The sun has taken a bad rap for decades due to the popular belief that it causes cancer. Yet there are no studies that prove that safe sun exposure actually causes cancer. Burning is definitely bad and will result in damage, yes, but when you build up exposure to the sun gradually, over time, a tan is actually the best form of sunscreen you can have.

Contrary to popular belief, sunshine is extraordinarily healthful. For decades we’ve been told to stay away from the sun because it causes skin cancer. As a result skin cancer rates have been steadily rising and are higher now than they’ve ever been. Along with skin cancer, a lack of sunshine has caused a whole host of other ailments to swell including all varieties of cancer.

Over a million people die every year due of a lack of vitamin D.

The Sun and Vitamin D

The vitamin D our bodies generate as a result of the sun’s rays provides enormous health benefits, yet in the past few decades, an overwhelming number of people have become quite deficient in this vital nutrient and suffering the consequences of it. In fact, over a million people die every year because of a lack of vitamin D. That’s right. Your very life is at stake here. And the primary reason so many are deficient in this nutrient is a lack of sun exposure. Read Why Vitamin D is Vital to Your Health for more in depth information including an extensive list of medical conditions affected by a lack of vitamin D.

The Sun Can Prevent Cancer

It’s true. The sun can actually prevent skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer . . . pretty much every kind of cancer there is, as well as a myriad of diseases.

Studies reveal that those with melanoma who had previously had frequent sun exposure actually had improved survival rates over those that did not. One such study was conducted by the European Journal of Cancer.

But if previous sun exposure helped those with melanoma survive, then how did they get cancer in the first place? Excellent question.

The prevalence of melanoma has been on the rise since 1975 and is now the 10th most common form of cancer in the US. And to be clear, of the different forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the deadly one.

Yet, it was also in the 70’s that we began to be bombarded with warnings of the sun. The sun is bad. Sunscreen is good. Cover up with sunscreen.

So if we are all slathering on sunscreen why are we experiencing higher rates of melanoma than ever before? Hmmmm.

Wait . . . could the sunscreen have anything to do with it?

Lets look at the research. According to a study from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center sunscreen does not protect against melanoma. Really? So . . . what’s the point of sunscreen exactly? And if it doesn’t protect against melanoma, then the sun must be to blame for the rise in skin cancer, right?

That would be a no.

In another study, this one by Westerdahl, Ingvar, Masback, and Olsson, higher rates of melanoma occurred in those who used sunscreen versus those who did not. Yes, you read that correctly. Not only does sunscreen not protect you against melanoma, those who use sunscreen are more prone to get melanoma than those who do not.

Let me repeat that the sun is quite healthful with “safe exposure”. But I want to make it clear that repeated overexposure can be harmful, particularly if you burn. Therefore, one of the ways sunscreen contributes to cancer is by providing a false sense of security. You dab some on and think you’re invincible, thereby spending extended periods of time in the sun. Yet numerous sunblocks simply don’t work like they’re supposed to. Many brands exaggerate the SPF rating, and those that do work often require further application after swimming, sweating or after a certain amount of time passes.

Most Sunscreens Are Toxic

The vast majority of sunscreens on the market contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to your health. Parabens, for instance, are a preservative that mimics the hormone estrogen. They are associated with breast cancer and can diminish muscle mass as well as extra fat storage. You might think that’s a good thing, but you need some fat storage for proper hormone balance. Studies have also linked parabens to male gynecomastia. Um . . . that’s man boobs.

Uh huh.

NOW do you want to avoid parabens like the plague? If so, you’ll need to look at all the products you use on your skin, including lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, deodorant and antiperspirant.

Jennifer Suchey