Super Sun!

With summer fast approaching, one of the most popular questions our office hears is 'what sunscreen is

safe for my family and me?'

A two part answer normally follows with why they need sun and then what the safe and natural

alternatives are to store bought, chemical-based products.

So let's start with why you need sunshine first. When I began practicing in Austin, one of my protocols

included testing for vitamin D deficiency. In 90%+ of cases, patients were deficient in D-3. Why do you

need this vitamin? D-3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when they expose themselves to sunlight

and these vitamins play a pivotal role in increasing your immune system, promoting healthy joint, bone

and teeth function as well as aiding in digestion and fat metabolism.

Sadly, the standard recommendation for this vitamin is between 400-800 IU's daily even though

research shows taking 5,000 IU's greatly increases your immune system's ability to function optimally

and fight diseases like colon, prostate and breast cancer. Our office standard is 5,000 IU's daily and

10,000 when sick to help boost your immune system's fighting power.

Diet and hydration also play a role in your body's ability to fight sunburn. We know it's easy to float the

river or hang out on the lake all day with your favorite adult beverages but also want to caution that

these 'drinks' cause your body to dehydrate quickly turning your day of fun into an evening of pain!

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and if you need some flavor, nature can help you out.

Instead of the sports drinks, opt for coconut water instead. Also, watch the junk food as the sugars,

starches and bad fats can quickly rob your body of nutrients as well. May I recommend a stroll through

the aisles at our very own Lakeway Farmer's Market for some delicious snacks?

And now we come to the conclusion of this month's focus- safe sunscreen. Remember, sun is good

for you and allowing yourself a healthy amount of sun exposure is healthy! This is what I do NOT

recommend...walking into your local store and buying sunscreens with the following toxins in them

(table credit, articles.mercola.com):

Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)- The most widely used sunscreen ingredient, known for its low potential to sensitize skin or act as a

phototallergen. Estrogenic effects are noted in laboratory animals as well as disruption of thyroid

hormone and brain signaling. Has been found to kill mouse cells even at low doses when exposed

to sunlight!

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)- Associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through your skin in significant

amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control

research. Health concerns include hormone disruption and cancer.

Octisalate- Octisalate is a weak UVB absorber with a generally good safety profile among sunscreen

ingredients. It is a penetration enhancer, which may increase the amount of other ingredients

passing through skin.

Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)- Primarily a UVA-absorbing agent, sunlight causes this unstable ingredient to break down into

unknown chemicals, especially in the presence of another active, Octinoxate.

Octocrylene- Produces oxygen radicals when exposed to UV light.

Homosalate- Research indicates it is a weak hormone disruptor, forms toxic metabolites, and can enhance the

penetration of a toxic herbicide.

Micronized Titanium Dioxide- Sunscreens with micronized titanium dioxide may contain nanoparticles. Micronized TiO2 offers

greater sun protection than conventional (larger) particles. These small particles do not penetrate

skin but may be more toxic to living cells and the environment. Inhalation of powders and sprays is

a concern.

Micronized Zinc Oxide- Same as Micronized Titanium Dioxide, above.

Titanium Dioxide- Appears safe for use on skin, due to low penetration but inhalation is a concern.

Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole- Known to produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, leading to damage of DNA, this UVB

protector may have the potential to cause cancer.

Nano Zinc Oxide- Same as Nano Zinc Oxide, above.

Nano Titanium Dioxide- Same as Nano Zinc Oxide, above.

Zinc Oxide- Zinc has a long history of use in sunscreen and other skin care products; little absorption and no

adverse health effects are reported.

Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA /

PABA Ester)- A derivative of the once-popular PABA sunscreen ingredient, research shows this chemical releases

free radicals, damages DNA, has estrogenic activity, and causes allergic reactions in some people.

Menthyl Anthranilate- 1 study found that it produces damaging reactive oxygen species when exposed to sunlight.

Mexoryl SX- 2 hours of sunlight can degrade as much as 40% of this active ingredient. Low skin penetration.

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl

Tetramethylbutylphenol- Not an approved active ingredient in the U.S. Few studies exist on this chemical. It is photostable

and does not absorb through your skin.

Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)- Can cause skin and eye irritation. Does not penetrate your skin to a large degree, but enhances the

ability of other chemicals to penetrate.

Benzophenone-2- Not approved for use in United States sunscreens. Concerns about hormone disruption.

Instead, try this quick do-it-yourself sunscreen:

Sunscreen

1. Expeller-pressed Coconut Oil

2. Travel-size Shampoo bottle

Place your coconut oil in the bottle and apply directly to skin. It will begin to liquefy at temperatures over

78 degrees so be sure to keep the bottle sealed when not in use.

If you would like to order natural sunscreen, the top brand in our office is found on Dr. Mercola’s

website and contains no harsh chemicals (shop.mercola.com). We’d love to give you more advice on

how to stay safe in the sun while having fun so visit us to Ask the Doc all your summer questions on

Sunday, May 20 from 9-1 at the Lakeway Commons Farmer’s Market!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Cash Lewis