Some health experts like Dr. Al Sears tell us that we have been deceived by the sun lotion industry to believe the sun is bad for us for their commercial gain. Sunscreen was initially created to allow people to get a suntan without getting a sunburn, not because we needed protection from the sun. When they realized how profitable it was, the sun suddenly became our enemy.

Dr. Sears tells us that “the sun is our best friend when it comes to feeling good, staying fit and avoiding disease, (even skin cancer.”) because it is our primary source of vitamin D.

It is lack of sunshine that leads to cancer, as well as contributing to heart disease, depression, lowered libido, autoimmune disorders, lowered immunity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, cavities, fatigue, poor bone and joint health, inflammatory bowel diseases and weight gain to name just a few.

Vitamin D may in fact be the single most important nutrient your body needs. It protects you from cancer, viruses and bacteria, regulates blood sugar and insulin, reduces inflammation, makes muscles stronger, lowers risk of diabetes type 2. boosts mental performance, helps you lose weight and sleep better, boosts serotonin levels which prevents depression, addiction, cravings for sugar and anxiety and much more.

Skin cancer has increased in the last 30 years not because of sun exposure, but because of the foods we eat and the use of sunscreen. After the development of sunscreen, cases of melanoma skyrocketed. Office workers have higher levels of melanoma than construction workers and lifeguards. As a matter of fact, people who spend the most time in the sun, like lifeguards and construction workers, have the lowest incidence of melanoma.

With that being said here are seven reasons you should avoid sunscreen:

1. Sunscreen contains as many as 5 carcinogenic chemicals
2. An SPF above 8 blocks your vitamin D production by more than 95%, which leads to vitamin D deficiency
3. Sunscreens are at least partially responsible for the increase in skin cancer
4. Many sunscreens contain harmful endocrine/hormone disruptors thus damaging your endocrine and hormonal systems
5. They block the bodies production of melanin, a natural occurring substance that protects you from sunburn
6. Women with consistent sun exposure are much less likely to die off breast cancer
7. Men exposed to high levels of sunshine cut their risk of prostate cancer in half

Yes it is true, over exposure to the sun is harmful, it can cause skin damage and lead to two kinds of superficial skin cancer, but it does not lead to the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma. The sun actually prevents melanoma and aids in the healing process if it is acquired.

No, you should not sunbathe for an entire day and you should avoid sunburns, however, complete avoidance of the sun is dangerous for your health. Dr Sears tells us that fair skinned people should have about 10-20 minutes of sun exposure daily, while those with moderate pigmentation should get 20-40 and those with darker pigments may need up to 2 hours.

You should not wear sunglasses or sunscreen when getting your daily supply of sun. If you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, then use an umbrella, wear a wide-brimmed hat and try to take cover now and then.

Increase your exposure to the sun by opening your curtains and letting the sun shine in and be sure to expose your skin when you are under the sun.

I have taken all these sunscreen facts from a fabulous book I’m reading right now by Dr. Al Sears, *Your Best Health Under the Sun. It is a must read for everyone. I encourage you to relearn the truth about the sun and how it is critical for maintaining optimal health.

The bottom line, as Dr. Sears tells us, is that “less sunshine means more disease.”