Exposure to the sun is vital for humans. UV radiation causes vitamin D formation, which is important for the absorption of calcium from the intestine and therefore also for normal bone growth. Sunlight is also known to have a positive influence on the production of hormones, but we should not be tempted by the positive effects of the sunlight to think we can increase exposure to UV radiation. As Paracelsus (an alchemical genius of the Middle Ages) once said “the dosage makes the poison!” High doses of sunlight and solarium exposure have a very negative effect on the skin. An intact immune system is also very important for this which is greatly influenced by lifestyle and diet. Only, if our repair system is overtaken by strong UV exposure, chemicals and alien ingredients will it not be able to repair itself effectively and not succumb to seriously damaging consequences.
Premature aging and the development of lines and wrinkles are still the most harmless consequences. The damage to the DNA of the cells is far worse, whereby the genetic information is changed and cells begin to multiply uncontrolled, thus forming a tumour. Melanoma, which results from an uncontrolled multiplication of the melanocytes and the rapid formation of tumours, is particularly dangerous. Here one has to focus on the avoidance of risks such as excessive UV radiation and an early knowledge of the developing melanomas.
Excessive UV exposure, especially sunburn is to be avoided at all costs, because this damage is stored by the skin and often cannot be repaired. Frequent sunburn during childhood is believed to cause melanoma in later life. The sun protective vitamins VITAMIN E and BETA CAROTENE (vitamin A), offer important protection, vitamin E is clearly able to help repair and reduce the amount of sun damaged cells. These skin protective vitamins should ideally be supplied both internally via supplements and externally via good effective skin care.
Chemical sun protection filters should sit on the skin and reflect the
sunlight. They should be UV stable and most importantly not hormone activating.
Some years ago the University of Zurich stated that many chemical sun
filters are not UV stable and, at least in animals have hormone activating
effects.
Investigations at the University of Zurich and other prominent research
institutes showed that the following UV filters were proven to be a potential
health risk, remain in breast milk and have been found in breast tumours;
BENZOPHENE-3 (BP-3)
HOMSALATE – (HMS)
4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR – (4-MBC)
OCTYL METHOXY CINNAMATE – (OMC)
OCTYL – DIMETHYL – (OD-PABA)
The following sun protection filters are however recommended by experts;
ZINC OXIDE
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
These are fine mineral capsules which remain on the surface of the skin,
the UV radiation will then be reflected (both A & B) so the skin is
effectively protected without being overloaded.
In conclusion; with high quality sun protection the mineral pigments should be increased and the dermatological unproblematic sun protection filter OCTOCRYLENE should be used. Greater caution and social obligation are particularly pertinent with the care of young children and babies.
Dr. Baumann sun products have been formulated using the latest scientific knowledge creating conditions that enable everyone to enjoy the sun and even sun beds safely, and to take pleasure in their tanned skins without incurring long term sun damage.