Got a plan to spruce up your home for that move indoors to the light and warmth during winter’s colder, darker months? Then consider plants for your interior space and plan to ward off any winter blues with green – so healthy and good for your skin, mood and lungs! Moondust Cosmetics® has these tip to help you add life to your home and to boost your body health and spirit this winter.
Add joy in your home, workplace or home based office and help yourself to energy in your workspace with easy care indoor plants. Here’s two favourites:
Snake plants are a great solution if you want to brighten up a darker corner of your home, as it thrives in low-light locations. Be aware; this plant is dangerous for most dogs and cats so keep it in an area away from pets. Or, how about the highly adaptable ficus elastica, rubber fig. It can grow to any height, depending on the size of the pot. Keep it by an indirect light source (near a window but not directly in front of it) for consistent growth.
Simply green not your scene? Then snap up some flowers and add colour like with begonias and others that grow all season long inside and out.
Bring the best of nature’s portable plants indoors help balance out the drier indoor air that is so hard on the skin’s health and natural glow. It also works to reduce the added stress of adjusting to pandemic times – more time indoors in winter, having work encroach on what used to be only private living space in our homes.
Let’s face it, plants lend energy and freshness and for many they even provide living company in their space. Do these ideas for adding health to your home indoors this season appeal to you?
Plants for your desk improve your air and your outlook
Finding a spot for a lively, easy care indoor plant that thrives in low light – has the benefit or making you tidy your workspace.
Water it and you’ll remember to hydrate, too. Exhale fully as you enjoy it and it’ll send the reward of some quality oxygen right back at you.
‘Express’ your love
Give your house plant light, food and attention, and you’ll naturally lavish some of that love on your well deserving self!
Decorate and design your signature space for success and less stress
Plants and your posture, say what?
Just looking at them reminds you to breathe in… and to do that well. You naturally relax and sit up taller. Take a break from your screen and enjoy these added body benefits:
Take regular breathers. Sit up straight and populate your place with healthy and green reminders of life beyond your solo work time and screen sharing.
Plants grow joy and have been proven to elevate your mood and even productivity – increasing calm from the inside out to your skin.
Your choices are limitless from dish gardens to tropical and anything you can imagine.
Plants in our homes and work spaces remind us of our connection to nature, and we can never go wrong with nature, can we?
What follows summer season pollen allergies? Winter allergies, and sure enough, our skin health and appearance reflects what’s going on inside your body and inside your home environment. Moondust Cosmetics® cares, well beyond your use of your tube of Skin Protector Plus (SPP) we’ve got top tips for you to be winter-ready for healthier indoor living. After all that space is now our home, our classroom and our workplace.
As the cold weather brings us indoors even more you may experience symptoms of winter allergies. These include: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, congestion, postnasal drip, and itchy eyes, nose and throat. Add to that a sinus headache or bronchitis that makes trying to be productive on our screens and devices, super challenging.
Of course, all exacerbate the fatigue you might feel from interrupted or reduced sleep. You know where this is going – dark circles under the eyes and lack luster skin.
Where do winter allergies come from?
Some of this results from the homes heating system. Forced-air furnaces circulate airborne dust containing lint, fabric fiber, bacteria, food animal dander. In winter, three of the most common allergens – house dust mites, animal dander and cockroach droppings (eww say it isn’t so) – are worse as there is usually less ventilation.
Steps to reduce indoor allergen triggers that you can take when it comes to:
Fiber and Fabrics in your home’s décor or clothes closet
Décor items
• Remove wall-to-wall carpet, even if over a concrete pad. Allergens such as animal dander and molds are prone to be trapped in carpet and rugs. That space you don’t see between the concrete and the rug or carpet harbors dampness and creates an environment ideal for dust mites and mold.
Clothing
Wash your bedding once a week in hot water (at least 130° F) to reduce the continually produced dust mite load in your linens.
Foil those dust mites by reducing your exposure to them. Encase your pillows and mattress in impermeable covers and this will reduce exposure to dust mites.
Consider not using down pillows and comforters. They provide a cozy habitat for dust mites. They can also be allergenic themselves.
In the case of pets
Beloved family members and companions, our pets have free access to almost all areas of our homes. Allergy specialists will tell you to limit your contact and to keep pets out of your bedrooms in an effort to reduce the amount of allergen in the room.
Here are the options you have if you find distancing yourself, difficult:
After playing with your pet, and certainly before going to bed – change your clothes, bathe and wash your hair
Wash away the dander and other allergens on their fur by bathing your pets weekly
General guidelines to keep your home allergy-free
Damp mop your floors if they are wood to avoid stirring up dust.
Wipe down wet surfaces immediately to keep mold from growing
Are you suffering the most in winter months? Perhaps get someone else to clean, dust and vacuum your home – or even leave the premises when cleaning is being done.
A good air filter, such as a HEPA air filter often cleans your indoor air of dust mites, other matter and animal dander. Some may also clean your air of bacteria and virus molecules.
As always, first line of self-care to reduce your susceptibility to allergy triggers is to get plenty of rest, eat well, and reduce stress with mindfulness or movement. This all supports your immune system and results in a healthier you and of course, healthy looking skin!
Top tips on health coming out of Dr.Moondust’s findings in her clinical oncology studies help improve your well-being and even longevity and are yummy choices for your daily diet. Imagine, ingredients you can easily find at your grocer, noted in the science in the chapter she contributed to a text book for medical students. Read on to learn more or to see the full video interview.
Let’s find out more, shall we in this interview with Dr. Moondust posted this week on the Moondust Cosmetics® YouTube channel.
Q. I understand that Moondust Cosmetics® is sharing some interesting news to the collection of informative papers on the website.
A. Yes, it’s really quite exciting. This year, I was invited to contribute a chapter to a clinical cancer textbook for medical students.
Q. Oh, that’s quite prestigious – and impressive. What can you tell us about its content and your part in it?
A. Well, the title of the book is “Comprehensive Clinical Oncology”.
And, although natural products have been used to treat chronic diseases including cancer since ancient times, there is a real current interest in the use of natural compounds for human populations since there are many unpleasant side-effects associated with cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In fact, you probably have a friend or relative who has experienced this.
Q. Oh, yes and it is often a distressing situation.
A. I can’t tell you how many people I have seen suffer through chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the results are not always life-reaffirming. Quite honestly, at times, it simply seems like torture. So, that’s why I decided to write this chapter.
It is mainly about a plant product called “resveratrol” with some potent anti-cancer properties; Resveratrol belongs to a class of phytochemical compounds known as polyphenols and it is found in many edible plants including grape skins, hops, peanuts, pines, and numerous berries (blackberries, black currants, blueberries, mulberries, and cranberries).
In addition to resveratrol, some other phytochemicals of interest include procyanidins derived from grape seeds, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human prostate carcinoma cells; polyphenols derived from black and green teas, which display apoptotic activity in UV-induced mouse skin tumours (Lu); and Chinese bee propolis, which has anti-proliferative activity in colon cancer cells.
Q. Ok, many of us have heard of resveratrol as it has been popularly promoted as being good for our health, our skin and found in a fun product – wine for example.
And of course the enjoyment of the many health benefits written about what’s in our cup of tea.
A. So, at this point, I think we’re going to need to review a little cancer theory –
Historically, cancer theory has mostly evolved in animal models and is based on application of an Initiator (or “incomplete carcinogen”), which can cause mutations in cells, followed by a Promoter, which stimulates cell division and can potentially expand the mutant cell population.
However, it does not adequately explain the action of “complete carcinogens” like ultraviolet light, which can cause cancer on their own. A different model is required in this case.
Some very exciting new research has shown that simply increasing the rate of cell death or “apoptosis” in mouse cells can cause skin cancer in mice. We might dub this an “alternate theory of carcinogenesis”. This is the cancer theory that my scientific work centers around.
Q. Oh, now, isn’t that a novel idea! So, you just need one trigger compound that kills your cells?
A. That’s right. We’re talking about uranium, electromagnetic radiation, chemicals, etc.
The first successful pre-clinical study with resveratrol was reported in a two-stage model with a chemicalInitiator and Promoter – it inhibited tumour formation in this mouse skin cancer model.
And, actually, there is a human corollary to this; UV radiation can act as a complete carcinogen in those people who suffer from sunburn, but, then, it can also act as an incomplete carcinogen in those people who tan – there are certain suntan lotions which contain tumour promoters.
Q. Oh, my goodness! That’s very scary!
A. It certainly is and I don’t know why the FDA doesn’tput an end to this dangerous practice.
Other similar studies followed confirming that topical resveratrol treatment reduced tumour incidence, multiplicity, and volume while delaying the onset of tumours in mice.
One of the most notable set of studies was conducted in SKH-1 hairless mice, which are susceptible to ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a complete carcinogen in this particular mouse model and DNA damage caused by the radiation directly stimulates cell death. It is the repeated activation of apoptosis in skin cells by ultraviolet rays that appears to be directly linked to tumour formation in this model. It has been demonstrated that resveratrol protects against UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice by selectively inducing apoptosis/cell death in premalignant and malignant cells.
Q. Wait a second – this might be getting a bit confusing, now. First, you say that apoptosis or cell death can cause skin cancer and, then, you say that resveratrol can cause cell death?
A. Ok. So the key word is that resveratrol can “selectively” cause cell death in cancer cells. So, it’s not affecting normal cells at all, it’s selectively killing cancer cells, while a carcinogen can kill all your cells – normal and abnormal. So, to continue –
Naturally, it cannot always be assumed that test results obtained in animals will hold true in humans due to significant differences in their biochemistry. Since it’s really the results in humans that we’re after, I’ve never conducted animal experiments myself and have always used cultured human cells or human models.
Q. Is that the only reason?
A. Well, there are also personal and ethical reasons, as well, since I’m a vegetarian.
So, Resveratrol has already been shown to display selective apoptosis by inducing programmed cell death in pre-cancer and cancer cells in a mouse skin carcinogenesis model.
Similarly, a comparable cancer model in humans involving susceptibility to apoptotic sunburn can result in abnormal growth or “tumour” formation and/or skin cancer without proper sunscreen protection, as we have discussed before.
Q. You took quite a direct and personal route in your research in this case.
Since we’re really looking for results in humans, one summer I decided to conduct an experiment on myself being highly susceptible to apoptotic sunburn involving cell death and peeling – I had absolutely no idea what would happen. Usually, I hardly ever go out in the summer sun due to my susceptibility, but for 3 months I regularly exposed myself to sunlight during controlled periods of the day and experienced repeated sunburn and peeling on my nose. At the end of 8 months, I developed a “tumour” or abnormal growth on the tip of my nose.
Following daily topical application of a resveratrol ointment {50 mg/ml} in an aloe base, considerable regression of this growth induced by UVA/UVB radiation was observed within 10 days. Moreover, with the diligent application of a zinc oxide sunscreen formulation previously reported to block UV-induced apoptosis, there was complete remission and there has been no recurrence of the lesion since. This same sunscreen also contained bee propolis, which may have played a healing role in the whole process.
Q. So, what does this mean?
A. Although no malignancy was demonstrated in the growth on my nose, this may represent an effective chemopreventive post-sun exposure strategy in the minimization of skin cancer risk for individuals who are susceptible to apoptotic sunburn and, therefore, to skin cancer.
Q. Where does SPP fit into this, then?
A. Moondust products like SPP can help to prevent apoptosis & skin cancer because, as we saw in the mouse model, simply increasing the rate of cell death in skin cells can cause cancer. That is why we call it “Apoptosis Protection Factor” and apoptosis is directly linked to skin cancer.
Q. Have you ever recommended resveratrol to any cancer patients?
A. Yes, in fact I have recommended a combination of Resveratrol and Matcha (a green tea powder) to a few cancer patients (even those undergoing chemotherapy) and there have always been positive results. However, you should discuss it with your oncologist if undergoing chemo.
Q. What is an average daily dose of Resveratrol [RSV]?
A. So, here’s a bottle of resveratrol and each capsule contains 250 mg, which is an average daily dose. As for the matcha (green tea), I always say drink as much as you can. Health professionals are so focused on the pandemic, right now, that certain cancer patients may not be getting the medical attention they need. These supplements are totally safe to take and may help. [Notable exceptions include: multiple myeloma patients and, possibly, procyanidins may be more suitable for prostate cancer patients; although, positive research also exists for RSV]
Q. Ok, well thank you Dr. Moondust…
It seems in your many fascinating points are practical everyday choices we can make to help ourselves to better health in relation to resveratrol and also protection during sun exposure. Just two of these are:
Resveratrol can be considered like any natural supplement like our vitamins and minerals we might want to add to our health regimen.
Apoptosis, or cell death resulting from the human sunburn cycle, is central to your work in cancer studies as well as the protective purpose behind your formulation of Moondust Cosmetics® primary product SPP or Skin Protector Plus.
You’ll find more articles on the science, and the art of sun care and skin protection posted on the website.
An important article by Dr. Moondust entitled, Apoptosis: A Key Alternate Trigger of Carcinogenesis has just been published in a British journal produced by Open Access Government.
You will be interested in this post if you are concerned about your skin health, have skin cancer in the family or are in fact recovering from skin cancer. Read the full article online here.
Apoptosis, a focus in Dr. Moondust’s work as a cancer biologist and primary biochemist behind Moondust Cosmetics® natural Skin Protector Plus (SPP) is discussed in easy to read detail in the article. It relates to much of Dr. Moondust’s study of the Human Sunburn Cycle and its impact on our overall health, and especially where cancer triggers are concerned.
SPP’s popular cosmetic appeal as easy to apply, fragrant and its being reef and environmentally friendly now has increased appreciation for one of its important ingredients. Zinc. Its 13.5% zinc oxide, content which is far richer than the sun care industry average, is known to protect a person’s skin from burning. In addition, Zinc, which is absorbed from the SPP cream, has also been shown to inhibit the ability of coronaviruses to replicate easily in its presence. It may be especially beneficial if applied around potential portals of viral entry.
You may also be interested in Professor Jean-Marie Dangou of the WHO’s piece on the different kinds of skin cancer that precedes Dr.Moondust’s article.
For more science based resources as well as delightful posts on healthy lifestyle in the sun:
Personal health care with the onset of cooler weather and our move indoors which exposes us more closely to airborne viruses has never been more topical. Dr. Moondust, biochemist and founder of Moondust Cosmetics® shares useful comments on care based on her recent in person, small scale survey. You will find her notes to support your own immune system easy to read and adapt in this interview (Also on video here – part 1 part 2 part 3)
Welcome Dr. Moondust
Q. Now, since the last time we met, you’ve conducted some new and very interesting research which could be relevant to the topic of people who are not vaccinated for Covid-19. It was a small scale, in person survey – what can you tell us about it?
Well, this summer, I was allowed to travel to Europe on special consideration as a scientist to study the effectiveness of vitamin & mineral supplementation on those people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, health considerations, or personal choice.
Even before the pandemic, the doctors at the clinic I visited had been advocating a supplementation powder to their patients for maintaining optimal health with vitamin D, zinc, and CoQ-10 for ATP formation. ATP is the basic energy unit of the human body.
Q. Do I assume correctly that this is to do with vitamin D & zinc – topics we touched on in earlier videos?
Well, sort of – this survey was about vitamin D, which we might call the minimum or basic supplementation. Although vitamin D deficiency has already been correlated with an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection in a European study, one of the clinic doctors told me that a colleague in Eastern Europe had reported that there were no COVID-19 patients who displayed vitamin D sufficiency in ICU at his hospital.
Q. Well, isn’t that interesting…what sort of people might be exempt from vaccination?
There are actually a number of factors that might preclude one from vaccination. For example, any person who has ever had a very bad reaction to a vaccine, may choose to forego it; somebody who is in very poor health or severely underweight or malnourished. They could have low protein levels or be vitamin deficient. They may not be a prime candidate for vaccination as their body might not be able to tolerate the vaccine; it might not be suitable for someone who is highly allergic since it may cause them difficulty in breathing; people with various blood clotting disorders and other diseases for which there is no vaccination data.
Looking at solutions
Q. Did you find a solution that might help people with such health challenges?
Yes, then, I started my survey of the patients at the clinic and found one very interesting result with a couple in their 80s who had a healthy diet and occasionally ate meat. While the wife had taken fish oil as a vitamin D supplement and did not contract COVID-19 infection, the husband who had taken only flaxseed oil as a supplement had become very ill with coronavirus and had to be hospitalized. (Although the husband had been vaccinated subsequently, the wife had not)
However, another younger purely vegetarian couple was using a combination of nut and seed oils to fulfill their essential fatty acid requirements including flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil, and a special nut oil from South America rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 derived from sacha inchi (Sacha Inchi oil) in addition to a vitamin D supplement. Neither of them had contracted the coronavirus. (They were not in favour of vaccination)
Interestingly, one of the patients at the clinic had been taking algae oil as a supplement in addition to vitamin D capsules (2000 IU/day). Although she was 78, she did not contract coronavirus. (She could not be vaccinated for medical reasons)
One other interesting finding in the survey was that even those who supplement their diets regularly with meat and fish do not have sufficient vitamin D levels to prevent COVID-19 infections. One vitamin D pill of 20,000 IU per week was recommended by the clinic to one 68 year old patient for coronavirus prevention. (He was not in favour of vaccination and had not contracted coronavirus)
Q. So all along we have been saying Vitamin D is there a special form of vitamin D that we should be taking …
Yes, we are talking about Vitamin D3 or Cholecalciferol. It is the most bioavailable form.
Summary of supplements one might want to consider to support health and the body’s ability to ward off infection
Q. These are fascinating examples we have heard, and it’s so good to have your information come from direct observation and in person scientific survey.
Can you sum up your findings so we can have some clear points to take away? It seems there are 3 key points:
So, vitamin C, D, and Zinc, possibly in combination with Omega-3, 6, 9 fatty acids, are the ideal supplementation combo for COVID-19 prevention; however, if you cannot do that, vitamin D supplements are the basic prevention plan. To summarize the findings from this small survey –
1. Even if you eat meat & fish regularly, this does not provide sufficient vitamin D to help prevent COVID-19 infection.
2. Fish oil appears to be the preferred natural vitamin D supplement for protection against COVID-19; it is also important to note that the types of omega-3s found in fish oil have greater health benefits than the omega-3s found in some plant sources like flaxseed oil. The main omega-3s in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) while the omega-3 in plant sources is mainly ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
3. There are also other exciting new and unusual oils available with essential fatty acids that may have additional health benefits taken in conjunction with vitamin D supplements like: hemp seed oil – Hemp seeds are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6), Sacha Inchi oil – Its components include vitamin A and E, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, algae oil – Certain species of microalgae are especially rich in two of the main types of omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Back to school, virus caution and care continue
Q. Parents, students and their teachers have back to school on their mind. What are the implications for children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated, yet, due to a lack of data in this age group, as they return to a third school year impacted by COVID-19 care and cautions?
So, these kids should definitely be receiving adequate vitamin D supplementation that is appropriate for their age group. In fact, it would be great if schools could get behind this initiative and monitor or provide vitamin D supplements to these kids (600 IU is the daily dose recommended by the FDA for this age group)
Much changes as we gain new knowledge. It’s important to be aware of evolving information. We encourage looking at trusted sources and of course checking with your own health care team to find the best solutions for you and your families.
We have a personal stake and individual power to keep our mind, body and spirits in good form!
For more personal health care posts of interest and a peak into the science Dr. Moondust write about visit the website for Moondust Cosmetics.
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A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou…Late summer sun holds dreams of beach time together, and gentle tree lined strolls. Sun enthusiasts, including those taking extra sun care in any outdoor conditions to limit skin cancer risks, know to tote along Moondust Cosmetics® Skin Protector Plus (SPP). The easy to apply, pleasant and environmentally friendly ingredients offer sun safety – and pair nicely with the ingredients for an outdoor picnic revealed by the famed words of Persian poet, Omar Khayyam!
In time for August Summer Sun Safety Month, Team Moondust shares our readers’ favourite skin care tips to keep their skin healthy and beautiful when it comes to soaking up late summer’s rays. They all pair well with smart sun care and their tube of SPP to lavish some love starting on the outside!
Skin after all is the major organ that protects our bodies all over. So, in addition to overall beauty, it makes sense to take good care to keep it healthy for a lifetime and to remember that smart sun care also reduces risk for the biggest worry: cancer.
Outside in skin care
Skin cancers can start in the outer layer of skin that is exposed to the sun, so we want to avoid sunburn. (Read more about Scientific Sunburn the Human Sunburn Cycle here.)
Take precaution to avoid burning from too much exposure to reduce lifetime risk.
Wear high quality sun protection and don’t be mistakenly selective about safe hours of sun exposure. Be consistent and apply Skin Protector Plus regularly. Remember the exposed spots like faces, necks, tops of feet, ears, and even your hair part-line.
Take cover gently and stay in the shade during peak hours of sun’s exposure. Mix a little shelter and shade time with your day in the sun.
Find fun and fashion if you must be out in the sun to protect you from overexposure: top it all off with a favourite hat, slip on a shirt or billowy cover-up blouse or dress and if the mood is right, maybe a sun ray protective parasol to twirl?
Inside out skin love to lavish in the summer sun
Of course you know to hydrate, and quench your skin with fresh flowing sips of water throughout the day, right?
Drink enough water to keep you cool and all our organs happy and working well.
But did you know that late night snacking can affect your sun time experience? Word. Eating outside your normal meal times disrupts the skin’s circadian rhythms. Late night snackers are especially vulnerable tosunburn and even longer-term effects such as skin aging and skin cancer. It’s because studies showed that it weakens the daytime potency of a protective enzyme your skin naturally produces. (Dr. Joseph Takahashi, UT Southwestern)
What did our readers say their biggest mistakes were?
Being ‘good’ about covering up and protecting themselves for a day at the beach or going on vacation, but forgetting all the other times they are out!
Sun exposure adds up so over time you can feel harmful effects. Use sun protector consistently.
Staying out too long to soak up the sun while it is here.
Oh, we wait all winter for that sun, it’s best to avoid prolonged and intense exposure when those rays finally shine down. There are no safe UV rays.
Always use sunscreen as part of your overall sun protection plan so you can enjoy the summer sun.
One final note from Dr. Moondust herself: Don’t forget your eyes! UVA and UVB rays affect your skin and your eyes, so pack proper sunglass protection in your tote along with your Skin Protector Plus tube.
Take the proper precautions in August and every month! Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, so make sure you and your family are protected while you enjoy the outdoors!
For more info on the fun side of sun time check out the posts with tips on the Moondust website Connect with us virtually, any time.
Drop a line to comment or send in a question (EMAIL) info@moondustcosmetics.com
In the spring and summer of 2021 Moondust Cosmetics joined other Vancouver companies to support the work of Project Hastings. The collective of dedicated young volunteers helps people in the Downtown East Side (DTES) with care packages of food and daily necessities as well as time in hearing their stories. Tubes of Moondust’s flagship sun care formula, Skin Protector Plus (SPP) have been distributed since the company began to support the initiative five months ago.
The Project Vancouver street-based events distribute food items such as sandwiches, fruits, and drinks as well as daily necessities such as hygiene products, socks, blankets, water, stationery and books to name some.
Moondust Cosmetics® is concerned with community care and to giving back. The company, spearheaded by Dr. Moondust contributes to a number of charitable and environmental and peace causes as well as organizations concerned with skin cancer education and survivor supports. As sun care is critical for everyone, especially in the summer BC is experiencing, Moondust responded to Project Hasting’s call to participate.
More distribution of Skin Protector Plus, full sized tubes are planned for August – Summer Sun Safety Month, to help protect DTES residents from sunburn as part of their sponsorship agreement. Going forward the sun care skin cream will be distributed in “educational care packages” according to Project Hastings. “They include a variety of items such as stationery and books to read that would help at-risk, less-fortunate youth in their learning pathways.”
During all of our handouts, we aim to forge a connection between us and the DTES community. We believe that the bond between these two parties are extremely important in continuing with our mission.
The young people meeting the DTES community directly, and sharing in their stories, are pleased to know that the Moondust sun care product shares some of their own values. It is not tested on animals, is safe to use on all humans and does no harm to the environment. The Project often distributes goods on an as need basis from baskets so that individuals take only what they actually need and the volunteers thus mitigate food and solid waste.
In future, SPP will be part of Project Hastings education campaign. It will be about taking care in all sun conditions, especially for those who are exposed to sun for very long periods of time outside or must take precautions because of a history of skin cancer in the family.
For more info on the fun side of sun time check out the posts with tips on the Moondust website Connect with us virtually, any time.
Drop a line to comment or send in a question (EMAIL) info@moondustcosmetics.com
Questions have come in to Dr. Moondust about Skin Protector Plus (SPP) and suncare for darker skin, especially in our hotter summer months. As a biologist and cancer researcher, her answers lead back to the reason Moondust Cosmetics® was founded. The SPF scale on suncare products served many skin tones, so her efforts went to fairer skinned people, and those who get easily sunburnt and are at greatest risk of skin cancer. The truly protective product she formulated was for the sun sensitive and those with skin cancer concerns –vulnerable themselves as it was in the family or recovering from skin cancer and so cautious.
APF the apoptosis protection factor addressed that and the now famous Human Sunburn Cycle.
APF is highly effective and a measurement of protection. Moondust’s signature product, SPP, is aimed at fairer skin, wherever it is on the black to white spectrum. SPF according to Dr. Moondust, is OK for darker skinned people, but people with the least melanin in their skin require APF in their suncare products for reliable protection.’ Fairer skin gets easily sunburnt, and is most vulnerable to be a victim of skin cancer.
Skin Care for Darker Skin
It is a common misconception, even amongst up to 60% of black Americans in a Skin Cancer Foundation survey, who said they have never used sunscreen that dark skin does not burn. All skin should be cared for well and protected and many products on the market address the particular needs of people of colour. It’s not just for colour matching the creams to apply. Healthy appearing, feeling, glowing and smooth skin is desired by all.
Dr. Moondust has this to share on the topic of suncare for darker skin:
On Melanin
Melanin can make skin more sensitive to irritation, which leads to inflammation which can result not only in discomfort but hyper-pigmentation – a concern for skin care and aesthetics for people of colour.
There are at least four different types of melanin that people produce when they tan – red, yellow, brown, and black and if you are in this category, then SPF will help to protect your skin from sun damage. You will require an increasingly higher SPF value from black to red depending on the colour of melanin your body manufactures.
A minority of people do not tan, they only burn in the sun(sunburn cycle diagram) which involves cell death and peeling. Again, SPF, no matter how high the values, is not effective for such people since it does not prevent cell death (or apoptosis) and they require suncare products with APF (apoptosis protection factor) since such individuals are the most susceptible to skin cancer.
Moondust’s SPP is pleasant to apply and to reapply. It moisturizes, protects, is friendly to the environment, even reef safe at the beach and safe to use to the human body due to its formulation.
Types of suncare
Sunscreens you will find in your marketplace are of two kinds: chemical or mineral.
Moondust is a mineral based suncare product. That is, it has a physical barrier that is visible as you apply it, due to its zinc oxide content.
This can be a little bit tricky on darker skin as traditionally mineral sunscreens leave you with a white cast that is not as desirable, but Moondust’s SPP does absorb well and the physical shield you apply is highly protective for those concerned about cancer or burning.
Mineral sunscreens are particularly helpful for dark skin because they use zinc oxide to deflect heat, while also blocking UVB and UVA sun rays. It keeps the skin from overheating which leads to inflammation and melanin-rich skin is then prone to hyperpigmentation.
More on the myth of protection
SPF is ok for darker people, but people with the least melanin in their skin require APF in their suncare products for real protection. Light or dark skinned should be concerned with sun exposure and especially sun-damaged skin. It makes you look older earlier and you could also get skin cancer.
The melanin in dark skin may offer some protection from the sun’s rays, but not always enough to avoid skin cancer. True the rate of skin cancer in people of color is lower than in those with fair skin, but it is deadlier as the assumption of safety means the early signs are missed.
Lavish love on your skin and take care of it and all of the rest of you this summer. If Skin Protector Plus (SPP) is right for you or someone you love, visit Moondust’s website to find out more.
For more info on the fun side of sun time check out the posts with tips on the Moondust website Connect with us virtually, any time.
Drop a line to comment or send in a question (EMAIL) info@moondustcosmetics.com
Filling up on good food is easy, fun and social in the summertime. It’s good for your health and encouraged by the Moondust Team to put a glow on your skin outside and boost your body’s immune power inside. Today’s post is part three of the health trilogy that began with good sleep and movement to boost your own immune health. It’s just in time to enjoy dining comfortably ‘al fresco’ in the safety of outdoors and enjoying the bounty of local foods at Farmer’s Markets now in full swing.
Eat well to more easily withstand the viruses of life (stress) and maybe even COVID while you support your immune system in its work.
Here’s a refresher for great summer nutrition that is so essential to help your immune system to care for you, keep you in balance and ward off infections. Your food choices help maintain healthy weight, ward off infections and are part of your habits for health and a happy body and spirit all year round:
Eat the rainbow
Pile your plate with colour – dark leafy greens, red, yellow, and orange fruits and veggies that are packed with antioxidants.
Give berries a go, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach and now even yams and sweet potatoes and carrots come in fun and nutrient rich colours.
Choose well
A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals is your ticket to vitality in life and the big resistance to inflammation and infection that drags your body down. Eating local, organic help, but you may still be vulnerable to potential problems with food intolerances related to genetically modified foods, or your own genetics. And there’s also the matter of the quality of our soils so good supplements sourced from natural sources are now more necessary in modern life, now.
Best to go easy on sugar and alcohol with really slows the immune system from doing its work well. Microbes love sugar and will weaken you while they feast.
General tips for energy now and longevity
Eat whole foods, close to their natural state and choose whole grains
Eat in season if you can and look for organic or at least local as first choices
Discover the delish in food prepared at home vs. heavily processed, or packaged foods
For skin health, Dr. Moondust has two favourite extracts – vitamin A oil as it is good for dark circles under the eyes, and carrot oil is which is good for nourishing the skin.
Dr. Moondust’s work as a biologist and cancer researcher also led her to avoid mushrooms, some wild ones may have accumulation of radiation. Naturally, cultured mushrooms are OK for her as they’re grown inside.
She’s also wary of the increasing risk of E. coli contamination and infection from eating raw veggies such as lettuce. Young children and older adults are at greater risk of serious complications including stroke, kidney failure, and seizures. So she balances her intake with steamed or lightly cooked veggies as do many culinary traditions.
What’s your favourite go to dish for summer eating or entertaining?
As summer is finally here, have fun in that long awaited sun and relaxation and don’t forget to apply the pleasant and easy to apply, protective layer of Skin Protector Plus.
For more info on the fun side of sun time check out the posts with tips on the Moondust website Connect with us virtually, any time.
Drop a line to comment or send in a question (EMAIL) info@moondustcosmetics.com
Dare we dream of a post pandemic world? It feels farther away when we are outdoor and enjoying sun and freedom to move, to play, to work and to socialize, the concerns of the past year, feel farther away. Dr. Moondust’s research on formulations such as Skin Protector Plus (SPP) for those concerned with skin cancer or who want to avoid damage of the Human Sunburn Cycle, goes on in tandem with studies in science and medicine to encourage the easy and every day health self-care as life opens up all around us.
Part 1 of this post shared tips regarding supplementation. As part of her global consciousness and care work, some of her findings with supplementation were carried out in a clinic Dr. Moondust sponsors in India. The findings were interesting and are quite timely as India is experiencing such dire challenges with COVID-19 at this time. Naturally, the findings are not just relevant to India but to the whole world because, just like with the retrospective masking studies, it shows that lives could potentially have been saved globally with supplementation in a timely manner.
“Also, there is the important issue that supplements can potentially still help save lives in countries where widespread vaccination is not yet available – we should not forget such places in our complacency about vaccines,” says Dr. Moondust.
The addition of things we can do for ourselves to layer on support to our body and overall wellbeing in these pandemic days is reassuring. We know to get outside and get good air and sun in solo pursuits or while socializing for better health.
And we are mindful of the role of vaccines to help navigate our ‘new normal’.
Firstly, it is not known exactly how long the antibody immunity generated by these vaccines lasts and, therefore, there may be a lag period during which recipients are not protected between boosters
Secondly, as new variant strains of the novel coronavirus appear, the vaccines may become less effective or even ineffective at some point. Thus, it is preferable to seek protection simultaneously from a number of sources that attack different parts of the viral machinery.
Thirdly, even though it is possible to alter existing vaccines to target these new variants, it takes some time to re-engineer them, so it is not desirable for recipients to have an unprotected interval
Finally, there is the question of how many vaccines an individual can safely receive each year without engendering negative physiological consequences, or, possibly even an antibody overload.
Bottom line to boost your personal safety every day?
Keep up your hygienic practices and social distancing, especially now that our communities are opening up and progressing more and more to natural interactions at work, at play and in travel.
