INTERESTING ARTICLE FROM LIFESTYLE:
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION INCLUDES UVC, UVB AND UVA RAYS
Ultraviolet radiation is part of the radiation emitted by the sun towards the earth. Most of it including UV-C and UV-B spectrum is retained or should be retained by our atmosphere, namely its ozone layer. Besides these, there is also the UV-A radiation spectrum, which is still insufficiently researched and causes concern. National Institutes of Health have stated that inclusion of protection against UV-A rays is the "main concern". Current protective agents that protect against UV-B rays give people false security and they stay longer in the sun than they should and expose themselves too much to UV-A rays. People who stay outdoors for a long time won't get burns from UV-B rays, but prolonged exposure to UV-A rays can harm them.
Sunscreens
Sunscreens with protection factors are mainly formulated for absorption of UV-B rays, but let through most UV-A rays that penetrate the skin where they are absorbed by melanocytes (pigment cells that produce melanin), which are involved in the formation of melanin for tanning as well as in the formation of MELANOMA. In addition, UV-A rays have a negative effect on the immune system, acting to suppress it.
Many protective creams contain benzophenone as the active ingredient, which promotes the formation of free radicals. When UV rays activate it, free radicals are formed that seek their missing atom both in the cream ingredients and on the skin surface. Chain reactions can lead to the formation of MELANOMA or other forms of SKIN TUMORS.
Another suspicious component is OCM (octyl methoxycinnamate), present in 90% of all sunscreens. A study published in New Scientist Magazine reveals that cell damage in the body can occur if OCM cream passes from the surface to the inner layers of the skin. In a study in Norway, they found that lab mice suffer cell damage at very low amounts of this ingredient. Some scientists believe UV rays cause skin cancer through combined effect on suppressing the immune system and DNA damage.
Sun is also beneficial
Nevertheless, sun exposure is also beneficial. Almost 75% of vitamin D in our body is produced with the help of UVB rays. Using sunscreens (against UVB rays) drastically reduces vitamin D3 production in the skin. Low amount of this vitamin in the blood is linked to increased risk of tumors in breasts and intestines, and can also accelerate MELANOMA growth. The highest melanoma rates were found precisely in people who regularly used sunscreen.
Although medical authorities still recommend using sunscreens, more and more researchers agree that using sunscreens with filters does not prevent skin cancer, but can even PROMOTE it.
How to act
1. Summarizing recent research, it's wise to follow these recommendations:
2. Don't rely on sunscreens with protection filters protecting us from skin cancer.
3. Try to get natural and moderate tan, unless we are specifically sensitive and prone to burns; in that case avoid the sun (people with fair skin).
4. When outdoors, protect with clothing and headwear too.
5. Don't expose to sun between 10:30 and 16:00.
6. Even in cloudy weather UV rays are present, especially UVA.
7. Only healthy skin will help the sun not to harm us. The best cosmetics for skin is balanced diet with lots of vitamin D3 and vitamin A or beta carotene, if needed as supplement. Proven that 30 mg beta-carotene daily protects our immune system from harmful UVA rays. Diet must not lack antioxidants, vitamin C, E, Omega 3 and selenium that protect skin from UV rays.
Those who have switched to natural cosmetics use natural creams for safe sun exposure that protect skin even from the harshest sun and without artificial filters. Made mostly from African plants, known are shea, cocoa butter, coconut and various African palms.
P.s. "MELANOMA" = SKIN CANCER