Studies now show that using chemical sunscreens can actually cause cancer and decrease libido. As well, Sunscreen may prevent Vitamin D synthesis by forming a barrier between the sunrays and the skin.
In an investigation concerning 952 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.
I’ve tried organic sunscreens and they seem to leave my face shiny and with a chalky white tint. So this summer I invested in a massive visor and an umbrella. As I walked across the street to get my monthly facial with “Nina from the Nile Institute” she opened her door and got quite the giggle at Marry Poppins standing in front of her. Before I go on I must say that Nina has transformed my skin and adviced me on so much health and wellness from the inside out, she truly is a one stop shop for beauty, mind, body, spirit, a fountain of information that always leaves me thankful.
Today’s visit was no different as she proceeded to tell me about an internal sunscreen, Astaxanthin, which is considered to be “The King of Antioxident”. It has been found to offer effective protection against sun damage when taken as a daily supplement. That sent me on a path as does everything she tells me so with more research I found
Fermented Cod Liver pills are also great for digestive oral health. This and Coconut Oil are “Must-Haves”!
Food and diet play a big part in protection as well. Some foods and nutrients help boost our skin’s antioxident levels and protect against UV radiation.
Vitamin C: prevents premature aging and skin cancer by warding off free radicals. The best natural sources of Vitamin C are
cherry, rose hip, berries, guava, kiwi, papaya and all citrus fruits.
Pomegranates: contain powerful polyphenol compounds such as catechins and anthocyanins which strengthen the skin`s upper layers, thus increasing its resistance to harmful UV rays.
Broccoli: has anti-cancerours effects and is rich in an antioxidant called sulphoraphane. A research showed that sulphoraphane helps body cells to protect themselves against the ravages of UV radiation.
Lycopene: is a red carotenoid which protects the skin against sunburn and skin cancer. It is at least twice as effective an antioxidant as beta carotene to block UV light (has an SPF of about 3). Foods high in lycopene include watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, pink guava, red bell peppers and pink grapefruit. Watermelon is especially rich in lycopene, it contains 40% more lycopene than tomatoes. Yummy recipe!
Carotenoids: are antioxidants which reduce the negative effects of UVB radiation. Green leafy vegetables are rich in oxygenated carotenoid compounds known as xanthophylls. Carotenes are unoxygenated carotenoid compounds which provide pigment to fruits and vegetables. This pigment is used by plants as sunscreen and can activate melanin. Foods containing high concentrations of carotenes are: apricots, papaya, mango, carrots, sweet potatoes and beets. Yummy
Recipe!
Cocoa: (dark chocolate): contains 4 times as much phenols and catechins as tea. These antioxidants protect our skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Milk should not be added to the chocolate as it interferes with the absorption of its antioxidants. Recommended dose: 2 ounces of dark chocolate daily. Brownie recipe!
Coconut Oil: 1/4 cup coconut oil melted in a cup of herbal tea the medium chain fatty acids and saturated fat are easily utilized by the body for new skin formation and are protective against the sun.
