Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hi PaleoHackers,

I need the smartest and most well-informed amongst you to help me out. For times when I will be spending extended periods of time (1.5 hours) under the full brunt of the sun (for example, surfing) and cannot go without sunscreen -- which brand do you recommend and why?

I personally like to use Bullfrog because of its formulation that allows it go on quick and dry quickly. Not to mention it is water-proof.

It is by far the most handy sunscreen on the market -- but is it the healthiest? I dunno.

Sock it to me and have a great Memorial Day!

PS I guess I should be clear on what I am asking. I am less concerned about just shielding myself from the sun, than I am about potentially dangerous interactions between the compounds in the sunscreen, the sun and my skin. i.e. Do I want to be absorbing oxybenzone into my skin?

PPS As much as I'd love to go without sunscreen, I can only do so for about 30 to 45 mins or I risk a severe burn. Aside from the the sun directly overhead, there is plenty of radiation reflected from the water too.

edited Jun 1 2010 at 8:06

asked May 31 2010 at 18:41

Patrik♦♦
12.1k●4●29●81

	Could you minimize the amount of sunscreen you'd have to use and wear a body suit while surfing? – LiveForIt May 31 2010 at 18:47
	"I need the smartest and most well-informed amongst you..." - Well, that leaves me out! :-) – ScottMGS May 31 2010 at 22:59
	@LiveForIt -- no way. I love surfing during the summer without a wetsuit. No way am I gonna put on anything else. – Patrik♦ Jun 1 2010 at 4:02
	How pale is your skin and where are you living? – Matt Jun 1 2010 at 10:22
	Thank you Patrik for posting this question. As a fellow surfer with the same problems and in the past using the same Bullfrog solution (although nothing actually stays on for long enough in the surf). I would like to further ask about what, in addition to D, would be advisable supplements to help protect from the inside out? I have heard some about krill oil and coconut oil, does anyone have any evidence, even if it is anecdotal, about this? – TexasPrimalSurfWahine -TPSW- Jun 1 2010 at 14:49

show 5 more comments

W8liftinmom · Answer 1 · 2010-06-01 01:45:11Z UTC

Here's a recent study:

http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/study-many-sunscreens-may-be-accelerating-cancer/19488158?sms_ss=facebook

And in it is this link on how sunscreens rate as far as safety:

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/finding-the-best-sunscreens/

RS · Answer 2 · 2010-08-05 02:14:32Z UTC

Supplement Vitamin D
Slowly increase your time in the sun
Apply coconut oil which has equivalent SPF 5
Apply topical vitamin C. You can make a solution at home, although it will only last a few days. This reduces burning an average of 22% in tests.

I naturally burn badly, but following these steps I haven't burned in 4 years. I currently live in Mexico (constant sun), never burned. That being said I am careful with my time in the sun as I'm sure our ancestors were conscious of this or had darker skin. Unless you build up a really good tan I would suggest zinc oxide on the most sensitive areas as well.

Earl Cannonbear · Answer 3 · 2010-05-31 19:35:59Z UTC

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Why can't you go without sunscreen? Paleolithic hunters spent their entire lives outdoors battling the elements without the need to smother themselves in girly-man lotions.

answered May 31 2010 at 19:35

Earl Cannonbear
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	They also had sufficient vitamin D and a lifetime of melanin base... – Stephen-Aegis May 31 2010 at 20:37
	"They also had sufficient vitamin D and a lifetime of melanin base." And certainly were quite wrinkly .... – Dirk May 31 2010 at 22:39
	And wrinkles are a problem because...? I earned mine! :-) – ScottMGS May 31 2010 at 22:59
	@Earl Cannonbear I can go without sunscreen for about 30 mins or so -- but after that I will burn. I like to stay in the water for at least an hour and half. – Patrik♦ Jun 1 2010 at 4:03

Stephen-Aegis · Answer 4 · 2010-06-01 01:48:18Z UTC

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I recommend Vitamin D and working up your base and going natural

here's a link to "natural sunscreens" if you must http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-sunscreens-460608

previous to paleo I used zinc oxide personally and was using it only on sensitive areas like my nose.

answered Jun 1 2010 at 1:48

Stephen-Aegis
24k●2●33●106

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Steph, some light skinned people simply cannot build up enough tan to not burn after intensive exposure. In the paleo times, those people would all live where it was cloudy. But in the current world, they live all over and some of them like to go surfing! – Eva Aug 5 2010 at 3:24

Sun God · Answer 5 · 2010-11-29 19:35:53Z UTC

Paleolithic hunters probably avoided the sun between 10-2, just like most animals do. Viva la siesta! I use Watermans sunscreen www.watermansappliedscience.com. The SPF33 is oxybenzone free. Paleolithic humans also didn't have to deal with our current ozone issues either! Lucky bastards.

Angelo - Latest in Paleo · Answer 6 · 2010-12-23 21:39:05Z UTC

I live in Arizona, and my Mediterranean complexion gives me a little extra protection. I can build a fairly dark tan in summer. However, when I want to be outside for very long periods, I go with clothing that covers me up. And hats.

Here's an example: http://www.coolibar.com/men-s-swimwear.html

kricka · Answer 7 · 2010-12-23 21:42:55Z UTC

I don't have a lot of help with sunscreen proper, as I am lily white and tend to monitor my time in the sun, but make sure you take lots of vitamin D3. It totally helps. My brother, who is a redhead hasn't used sunscreen in years, is Paleo, and takes tons of the stuff.

That's all I got.

michael · Answer 8 · 2010-12-23 22:25:35Z UTC

this isn't 'paleo' but I don't think you're going to find such a thing as an SPF15+ sunscreen one could call 'paleo'

so if I were you I'd check out GoodGuide, which lists products according to their general 'health' scores across a bunch of factors:

http://www.goodguide.com/products?filter=Sunscreen%20SPF%2015%20And%20Above&category_id[]=152766]

Vivalapaleo · Answer 9 · 2010-12-23 22:27:31Z UTC

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I suppose Zinc might be the answer you are looking for - its purely a physical barrier to the sun and does not change the skins ability to absorb UVB A rays ???

answered Dec 23 2010 at 22:27

Vivalapaleo
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Baco · Answer 10 · 2010-12-23 22:59:56Z UTC

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I use this. http://trukid.3dcartstores.com/2-Pack-Sunny-Days-SPF30-35-oz-Lotion-Tube-does-not-contain-Vit-A-Shipping-NOW_p_30.html

answered Dec 23 2010 at 22:59

Baco
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Jayan · Answer 11 · 2010-12-23 23:01:21Z UTC

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the active ingredients you need to look for. They act as purely physical sunblock ingredients, and are totally nontoxic. They are considered to have zero risk of causing skin irritation as well. Try to make sure the minerals are not "micronized" - this might lead to penetration, with unknown consequences. If the sunscreen leaves a bit of a white cast on your skin... it's probably not micronized.

All organic sunscreens have a smorgasbord of issues surrounding them, all of which need more research.

Heather · Answer 12 · 2010-12-23 23:21:58Z UTC

From what I understand about sunscreen, it's use only prevents sunburn and doesn't actually prevent deadly skin cancers at all. And in fact, using it can raise risk of skin cancer because it prevents the body's natural warning system to get out of the sun. My advice would be to stay out of the intense mid-day sun as much as possible, and wear sleeves and a hat in addition to your sunscreen when you want to prevent a bad burn.

Al · Answer 13 · 2010-12-05 07:15:38Z UTC

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An old paleolithic human was about 25 years old, but most died much younger; they had more immediate problems.

answered Dec 5 2010 at 7:15

Al
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Best options for sunscreen when surfing?

13 Answers