Since the 1980's, mass marketing campaigns have promoted the message that we need to slop on sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful effects.

If you haven't already woken up to the truth about big brand sunscreen and why it should be avoided, it's time to take a closer at this.

For centuries, prior to the introduction of commercial sunscreen, there were actually very few cases of skin cancer.

The sun is a vital source of life on earth and provides nourishment for human health. It delivers Vitamin D to the liver, which is essential for optimum body function. And it helps prevent cancers, like Prostate Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Breast Cancer.  Sunshine is also a key nutrient for overcoming emotional trauma and depression.

When you dig into the statistics, you soon realise that there is a compelling relationship between rising rates of skin cancer diagnoses and the heavy promotion of chemical sunscreen products that began over 40 years ago.

Skin cancer rates on the rise

The statistics are shocking in Australia, for example, where sun smart campaigns have been promoted since the early 1980's. 

According to the Australian Cancer Council's website, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, and more than 750,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers each year.

The figures are similar per capita for other developed countries, where people have been inundated with advertisements designed to sell commercial sunscreen over these past four decades.

What causes skin cancer?

The cause of skin cancer is not the sun itself.

What causes cancer are processed, packaged and chemical foods and a lack of anti-oxidant rich fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, grown seasonally in the temperate zone where you live.

As well as this, there is mounting evidence to support the carcinogenic dangers of chemical sunscreens. A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that over 75% of 2000 sunscreens, covering 257 brands, contained toxic chemicals.

The study also noted that ‘…some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some have toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like oestrogen and disrupt hormones, and several can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.’

Toxic and harmful chemicals

If you see any of these ingredients listed below in your sunscreen, you should do some research on these chemicals before continuing to lather them on your skin. 

Because your skin is cytophylactic (like a sponge), it absorbs anything you put on it into your blood stream.  Which means, if you use a sunscreen product that is laden with harmful chemicals, it is going to contribute to chaos within the body.

Here's a list of chemical ingredients commonly used in Sunscreen products that should be considered carefully before using these products:

• Para amino benzoic acid
• Octyl salicyclate
• Oxybenzone
• Cinoxate
• Dioxybenzone
• Phenylbenzimidazole
• Homosalate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Octocrylene
• Methoxycinnamate
• Parabens

Sunshine for health

One of the greatest health challenges we face as a society, is raising consciousness against the back drop of misinformation and propaganda that is broadcast through the airwaves as part of every day life.

Unfortunately the medical world does not prescribe sunshine as a health remedy, though it should; particularly when you consider that it can play a powerful role in helping us to avoid and even heal many common diseases.

Most people today need more exposure to sunshine not less to prevent mal-illumination, depression and weakened immunity.

The key is to respect the sun, but not avoid it.

Get your fix in the morning, before the intensity rises in the middle of the day.

Expose as much of your face and body as possible to natural sunlight for at least 15-20 minutes whenever you can. This will not only help to nourish your body with vital immune-boosting nutrients, but also your brain with feel-good molecules that help stimulate emotional wellbeing, happiness and joy.

Natural Sunscreen Alternatives

If you do have fairer skin and want to venture outside in the heat of the day in the summer, there are safe, natural alternatives to chemical sunscreens.

The best are plant oils that contain natural Sun Protection Factors (SPF's), which include:

Red raspberry oil - contains high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids in addition to antioxidants and natural vitamin E. It has a natural SPF of between 28 and 50 and significant anti-inflammatory properties;

Carrot seed oil - packed with antioxidants, it is a vegetable oil that has a natural SPF of 30-40. Carrot seed oil is an essential oil with fragrant properties and high levels of vitamin A. 

Other cold pressed plant oils that have natural enzymes, that help you to nourish, protect the skin and gradually build a tan, include:

• Raw Coconut Oil SPF 2-8
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil SPF 2-8
• Avocado Oil SPF 4-10
• Hemp Seed Oil SPF 6

For prolonged exposure to the sun, a safe natural alternative is our handcrafted,  Sun Loves Me.

Sun Loves Me is prepared from; Mango Butter, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Pomegranate Oil, Watermelon Fruit Extract & Seed Oil, Uncoated NON NANO Zinc Oxide, Coconut & Mango Oils.

It's a completely natural product, without the harmful nano particles that are commonly found in regular sun screen products.

It provides both sun protection and hydrating benefits and is ideal whenever you're going to be spending time outdoor in the sun.

Zinc Oxide is an effective, non-toxic mineral that has been used for thousands of years and will protect the skin from excess UVA, B and C rays. 

The Main Takeaway

It's important to look past the fear campaigns and to realise that sunshine is a source of life.  It provides vital nutrients and health benefits when you embrace it responsibly, so it really should not be avoided.

By being more consciousness about the harmful effects of chemical sunscreen and instead choosing safe natural plant alternatives, you will not only have peace of mind whilst in the sun, but will also be benefiting your mind and body health.

Tolman Self Care.