The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka - 112. Why Sunscreen Alone Won’t Save You from Skin Cancer

Starting point is 00:00:00 The sun's a constant part of our lives, providing vitamin D3, boosting our mood, and giving us that summer glow. But exposure to UV radiation can reach our skin, and they can lead to damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the higher your risk for developing skin cancer later in life sunscreen is designed to block or absorb uv rays reducing the damage they can cause to the skin despite the widespread use of sunscreen skin cancer rays have continued to rise since the 1980s

Starting point is 00:00:36 when sunscreen use became more common we've seen a steady increase in skin cancer diagnoses. And worst of all... Welcome back to the Ultimate Human Podcast. I'm your host, Gary Brekka, and today we're discussing a health topic that impacts millions of people every year, skin cancer. With over one in five Americans developing some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, it's crucial to understand how to protect ourselves. The sun's a constant part of our lives, providing vitamin D3, boosting our mood, and giving us that summer glow. But exposure to UV radiation, those invisible rays from the sun, can reach our skin and they can lead to damage, premature aging, and worst of all, skin cancer. In today's episode, we're going to dive deep into the topic of skin cancer prevention from understanding how

Starting point is 00:01:29 UV rays impact our skin to evaluating the effectiveness and the safety of sunscreens. We also explore emerging natural alternatives and the growing interest in hydrogen-based UV protection. Let's break it down. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. But what exactly is skin cancer? It occurs when the DNA in the cells of the skin are damaged, primarily by ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds causing mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, this is the most common form of skin cancer, and it often appears as a pearly or waxy bump on sun-exposed areas of the body.

Starting point is 00:02:14 While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, if left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and damage the surrounding tissue. There's squamous cell carcinoma, which is the second most common form of skin cancer, and it typically appears as a red scaly patch or even a sore that just will not heal. It's more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma, but it's still generally treatable if you catch it early. And then there are the melanomas. This is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, thankfully, but it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can appear as a mole or a change in an existing mole, and it's more likely to spread to other organs if

Starting point is 00:02:55 it's not caught early. So it makes it vital to monitor any changes in your skin and especially in the moles on your skin. Early detection is key. When caught early, melanoma has a 99% survival rate, but that drops dramatically if it spreads. So the takeaway here is skin cancer is common, but preventable, and early detection is essential. Regular skin checks, both self-exams and professional screenings are critical for catching skin cancer in its early stages.

Starting point is 00:03:22 So before we get into prevention strategies, let's talk about how UV rays actually affect the skin. The sun emits two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. They contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and can even damage your DNA. These rays can pass through windows and clouds, meaning you're exposed to them even on cloudy days indoor near windows. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and directly damage the DNA in the skin cells, which can lead to mutations and ultimately cancer. UVB rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to cell mutations, causing them to grow uncontrollably. This is the mechanism behind skin cancer.

Starting point is 00:04:07 The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the higher your risk for developing skin cancer later in life. It's not just one bad sunburn, it's the cumulative effect of sun exposure over a lifetime that puts you at risk. Research from the Skin Cancer Foundation shows that having five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma. Additionally, frequent exposure to tanning beds, which emit primarily UVA radiation, can increase your risk of melanoma by 75% before the age of 35. Now let's address the most common method of sun protection, sunscreens. For me, this is a double-edged sword, so we'll get into it. Sunscreen is designed to block or absorb UV rays, reducing the damage they can cause to the skin. It comes in two main forms. Physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which I'm a fan of, sit on top of the

Starting point is 00:04:56 skin and physically block UV rays by reflecting them. These are often considered safer because they do not get absorbed into your skin, a very important point to pay attention to. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and then they absorb UV rays, converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Popular chemical filters include oxybenzone and avobenzone, but there's a growing concern about their safety. While sunscreen is undoubtedly effective at preventing sunburn, recent research has raised questions about the safety of some of these chemical sunscreens. A study published in JAMA, the Journal of American Medical Association Dermatology, found that certain sunscreens, including oxybenzone, are absorbed into the bloodstream

Starting point is 00:05:39 at levels that far exceed the FDA's recommended safety threshold after just a single application, there are concerns that prolonged exposure to these chemicals could disrupt hormones and potentially increase the risk of other health issues like endocrine disruption. This has led to a recall of so many of these aerosol and spray sunscreens due to contamination with benzene, which is a known and proven carcinogen. So while sunscreens remain an essential tool in the skin cancer prevention, it's crucial to choose your sunscreen wisely. Despite the widespread use of sunscreen, skin cancer rates have continued to rise.

Starting point is 00:06:14 Since the 1980s, when sunscreen use became more common, we've seen a steady increase in skin cancer diagnoses. Some experts believe that this could be due to over-reliance on sunscreen as the sole method of sun protection, leading people to spend more time in the sun without proper care. This Veterans Day, Baja Gold and I are teaming up to make a difference. From November 7th through the 11th, for every 10 bags sold, Baja Gold will donate a Thanksgiving meal to a veteran family. And because this cause is so close to my heart, I will personally match every bag sold and every meal donated. Join us in supporting veterans by shopping the sale at the link in the description. Make your purchase count this Veterans Day, guys. Now let's get back to the

Starting point is 00:06:54 Ultimate Human Podcast. Another factor could be the vitamin D deficiency that comes from excessive use of high SPF sunscreens, as they block UVB rays that are responsible for vitamin D production. It's important to note that sunscreen should not be your only line of defense. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding direct sunlight during these peak hours are equally important measures in preventing skin cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that regular sunscreen use significantly reduced the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, but had less impact on basal cell carcinoma and melanoma rates. This suggests that sunscreen alone may not be enough to fully protect against the most

Starting point is 00:07:36 aggressive forms of skin cancer. Let's talk about what's inside your sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and it's essential to understand which ingredients are safe and which ones pose potential risk. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, these, in my opinion and backed by research, are the safest sunscreen ingredients. They sit on the surface of the skin. They physically block UV rays without being absorbed. This is a key point because they do not pass into the bloodstream and cause the downstream consequences of hormone disruption and other issues. The FDA has classified these as generally recognized as safe, G-R-A-S-E. Oxybenzone, this is a common chemical sunscreen ingredient,

Starting point is 00:08:18 but studies have raised concerns, including myself, about this potential to disrupt hormones. It's also been shown to be harmful to coral reefs leading to bans in places like hawaii and palau benzene this is a known carcinogen that has been found in aerosol sunscreens this is leading to massive amounts of recalls and my opinion should be avoided at all costs long-term exposure to benzene can cause serious health issues like leukemia and other blood disorders oct Octocrylene. This is a chemical that actually breaks down in sunlight and produces harmful byproducts that may cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions. Many dermatologists recommend choosing sunscreens that contain only physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium

Starting point is 00:08:59 dioxide to minimize the potential health risks. As concern over chemical sunscreens grow, more people are turning to natural alternatives. I'm a big fan of these alternatives. Flavonoids and polyphenols, compounds that are found in plants, are gaining attention for their ability to absorb UV rays and provide natural protection. These plant-based compounds also have antioxidant properties. They actually help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by excessive UV exposure. Recent studies have shown that these natural ingredients can cover a broader range of UV wavelengths, offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. One review in Nature Reviews Chemistry suggested that natural UV filters could be the future of sunscreen as they offer additional benefits without the potential risk of chemical absorption.

Starting point is 00:09:49 In addition, there's a growing interest in the role of molecular hydrogen in skin protection. Hydrogen is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, which can lead to skin cancer. A study published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that hydrogen therapy can help prevent UV-induced skin damage and improve skin repair. Hydrogen patches also have been known to speed up healing, enhance collagen production, helping to maintain the skin's structural integrity after sun exposure. So what can you do today to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer? Here are some actionable steps. Wear protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts with UV protection can offer extra layers of defense. Consider natural

Starting point is 00:10:31 alternatives. Look for sunscreens that contain plant-based UV filters like flavonoids and polyphenols. These natural ingredients offer both UV protection and antioxidant benefits. Stay up to date on recalls. Be aware of product recalls, especially for aerosol and spray sunscreens that may contain benzene. My opinion, these should be eliminated completely. Monitor your skin. Perform your own regular skin checks.

Starting point is 00:10:56 Catch any new moles or changes to existing moles. If something looks suspicious, get it checked by a dermatologist as soon as you can. Skin cancer is a serious public health concern, but with the right strategies, it's also one of the most preventable. By staying informed about the ingredients in your sunscreen, choosing safer alternatives, and practicing smart sun protection habits, you can significantly reduce your risk. I'm a huge fan of even homemade sunscreens using things like beef tallow and zinc oxide, which are readily

Starting point is 00:11:24 available ingredients, they're very inexpensive. You can apply these to the skin, they create a barrier, and they do not get absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, if you're going to get sun exposure, I'm a huge fan of first light. Remember, during the first 45 minutes of the day, there's no UVA or UVB rays, just the beautiful blue rays from the sun having a positive effect on both cortisol and melatonin, resetting your circadian clock so you get a great sleep that night. The sun is not something to be feared. It's something to be managed, and we can manage our exposure to the sun by being smart about our sunscreen and our clothing, but we don't have to panic about exposing

Starting point is 00:12:01 our skin to sunlight. In fact, my opinion, most of us are not getting enough sun. It's not that we're getting too much sun. We just need to be smart about prolonged sun exposure. If you're one of those folks that follows me and does breath work in the morning, the safest time to be outside, getting beautiful, bright light from the sun into your eyes, horizon gazing for relaxation, and resetting cortisol and melatonin receptors is that first 45 minutes of the day, which we call first light. Thank you for joining me on the Ultimate Human Podcast. If you found today's episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from this information. And remember,

Starting point is 00:12:33 protecting your skin isn't just about avoiding sunburn. It's about safeguarding your health for the long term. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember, that's just science.

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka - 112. Why Sunscreen Alone Won’t Save You from Skin Cancer

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