Newsletter from Dr. Rebecca Caplan
Summertime Skin Protection
A Word on Sunscreen and SPF values
Did you know it's a myth that higher SPF ratings are better? "SPF" stands for "sun protection factor" and refers to the degree to which the sunscreen protecst skin from UVB light.
UVA/UVB
UVB are the rays that cause sun burn and SPF refers to protection only to these rays. UVA rays are the rays that cause sunburn and aging. In addition to the SPF we need"broad spectrum" sunscreen that has physical blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that will block the UVA rays as well. When shopping for a sunscreen look for one that offers broad spectrum protection.
You might think that a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 has twice the protection of one with an SPF of 15 but you'd be wrong! There's only a 2% difference! And the amount of chemicals that must be added to achieve that 2% increase means an increased toxic load to your body. Besides, we need sunlight on our skin. See below: "Vitamin D and moderate sun exposure."
Best Bets for Sun Protection
- Avoid prime time for sun damage: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of antioxidants (vegetables and fruits) and Omega 3 oils.
- Use a good sunscreen and moisturizer.
- Try Badger's sunscreen if you're sensitive to the chemicals in most sunscreens.
- For those who are trying to preserve your skin don't forget about your neck and upper chest. Did you know the skin of your upper chest is similar to the skin around your eyes? It's very delicate and easily damaged so slather on the sunscreen and keep it covered!
Vitamin D and Moderate Sun Protection
Sunlight converts cholesterol into vitamin D3-an essential cancer-fighting nutrient.
Vitamin D is actually a "prohormone" which is a substance involved in making hormones in the body. Studies, including one at the Dana-Farber Institute, showed that abundant vitamin D levels not only increased survival in colon cancer patients but may be critical in preventing the cancer from developing. There are similar studies for breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Survival rates for these cancers increase with sun exposure and it's thought that the increased level of vitamin D is largely responsible for this.
Sources of vitamin DThe preferred form of vitamin D is D3, known as cholecalciferol. Foods high in D3 are eggs, organ meats, animal fat, cod liver oil, and fish. If you want to use a supplement make sure it's vitamin D in the D3, not the D2, form. D3 occurs naturally in the body, D2 does not. D2 is created by irradiating yeast and is only 10% as potent as D3. For more information on the differences between vitamins D2 and D3 please read this article in the "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients."
Cataplex F by Standard Process protects against sunburn
Cataplex F is a supplement made by the Standard Process company (www.standardprocess.com). It's made of fatty acids and vitamin F and functions to draw calcium out of the blood and transport it into the tissues, including skin tissue. In this way it provides protection from sunburn by making the skin more resistant to sun damage. Assuming you have adequate calcium intake Cataplex F allows you longer time in the sun thereby deriving the benefits of moderate sun exposure while mitigating sun damage.
Off Topic, but Interesting
Cataplex F will also protect against canker sores and generally raises cellular resistance to infection via its calcium transporting function.
I hope you've found this newsletter both enjoyable and helpful. If you're curious about something you'd like to see addressed in a future newsletter please let me know! I'll be happy to write about it! You can email me.