Journal

Dr. Jurgen Klein and his family lived 30 years near Aidelade/Australia where the hot sun is ever present. As a biochemist, naturopath and alchemist, he has dealt extensively with skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure. In this Health Blog he gives answers to frequently asked questions about sun protection.

Is direct sunlight dangerous for the skin?

Dr. Klein: Yes and no. A few minutes a day are necessary to form Vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient. However, if you stay too long in the sun, you risk skin redness and harmful sunburn. Sunburn can cause drastic long-term effects like skin cancer. The skin never forgets!

Isn’t it important to wear sun protection everyday?

Dr. Klein: If your sun protection is chemical (aka Sunscreen) and possibly carcinogenic, then definitely not. Your sun protection products should be mineral based (aka Sunblock) so that they can reflect the UV (ultraviolet) light . This offers physical protection against the sun.

Why don’t you add mineral sun protection to the JK7® Luxurious Natural Skin Care products?

Dr. Klein: We are experts in creating natural skin care that nourishes, moisturizes, and maintains the skin, at the same time, promoting longevity by working against premature aging. We use only the most natural and precious ingredients, and are not specialists in the field of sun protection. Our advice on this subject is to stay away from chemical sunscreens, as they can cause damage to the skin. Instead of chemical sunscreens, consider natural mineral sunblock products. Even though these products do not nourish or moisturize, they do provide the physical block from the sun that is necessary at times.

Why do so many cosmetic brands use sun protection in their skin care products?

Dr. Klein: It’s really a statement from their Marketing Department. Consumers have been lead to believe that it is a „must“, so most brands now add it in order to sell more products. But why should we add unnecessary chemical sun protection to a cosmetic product which should nourish the skin? Especially in the Western World, where we stay inside the house or in the shade most of the time. 

Top athletes are clever. They use mineral sun protection which will not effect the skin or the organism.

What are the disadvantages of chemical sun protection? What are the disadvantages of mineral sun protection?

Dr. Klein: Chemical sun protection reacts with UV irradiation creating chemical decomposition, which is more toxic than the original sun protection product. In order to maintain it’s effectiveness, you have to reapply your sun protection continuously and the dose of chemicals increases steadily.
Mineral sun protections leaves a white layer on the skin, but there is no chemical transformation with the UV light. The sun protection will remain throughout the day, if it’s not washed away by the water or wiped away by your hands, etc.

How does chemical sun protection work compared to mineral sun protection?

Dr. Klein: Chemical sun protection acts by chemical reaction between the starting material and the sunlight (UV light). The result is a chemical decomposition which penetrates the skin and causes damage.
Mineral sun protection reflects the sun light from the skin surface, similar to white wall paint. Mineral or physical sun protection doesn’t cause a chemical reaction or penetrate into the skin.

How can I distinguish chemical and mineral sun protection?

Dr. Klein: You have to read the labels properly. Mineral (reflective) sun protection is declared as titanium oxide or respectively as zinc oxide. Be careful that these substances aren’t made of nanoparticles, because these very fine nanoparticles can penetrate into the skin and become toxic. Normally it’s indicated on the labels whether nanoparticles are used. In general: the more a sun cream colors the skin white, the better.
Chemical sun protection includes, for example, 2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzophenon, Methoxyzimtsäure-2-ethyll-hexylester, 3-Benzylidencampher, Isopropylbenzylsalicylat and other substances which sound unnatural. A look into the world wide web may help.

Do the JK7® products protect my skin against harmful environmental influences?

Dr. Klein: Definitely. The protection against cold, drought, and free radicals, is the focus of our attention. The elegant composition of valuable natural ingredients, stimulates, and strengthens the natural protective function of the skin.

What can I do to protect myself from over exposure to sunlight?

Dr. Klein: A smart way to protect yourself is to spend as little time as possible in the direct midday sun – early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the ideal time to venture out and get your daily dose of Vitamin D. If you must spend time in the direct sun at the strongest part of the day, wear a sun hat, and protective clothing.

“It’s better to looking like a freshly painted wall, than to get sunburned and experience the harmful effects later in life. ”

Dr. Jurgen Klein

JK7® Tip:

Use mineral sun protection products only if you are really staying in the direct sun for a lengthy period of time.