Now you probably think I'm going to say to be sure and wear your sunscreen:  BUT  I'M NOT!!  Organic chemists have known for years the dangers of coumpounds in chemical sunscreens because they start free radical reactions during chemical synthesis.  For instance, Avobenzone is a UVA blocker that absorbs UV radiation energy.  Since it can't destroy this energy, it has to convert the light energy into chemical energy, which is released as free radicals.  UV energy breaks down Benzophenone's double bond to produce 2 free radical sites.  The free radicals then react with other molecules and produce damage to fats, proteins, and DNA. 

 

Other free radical generators, aka UV Blockers, are Oxybenzone and Dioxybenzone.  Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, another UV Blocker approved by the FDA has serious toxic properties.  According Dermascope Magazine:  "the use of sunscreen chemicals may be increasing the incidence of cancer and sunlight exposure may actually decrease human cancer rates and improve your health."  It's a fact, that the greatest rise in melanoma has been in countries where sunscreens are heavily promoted, like Queensland, Australia.  They have more incidences of melanoma per capita than any other place on earth.

 

SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW!!!  Here's a holistic approach to UV protection:

1 -- Don't over exfoliate.  Avoid AHA solutions 2 weeks before sun exposure.  Products that have alpha-hydroxy acids in every step could be doing you more harm than good.  Avoid microdermabrasion and peels during the summer months if you intend to summer in the sun.

2 -- Use skin care products that inhibit inflammation and conain anti-oxidants.  Of course, HGC Ultra Aloe Care products with 200% Aloe Vera (the #1 anti-inflammatory ingredient on earth) are also chocked full of anti-oxidants like E, C, Grape Seed Extract, ACAI, Goji Berry, Mangosteen, Olive Extract, CoQ10, MSM, and many more.

3 -- Take 50-100 mg. of CoQ10 30 minutes before going outdoors to prevent free radical cellular damage and DNA damage.

4 -- Wear Mineral Makeup which reflects sunlight.  Skin Care Products should also contain these minerals (zinc and/or titanium dioxide) as natural sunscreen.  HGC uses zinc oxide in all our AM formulas.

5 -- Limit direct sun exposure to 8-11AM or 3-6PM.  Ten minutes of sun exposure a day produces a healthy dose of Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.

6 -- Eat inflammation-abating foods that contain alpha-linoleic acid (vegetables, beans, fruits, flaxseed), gamma linolenic acid (borage, evening primrose, black currant), sulfur (garlic, onions, meat, cruciferous vegetables), zinc, grapeseed extract, vitamin C and Pomegranate.

7 -- Anti-inflammatory drinks  Aloe Vera Juice that has not been diluted with water and High ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capibility) juices like our ACAI Juice with Aloe.

8 -- Wear protective clothing (studies show that red and blue are the best colors for summer clothes),  hats, and stay in the shade most of the time.

9 -- Get yearly check-up's by a dermatologist.

10 -- Get a FAKE TAN - It's a SAFE TAN: