With the repetition of the importance of wearing sunscreen, Baz Luhrmann's 1997 song "Sunscreen" gave poignant advice on how to live a good and meaningful life. It’s one of those things that we simply don’t question, equating too much sun exposure to skin cancer. Moreover, alarmists have been warning us for decades about ozone layer depletion and the hole in the ozone, which will exacerbate the problem. As with anthropogenic climate change, however, the chemistry of the upper atmosphere is complex, and the narrative has been simplified and skewed to push a certain narrative*. The last two-and-a-half years have led critical thinkers to return to and scrutinize "facts" that we have taken for granted. With this in mind, it is interesting to note that cases of skin cancer have actually increased since we started using sunscreen. This raises some questions.Research has shown that many sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone, which is a hormone disruptor and should not be used on children. Oxybenzone is absorbed into the body through the skin and can be detected in urine 30 minutes after the application of sunscreen. Animal studies have shown that exposure to oxybenzone affects the kidneys and liver, reduces immunity, and reduces fertility. Human couples whose urine contained higher concentrations of benzophenones had a harder time conceiving a baby. Dolphins and humans can transfer oxybenzone to infants via breast milk. Vitamin A, another common sunscreen ingredient, may increase the speed that malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer. It appears that when CANSA endorses sunscreen products, they are certifying the ability of the product to create a barrier between the skin and UV rays, not the safety of the ingredients. Studies have shown that certain chemicals in sunscreen contribute to marine pollution. It is said to be genotoxic, and even very low concentrations can damage the DNA of coral. It is also harmful to algae, sea urchins, fish, and mammals, even causing gender shifts in fish. Recent events have highlighted the importance of the role of vitamin D in our immune systems. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your skin can manufacture its own Vitamin D. Vitamin D receptor cells in the skin set a chain reaction in motion where cholesterol in the skin is converted and vitamin D3 is produced when exposed to ultraviolet B from the sun. Ideally, you don’t want to create a barrier to preventing this process. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the intestines, which helps to strengthen the skeleton and is also a vital building block for hormone function. Astaxanthin, a health supplement, is used by many in the summer months to protect against skin cell damage resulting from sunburn. It is a carotenoid that has been found to be 10 times more powerful than other carotenoids like beta-carotene. It may be 6,000 times more effective as an antioxidant than Vitamin C in combating free radicals. It can reduce inflammation and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Animal studies have shown that it can reduce neuroinflammation, possibly even helping with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also cross the blood-retinal barrier, helping with eye inflammation. It may also help joint inflammation, muscle soreness, and sports injuries. Because it is found in foods not commonly and regularly eaten, such as salmon, red trout, lobster, crab, and shrimp, taking a supplement may be the easiest way to access it. Using common (or uncommon) sense to prevent sunburn is the most effective tool. Avoiding extended periods in the sun when the heat is at its peak is logical, as is wearing protective clothing and hats. When exposure to harsh midday sunlight is unavoidable, you can make your own sunscreen, which is simple and cheap. This will not be properly waterproof but can be reapplied after swimming. Use the recipe below or simply add 1 tablespoon of zinc oxide per 250 ml to a body cream that does not contain harmful chemicals, or to coconut oil, which has a natural SPF of around 5. ** * The author questions the narrative of climate change as a result of human activity and ozone depletion due to the use of CFCs and related compounds. At the same time, however, she feels that humans are custodians of God’s creation and thus should not only be prudent in activities that may pollute the earth, but should also treat our planet with the respect it deserves.
SUNSCREEN RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
13 g beeswax pellets or grated from block 56 g Shea butter 56 g coconut oil 26 g zinc oxide INSTRUCTIONS • Melt all ingredients in a double boiler (or in a bowl placed in a pot with about 5 cm water on the stovetop). • When melted, remove from the heat, add zinc, cool, and blend with a stick blender or whisk
Thank you for being brave enough to argue for common sense. If only we were provided with agenda-free information the world would be a better place. I look for balance. Your article provides that. Regarding climate change, I recently can across a YouTube video that is worth considereng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTq8-hnDeyk . I also find Bjorn Lomborg's work to be rational and fair: https://youtu.be/LfefNZDlq6o