sunscreen?

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Permalink Reply by Johnny on June 7, 2009 at 12:34am

Yes, because they are "chemically". From one who's health was totally destroyed by chemicals, I would never put something like that on my skin now. I hope someone with more experience on this can give you some good alternatives. I'm sure I read some study not too long ago that said that the chemicals in sunscreen actually cause cancer.

If sun was so harmful to humans, how come we didn't go extinct from so much sun exposure without sunscreen for the last hundred thousand years or so.

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Permalink Reply by Erin on June 7, 2009 at 12:51am

You don't need SPF 50- really anything over SPF 20 is only negligibly more effective. 50 doesn't provide twice the protection, as SPF isn't a linear measure. For example, SPF 30 actually gives you only 1.6% more protection than SPF 18! It's deceiving and is more of a marketing ploy than anything.

Being very fair and prone to sunburn, I use MelanSol, which is a completely natural sunscreen with zinc as its active ingredient and lots of antioxidant plant ingredients. It's a bit greasy (they all seem to be!) so I don't use it on my face. I do like that it's not pasty looking, though.
I use Devita Solar Protective cream and mineral makeup, which does the trick.
I only use sunscreen if I'm going to be out for long enough to burn- otherwise, I let myself get sun.

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Permalink Reply by Lizzard on June 7, 2009 at 1:40am

hmmm... Because there's big holes in the ozone layer now? Migration? I don't know....
I do know that I need sunscreen, skin cancer is rampant in my family, my grandmom had like half her leg cut out because of melanoma. I live in hawaii and I am always outside, so yes I am going to put sunscreen on or shrivel up and die. haha no just kidding...
I have heard that spf 50 is no better than spf 30 as well, however, from personal experience I have to disagree. I definitely see a difference in the protection spf 30 gives me vs. 55. Yes, I know spf is not a linear measure. SPF is a measure of how much longer you can stay in the sun and not get burned than if you had no sunscreen. Thanks for the suggestions! I really appreciate them.

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Permalink Reply by Tereza on June 7, 2009 at 1:54am

I've actually read somewhere, unfortunately do not remember where, that those sunscreens do not protect you against sunburn/skin damage at all. They actually harm your body..Anyways, I have noticed, for a first time, that I do not get any sunburn at this time of the year! I think it is because I'm eating mainly raw food..Also, coconut oil does wonders on your skin, and should protect your skin when exposed to the sun!

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Permalink Reply by Raw'r on June 7, 2009 at 4:12am

i want to know this as well. Like idealy i dont use it but if i have to be out in the sun during peak hours and can't cover my face what should I be useing. I am more worried about wrinkles then any of skin disorder.

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Permalink Reply by Lizzard on June 7, 2009 at 5:48am

hmmm yes i heard coconut oil is good at protecting your skin... but ok let's rephrase this.... i believe it is necessary to wear sunscreen.... my family has history of melanoma and other skin cancers... i live in hawaii, the sun is really really intense... those of you who believe you can go out in the hot summer sun with no sunscreen must not be people spending extended amounts of time in the sun, because you simply need to wear sunscreen, i am just trying to see if anyone uses a good, organic, waterproof sunscreen? if it doesn't exist, that sucks... i am also interested in those who say that on a raw diet they don't get sun burned anymore???? why??? and how much time do you spend in the sun?

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Permalink Reply by peanut on June 7, 2009 at 7:59am

A lot of people use UV Naturals, but it's fairly greasy. This top ten list from "The Daily Green" may help you: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-suns...

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Permalink Reply by Brian on June 8, 2009 at 4:20am

Do not wear sunglasses except while driving. You have receptors in your eyes that "switch on" your skin's natural ability to change pigment (tan) based upon the light level outside. This protects you somewhat from burning. When you wear sunglasses it "tricks" your skin into thinking that it is not as bright as it really is and your defenses will be lowered. I know it is bright in the sun but, over time your eyes will get used to it. I also read somewhere that the reason why raw fooders do not burn as easily has to do with the acid/alkaline ph balance in your blood and tissues. A sunburn is actually an internal hemorrhage from the tiny blood vessels in your skin bursting. That is why your skin turns red. Acid ph in the body weakens the walls of your blood vessels. When you are 100% raw your blood vessels are stronger due to the correct ph level in the body and better able to withstand the sun's rays.

I am sure that raw is not a magic bullet and you still have to seek moderation in the sun (limit your time, cover up, seek shade.) I know I do not burn as easily since going 100% raw. When I do get a burn it is not as severe and the recovery time is quicker than when I was SAD.

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Permalink Reply by Kaybee on June 8, 2009 at 8:25pm

hey do you know if my contact lenses or regular glasses affect this too? i just have normal contacts, but i think all contacts are built with a sort of UV filter in them now though... i still burned even when i was a little kid without contacts or glasses though.

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Permalink Reply by Jobird on June 7, 2009 at 8:53pm

I use kabanaskinscare.com
It is SPF 15, and a natural alternative to chemicals. It's made of zinc oxide, essential oils, and shea butter, lanolin and coconut butter, etc.... It's a bit thick but REALLY works. I used it today at an amusement park, in the sun for 3-4 hours and I'm very fair, and not even burned at all!

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Permalink Reply by Lesley Anne on June 7, 2009 at 9:51pm

I like UV Naturals as well:)

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Permalink Reply by sabrina on June 7, 2009 at 10:41pm

I've heard that antioxitants help prevent sunburns. So, if you eat a diet in high in them, it can improve.

I have extremely light skin (Irish/German) and usually just burn and get freckles. But I notice that the summer I started eating raw, I was much less sensitive to the sun. I try to take sun in, in incriments/moderation. I'll be sure to limit getting a 3 straight hours of sunshine.

But, I do also at times have to wear sunscreen. Sometimes its neccessary for me. I'm gonna look into a "green" one too.

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