
Meghan MacKinnon, BSc, ND
Aurora | Markham Naturopathic Doctor
Summer is here folks. The countdown to the end of the school year and summer holidays has officially begun as my patients who are teachers work late finishing up report cards and parents prepare for holidays and trips to the cottage. Recently, a patient asked me how to pick the best sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, which got me thinking – does sunscreen actually prevent skin cancer or just burns?
What to Do???
1. Check your sunscreen to see ensure that it covers against UV-A rays in addition to UV-B rays and to get a sunscreen that has fewest toxic chemicals. You can check your sunscreen here on the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Database.
2. Cover up and stay in the shade. Like everything in life, sun in moderation is okay, but know your limits and hang out under a tree.
3. Antioxidants! We’ve heard this one before. By increasing your dietary consumption of antioxidants from fruits and veggies you are protecting your skin from the inside-out.