancer, with over 1.3 million new cases
each year, with new melanoma diagnoses to be close to
48,000 in 2002, according to the American Cancer Society.
3- Research shows sunscreen does not protect against
melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Lotions decrease the risk of sunburn, they do not
block UVA rays, which cause melanoma. Even sunscreens
with the highest protection factor of 35, applied in
the correct amounts, were not effective at filtering out
the harmful rays. They say that people should limit their
sunbathing time and use clothing to block UVA rays
when sun is at its strongest.
Absorbing the Truth about Sunscreen
Recently, a study in the April 2004 Journal of
Chromatography found that there is significant penetration
of all sunscreen agents they studied into the skin,
Oddly enough, since the introduction
of chemical sunscreen,
skin cancer rates began to
climb and not fall.
12 summer 2004
and oxybenzone and metabolites
across the skin. Concentrations of
Benzphenone 3 and its metabolite,
2’4 dihydroxybenzophenone, have
been found in human urine only four
hours after application. They have
also been found to be absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract and bioaccumulation
of them has been detected
in human milk samples.
1- Benzophenone and oxybenzone
(benzophene 3) are among the most
powerful free radical generators
known. (In 1997 sunscreen chemicals
such as benzophenone and ethylhexyl-
p-methoxycinnimate, and
PABA esters such as padimate-o and
octyl dimethyl PABA were banned by
the European community.)
2- Octy Methoxycinnamate (OMC),
may be dangerous if it gets into
the bloodstream. As far back as the
1970s, Professor Howard Maibach
discovered that as much as 35% of
sunscreen enters the bloodstream
and the longer it is on the skin, the
more absorbed.
3- Triethanolamine (TEA) when
applied topically to female mice,
shows an increase in liver tumors,
whereas male mice had a smaller
increase in liver tumors but also
developed kidney tumors. TEA
combined with water or nitrates
(often used as a preservative but
not required by law to be listed)
can produce nitrosomines, which
are carcinogenic.
4- Parsol 1789 is a chemical which
blocks UVA but is also a free radical
generator and skin penetrant.
5- 2-phenylben zimidazole-5-sulfonic
acid (PBSA), an ingredient found
in some sunscreens, and has been
shown to damage DNA when
exposed to light.
6- Chemicals known as estrogen
surrogates, or gender benders, are
suspected of causing reproductive
disorders in animals and humans.
Such disorders include deformed
or stunted growth of genitalia and
may be, in part, responsible for
the dramatic rise in cancers of the
prostate, breast, testicles and uterus.
7- Chemicals in sunscreens were
found in fish in Germany turning
some of the fish into hermaphrodites.
8- Benzphenone-3, homosalate
octyl-methoxycinnimate, 4-methylbenzlidene
(4mbc) camphor and
octyldimethyl-PABA (o-d-PABA)
are all estrogen mimickers, and all
were shown to increase cell growth
in breast cancer cells! Three of these
cells were found to cause developmental
problems in animals, and
4mbc, when mixed with olive oil
and spread on the skin of rats at
concentrations permitted in sunscreen,
doubled the uterine growth
rate before puberty, a very shocking
and disturbing discovery. The presence
and exposure to estrogen mimickers
are and should be of monumental
concern, for when these estrogenics
make contact with hormone receptors,
they are interpreted as the real
thing (estrogen) and the results are
the feminization of tissue. This may
lead to developmental problems that
can lead to endometriosis, uterine
and breast cancers, disruption of the
menstrual cycle and other problems
for women. In men, it may lead to
testicular cancer, breast enlargement,
lower sperm counts, loss of sex drive
and more.
What’s a Mother to Do?
1- Make sure your children have
daily exposure to the healing rays
of the sun.
2- Gradually expose your children
to the sun’s rays—especially in the
summer months.
3- Avoid sun exposure during the
strongest hours of the day: between
11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
4- Be aware that snow and water
intensify sun radiation, so adjust
exposure accordingly. 5- Use clothing, hats, sunglasses and
umbrellas to decrease the amount of
direct exposure.
6- Carefully select sunscreen products
that have natural, mineral based
ingredients, are free from synthetic
sun ingredients and are safe,
non-toxic, preservative free and
bio-degradable. Where do you find
mineral-based sunscreens? Check
out your local health food store.
Other sources include Lavera Natural
Cosmetics, (www.lavera-usa.com),
and Natural Health Newsletter
recommends www.colorscience.com.
7- Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
are two ingredients which act as
physical barriers that reflect UV rays
and may be less problematic in terms
of absorption.
8- Increase your child’s omega-3
levels and decrease the typically
overabundant intake of omega-6
fats. Today, many advocate the use
of “alternative lights,” such as full
spectrum lighting. Replace traditional
fluorescent lighting with full spectrum
lights in places where your children
spend a lot of time. Suggest to your
schools and day care centers that
they follow suit.
Much of this article was excerpted from an
excellent book called “The Skin Cancer
Breakthrough Program” by Kurt Greenberg
with permission. To order this book and a
special cream he developed to reverse and
prevent damage from the sun visit: Sedna
Health Products: www.sednaproducts.com.
Also visit Kurt Greenberg’s new site:
www.kurtgreenberg.com/contact.asp to
reach exceptional articles and hear interesting
interviews on other health issues.
Where do you find mineral-based
sunscreens? Check out your local health
food store. Other sources are by Lavera
Natural Cosmetics, www.lavera-usa.com
outdoors. Today, parents are almost considered abusive if they do not
protect their children from the sun, a presumed cause of skin cancer.
This article will bring new light to your attitudes about sun exposure,
causes of skin cancers and the traditional sunscreens we rely on. Let the Sun Shine In
Natural sunlight is necessary for good health. Daily
moderate exposure enables the body to produce Vitamin
D and synthesize melanin (our body’s natural sunscreen).
Overexposure to the sun causes photo damage to the
skin, actinic keratoses, a precursor to squamous cell
carcinoma. It is also immunosuppressive and accelerates
skin aging. Underexposure is dangerous as well, as
one becomes “light deficient.” Light deficiency induces
Vitamin D deficiency, thus accelerating melanoma growth
risks.
Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh is a proponent of regular moderate
sun exposure, which he believes can prevent as many as
30,000 cancer deaths in the United States yearly. A study
published in CANCER (March 2002:
94:1867-75) bolsters his thesis.
Rates of thirteen types of cancer
were found to be higher in New
England where people may not be
synthesizing Vitamin D at all due to
lack of sunlight in the wintertime.
Deaths from cancers of the rectum,
stomach, uterus, bladder and others
were nearly double of that of people
in the southwest. Dietary patterns
were compared and little difference
was noted. Most sunscreens are designed to block UVB
rays, which are from what Vitamin D are synthesized.
In light of this report and others, along with epidemiological
studies linking a lack of sun exposure to sub-optimal
Vitamin D levels, it may be time to reevaluate our notions
of sun exposure and its effects on our health.
Putting Light on the Subject of Skin Cancer
Although sun exposure is usually blamed for skin cancer,
these studies reveal provocative findings.
1- Melanoma was occurring in areas where sunscreen
is used the most and melanoma rates are highest
among those that avoid the sun and work in indoor
urban environments.
2- A study in BMJ examined the relationship between
indoor fluorescent lights and the ever rising rate of
melanoma. Taking into account such factors as hair color,
skin type and the history of sun exposure, it was found
that working under fluorescent lights had doubled the
risk of melanoma in the subjects of the test group.
3- Evidence that the sun was the causative factor in the
development of melanoma was weak and inconclusive.
Tanned skin from regular exposure to the sun and people
who received more sunlight were less vulnerable to the
deleterious effects of fluorescent lights.
4- Russian researchers found women working under
fluorescent lights to be at a greater risk of melanoma.
In 1990, a U.S. Navy study found the highest rates of
melanoma in those that worked indoors.
5- In 2001, the National Academy of Sciences published
a comprehensive review showing that the omega 6:3
ratio was the key to preventing skin cancer development.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fats are both essential for human
health, however the typical American consumes far too
many omega-6 fats in their diet while consuming very
low levels of omega-3. While the ideal ratio of omega-6
to omega-3 fats is 1:1, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3
averages from 20:1 to 50:1! The
primary sources of omega-6 are
corn, soy, safflower and sunflower
oil; these oils are overabundant
in the typical diet, which explains
our excess omega-6 levels. Avoid
or limit these oils.
Uncovering the Facts
about Sunscreen
1- Studies fail to prove sunscreens
prevent basal cell cancers and
melanoma, yet most public health officials still insist
that sunscreen use or or abstinence from the sun is our
best protection.
2- Oddly enough, since the introduction of chemical
sunscreen, skin cancer rates began to climb and not fall.
For example, melanoma rates doubled from 6 to 13 per
100,000 people since 1973. Today, skin cancer diagnoses
surpass all other cancer, with over 1.3 million new cases
each year, with new melanoma diagnoses to be close to
48,000 in 2002, according to the American Cancer Society.
3- Research shows sunscreen does not protect against
melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Lotions decrease the risk of sunburn, they do not
block UVA rays, which cause melanoma. Even sunscreens
with the highest protection factor of 35, applied in
the correct amounts, were not effective at filtering out
the harmful rays. They say that people should limit their
sunbathing time and use clothing to block UVA rays
when sun is at its strongest.
Absorbing the Truth about Sunscreen
Recently, a study in the April 2004 Journal of
Chromatography found that there is significant penetration
of all sunscreen agents they studied into the skin,
Oddly enough, since the introduction
of chemical sunscreen,
skin cancer rates began to
climb and not fall.
12 summer 2004
and oxybenzone and metabolites
across the skin. Concentrations of
Benzphenone 3 and its metabolite,
2’4 dihydroxybenzophenone, have
been found in human urine only four
hours after application. They have
also been found to be absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract and bioaccumulation
of them has been detected
in human milk samples.
1- Benzophenone and oxybenzone
(benzophene 3) are among the most
powerful free radical generators
known. (In 1997 sunscreen chemicals
such as benzophenone and ethylhexyl-
p-methoxycinnimate, and
PABA esters such as padimate-o and
octyl dimethyl PABA were banned by
the European community.)
2- Octy Methoxycinnamate (OMC),
may be dangerous if it gets into
the bloodstream. As far back as the
1970s, Professor Howard Maibach
discovered that as much as 35% of
sunscreen enters the bloodstream
and the longer it is on the skin, the
more absorbed.
3- Triethanolamine (TEA) when
applied topically to female mice,
shows an increase in liver tumors,
whereas male mice had a smaller
increase in liver tumors but also
developed kidney tumors. TEA
combined with water or nitrates
(often used as a preservative but
not required by law to be listed)
can produce nitrosomines, which
are carcinogenic.
4- Parsol 1789 is a chemical which
blocks UVA but is also a free radical
generator and skin penetrant.
5- 2-phenylben zimidazole-5-sulfonic
acid (PBSA), an ingredient found
in some sunscreens, and has been
shown to damage DNA when
exposed to light.
6- Chemicals known as estrogen
surrogates, or gender benders, are
suspected of causing reproductive
disorders in animals and humans.
Such disorders include deformed
or stunted growth of genitalia and
may be, in part, responsible for
the dramatic rise in cancers of the
prostate, breast, testicles and uterus.
7- Chemicals in sunscreens were
found in fish in Germany turning
some of the fish into hermaphrodites.
8- Benzphenone-3, homosalate
octyl-methoxycinnimate, 4-methylbenzlidene
(4mbc) camphor and
octyldimethyl-PABA (o-d-PABA)
are all estrogen mimickers, and all
were shown to increase cell growth
in breast cancer cells! Three of these
cells were found to cause developmental
problems in animals, and
4mbc, when mixed with olive oil
and spread on the skin of rats at
concentrations permitted in sunscreen,
doubled the uterine growth
rate before puberty, a very shocking
and disturbing discovery. The presence
and exposure to estrogen mimickers
are and should be of monumental
concern, for when these estrogenics
make contact with hormone receptors,
they are interpreted as the real
thing (estrogen) and the results are
the feminization of tissue. This may
lead to developmental problems that
can lead to endometriosis, uterine
and breast cancers, disruption of the
menstrual cycle and other problems
for women. In men, it may lead to
testicular cancer, breast enlargement,
lower sperm counts, loss of sex drive
and more.
What’s a Mother to Do?
1- Make sure your children have
daily exposure to the healing rays
of the sun.
2- Gradually expose your children
to the sun’s rays—especially in the
summer months.
3- Avoid sun exposure during the
strongest hours of the day: between
11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
4- Be aware that snow and water
intensify sun radiation, so adjust
exposure accordingly. 5- Use clothing, hats, sunglasses and
umbrellas to decrease the amount of
direct exposure.
6- Carefully select sunscreen products
that have natural, mineral based
ingredients, are free from synthetic
sun ingredients and are safe,
non-toxic, preservative free and
bio-degradable. Where do you find
mineral-based sunscreens? Check
out your local health food store.
Other sources include Lavera Natural
Cosmetics, (www.lavera-usa.com),
and Natural Health Newsletter
recommends www.colorscience.com.
7- Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
are two ingredients which act as
physical barriers that reflect UV rays
and may be less problematic in terms
of absorption.
8- Increase your child’s omega-3
levels and decrease the typically
overabundant intake of omega-6
fats. Today, many advocate the use
of “alternative lights,” such as full
spectrum lighting. Replace traditional
fluorescent lighting with full spectrum
lights in places where your children
spend a lot of time. Suggest to your
schools and day care centers that
they follow suit.
Much of this article was excerpted from an
excellent book called “The Skin Cancer
Breakthrough Program” by Kurt Greenberg
with permission. To order this book and a
special cream he developed to reverse and
prevent damage from the sun visit: Sedna
Health Products: www.sednaproducts.com.
Also visit Kurt Greenberg’s new site:
www.kurtgreenberg.com/contact.asp to
reach exceptional articles and hear interesting
interviews on other health issues.
Where do you find mineral-based
sunscreens? Check out your local health
food store. Other sources are by Lavera
Natural Cosmetics, www.lavera-usa.com
