The Sunshine, Skin Cancer, Sun Screen HOAX

For millions of years the sun has supported life on Earth and has been by worshipped by various cultures because of it’s healing powers and therapeutic benefits.

However as summer approaches we often hear increasing warnings to stay out of the sun and to smother ourselves with sunscreen. (Otherwise known as the “slip, slop, slap” campaign.)

We’re told that a tan is always unhealthy, and that sun exposure can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.

But is this really true?

What if this message of sun avoidance was actually causing more harm than good, that a lack of sunshine exposure was actually increasing our rates of cancer, and that dermatologists and sunscreen manufacturers have it all WRONG?

The Dissident Dermatologist

Bernard Ackerman MD was one of the world’s foremost authorities on all subjects relating to the sun, skin cancer, sunscreens and melanoma.

In an article titled “I Beg To Differ – A Dermatologist Who’s Not Afraid to Sit on the Beach” from the New York Times in 2004, Ackerman wrote;

“The link between melanoma and sun exposure (dermatology’s dogma) is unproven. There’s no conclusive evidence that sunburns lead to cancer. Moreover, there is also no real proof that sunscreens protect against melanoma, and there is no proof that increased exposure to the sun increases the risk of melanoma.”

And he’s not alone in his findings. Numerous researchers and health experts are drawing the same conclusion as the so called ‘evidence’ just doesn’t stack up.

So what’s really going on?

The REAL Cause of Skin Cancer…

You would think there would be multiple studies and definitive research to suggest that sunlight causes cancer. You won’t find them. Instead you’ll find a mountain of evidence to support the opposite assertion, that sun exposure and increased vitamin D levels actually prevents cancer. To date, more than 200 epidemiological studies validate the link between high vitamin D levels and lower rates of cancer and chronic disease.

In fact, modest vitamin D levels may decrease your risk of ALL cancer by an amazing 77 percent. 

A significant large randomised trial was completed by Joan Lappe and Robert Heaney in 2007. A group of menopausal women were given enough vitamin D to raise their serum levels to 40 ng/ml.(which is considered a very modest level) These women experienced a 77 percent reduction in the incidence of all cancers, across the board, after just four years.

This research provides strong evidence that vitamin D is the single most effective medicine against cancer, far outpacing the benefits of any cancer drug known to modern science.

Researchers have also announced the strong correlation between cold climates, a lack of sunlight and higher incidences of cancer.

Dr. Anthony Petaku who studies the effects of Vitamin D2 and D3 on mutating cells, says the incidence of cancer and chronic disease increases the further we are from the equator. “The millions of people who live near the equator are not susceptible to the same level of disease or even the same diseases as those who live further from the equator,” he stated.

Why the Increase in Melanoma?

We’ve been led to believe that too much sun exposure causes melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer), however did you know that rates of melanoma are only increasing among indoor workers? Or that the sites of melanoma often appear on obscure parts of the body that receive little to no sun exposure?

“Anyone who argues that sun exposure causes melanoma, Dr. Ackerman says, needs to explain why blacks and Asians get melanoma almost exclusively on skin that is not exposed to sunlight: the palms, soles, nails and mucous membranes. Even in whites, the most common melanoma sites – the leg in women, the trunk in men, are hardly the most sun exposed body parts.”

Moreover, people regularly exposed to daily sunlight have a lower risk of melanoma and also have a higher survival rate if they do. (This is why holistic health practitioners prioritise sunlight and encourage vitamin D3 supplementation for the newly diagnosed cancer patient).

A study in Medical Hypotheses concluded that indoor workers have increased rates of melanoma because they were missing out on the beneficial effects of sunlight combined with lower levels of vitamin D.

A 2010 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute listed melanoma as one of five cancers over-diagnosed by doctors. For this reason, researchers state that in many cases, treatment is not necessary. About half of melanomas are non invasive however dermatologists say they should all be treated. Given financial incentives is it any wonder that several dermatologists have been sent to prison for lying about skin cancer to their patients, slicing up healthy skin and claiming insurance dollars?

Of course, no-one is denying that melanoma can be deadly (although effective natural treatments for skin cancer and melanoma exist) however it is important to question the statistics and current practices, and even more importantly, what might be causing melanoma in the first place.

Vitamin D Deficiency is at Epidemic Levels

In the U.S and the U.K we’re seeing a resurgence in childhood rickets – the result of severe vitamin D deficiency. Even in New Zealand, rickets is making a shocking comeback.

Our relatively recent indoor lifestyles, coupled with adherence to the ‘sun safe’ message is causing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Because vitamin D regulates the expression of over 30,000 genes, many researches speculate this is why we’re witnessing a sharp rise in chronic health problems such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, bone problems such as osteoporosis, mental health problems such as dementia, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and lupus, not to mention the skyrocketing rates of the various types of cancer.

Are You Aware of the Dangers of Using Commercial Sunscreens?

Rather than protecting us from the sun, commercial sunscreens can cause you even greater harm and may actually increase your risk of melanoma and various types of cancer. This is because:

a) The chemicals in most sunscreens are carcinogenic.

b) Sunscreen prevents the absorption of vitamin D.

What’s Hiding in Your Sunscreen?

Researchers at the Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit organisation, release an annual report revealing that nearly half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer because of the toxic chemicals they contain.

The chemicals in commercial sunscreens pose serious health risks. In fact, most sunscreens are nothing more than a cocktail of dangerous, hormone disrupting, chemical agents.

Elizabeth Plourde, PhD, a California-based scientist who authored the book Sunscreens – Biohazard: Treat as Hazardous Waste, extensively documents the serious life-threatening dangers of sunscreens, not only to people, but to the environment as well. 

Dr. Plourde provides proof that malignant melanoma and all other skin cancers increased significantly with ubiquitous sunscreen use over a 30-year period. She emphasizes that many sunscreens contain chemicals that are known carcinogens and endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals.

More than a dozen epidemiological studies show an increased risk of skin cancer to the sunscreen user. A review of studies on skin cancer and sunscreens by “Science News” found that people who used sunscreen were more likely to develop basal cell cancer than those who did not.

Many of the chemicals in sunscreens have minimal toxicological effects when first applied to the skin. However, once exposed to sunlight, reactions occur between the sunscreen’s active and inactive ingredients and the epidermis. Toxic reactions include inflammation, dermatological effects, allergic reactions and photogenotoxic (DNA altering) effects. Many chemicals in sunscreens have been found to be phototoxic (becoming toxic when exposed to light), causing burning, irritations, pigment changes and photoallergic effects such as hypersensitivity to chemicals.

Here’s a sample of what you’re likely to find on the label of your favourite sunscreen.

(nb: These ingredients can also be found in sunscreens from the Cancer Society)

Oxybenzone: One of the most troublesome ingredients found in the majority of sunscreens. Its primary function is to absorb ultraviolet light however it also acts like estrogen in the body and is linked to hormone disruption, endometriosis, low sperm count and cell damage that can provoke cancer.  

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate) Increases the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer because they contain vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol, and retinyl palmitate.

4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) Competes with estradiol for oestrogen binding sites in the uterus, indicating that it may act as an environmental oestrogen. Laboratory tests on rats exposed to 4-MBC revealed that male rats born to mothers exposed to this compound had lower testis weight, experienced delayed puberty and decreased adult prostate weight. Human trials found that both OMC and 4-MBC were readily absorbed through the skin and were detectable in urine.

Parabens: “Endocrine disruptors,” these gender-bending chemicals mimic estrogen, upset your hormonal balance, and can cause various reproductive cancers in men and women.

Para amino benzoic acid (may be listed as octyl-dimethyl or padimate-O) Attacks DNA and causes genetic mutation when exposed to sunlight.

Mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum. Coats skin like plastic and clogs pores, trapping toxins in, slows skin cell growth, disrupts normal hormone function, suspected of causing cancer.

Sodium laurel, lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (sometimes listed as “from coconut” or “coconut derived” Combined with other chemicals, it becomes nitrosamine, a powerful cancer-causing agent; penetrates your skin’s moisture barrier, allowing other dangerous chemicals to enter your bloodstream.

Phenol carbolic acid: Circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, death from respiratory failure.

Acrylamide: Linked to breast cancer.

Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) Kills skin cells. Acts as a xenoestrogen and alters the function of the thyroid and reproductive system. Reported to cause photosensitisation and photoallergic effects.

Toluene: (may be listed as benzoic, benzyl, or butylated hydroxtoluene) Anaemia, low blood cell count, liver and kidney damage, birth defects.

Propylene glycol: Linked to dermatitis, kidney and liver abnormalities, prevents skin growth, causes irritation.

PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohol: Potent carcinogens containing dioxane.

Fragrances such as phthalates and synthetic musks (includes parabens)

Phthalates are a synthetic preservative that’s carcinogenic and linked to reproductive effects (decreased sperm counts, early breast development, and birth defects) as well as liver and kidney damage.

Synthetic musks are linked to hormone disruption and are thought to persist and accumulate in breast milk, body fat, umbilical cord blood, and the environment.

Why I NEVER Use Commercial Sunscreens (And What I Use Instead)

For obvious reasons (including those listed above), my family and I do NOT use any commercial sunscreens. Also, as parents we do not permit the use of commercial sunscreens on our children at daycare centres. Instead, we use only natural sunscreens which are free from any harmful chemicals.

We also ensure our children receive adequate exposure to sunlight and therefore encourage outdoor activities as much as possible.

Nb: Healthy oils such as virgin coconut, virgin olive and jojoba contain a natural sun protection factor. (SPF)

Some sunscreens promoted as ‘natural’ actually contain harmful chemicals (such as those listed above), therefore always do your homework. 

Is Profit Behind Dermatology’s Sun Scare Message?

Did you know that demonizing sunshine and promoting sunscreen products is highly lucrative for dermatologists who are in bed with the sunscreen industry. Or that the NZ Cancer Society receives up to a million dollars per year from marketing sunscreens? (and which, by the way, screams “conflict of interest!“)

In a revealing investigation of the dermatology industry titled “Is Profit Behind Dermatology’s Sun Scare Message?” reporter Harmon Leon states;

“The sun scare message, fueled by dermatologists, has helped sunscreen companies turn a multi-million-dollar industry into a six billion dollar cosmetic juggernaut that uses dermatology endorsements to drive overuse of their products, which in some cases has been implicated in containing undisclosed toxins.”

Why You NEED to Get Your Sunshine!

I make a point of getting plenty of sunshine and a sport a tan year round (often much to the dismay of some individuals who believe I’m predisposing myself to skin cancer) especially in winter when vitamin D levels can drop and make us more susceptible to catching colds and flu’s.

To that end I periodically check my vitamin D levels to make sure these are in the optimal range which is above 50 ng/ml or 125 n/mol/l. (My last test was 141 n/mol/l) On the days when I’m not able to get outside due to weather, work commitments etc, I’ll supplement with up to 3000 IU of vitamin D3.

For optimum health and to avoid chronic health problems, my recommendation is to get your sunshine quota in small, yet regular doses.

Weather permitting, aim for a minimum of 15-20 mins per day of direct sunlight (longer if you have naturally darker skin) as this will help you to maximise your vitamin D levels. (Contrary to popular belief, the best time for sun exposure is between 10am and 2pm – or as close to solar noon as possible. ) The key is to never get burned.

Some of the best ways to avoid sunburn include taking precautions such as:

1. Wearing protective clothing eg: a hat, long-sleeved shirt etc

2. At the beginning of the season limit your exposure to the sun. Progressively increase the time you spend in the sun so that after a few weeks you can spend more time in the sun with much less risk of burning.

3. If you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, use a natural sunscreen.

Good Nutrition Can Prevent Cancer (Including Skin Cancer)

Another very effective way to protect ourselves against sunburn (and chronic diseases in general) is to build up your internal defenses by consuming foods high in antioxidants. This includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in wholefood form and/ or in smoothies and juices.

In addition, superfoods and supplements such as and spirulina, cacao, astaxanthin and resveratrol contain very high levels of antioxidants and protect from free radical exposure.

Good nutrition and high levels of antioxidants prevent DNA mutations and free radical damage that might otherwise result from excessive exposure to the sun. (as explained in the video below)

Summary:

1) Question the conventional dogma that sunshine causes cancer.

2) Avoid using ALL commercial sunscreens as these contain toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

3) Spend a minimum of 15-20 mins daily in the sun to maximise vitamin D levels.

4) To avoid sunburn progressively increase your sun exposure as summer approaches.

5) Be sun smart & protect yourself from excessive sun exposure by using your clothing creatively.

6) A high antioxidant diet creates an ‘internal sunscreen’ and will protect your skin (and potentially prevent a range of chronic health problems.)

Click here to get Your FREE Report, “Over a Million People Die Every Year From Lack of Sun Exposure” and discover the truth. 

“Don’t be one of the victims of this dark deception propagated by misinformed and profit driven groups.” – Dr Mercola.

The Truth About Sunlight, Cancer and Vitamin D

Highly Recommended Reading