Now is the time of year when the sun becomes irresistible. As tempting as it is to spend as much time as possible in the warmth of the sun, there are a few precautions to take to protect your skin from harmful rays.
Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It reflects our health and age. Today, there’s much concern about sunbathing leading to an increase in skin damage and skin cancer.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the production of free radicals that can adversely affect the integrity of collagen in the skin. Over time, our skin becomes wrinkled, cracked, aged, and brittle. For smokers, the effects are multiplied.
Research suggests that skin cancer is cumulative over a lifetime. It begins with overexposure and serious sunburns during childhood.
We can’t live without the sun. Our bodies require sunlight in order to manufacture Vitamin D needed for calcium absorption, among other things. So, we shouldn’t hide from our shining star. Here are a few helpful tips and precautions to take when you’re soaking in the sun this summer.
Use sunscreen – Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF number for greater protection. Zinc oxide is the safest active ingredient (and it doesn’t go on white like it did years ago). Apply it onto your skin 15 minutes before you go outside. Don’t forget your nose, ears, and neck. It’s best to wear sunscreen everyday of the year.
Time is key – Avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its highest peak in the sky, typically from about 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Gear up – Wear a hat with a wide brim, t-shirt, and sunglasses that filter ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses that come with a label that says “100% UVA and UVB” protection” or “Maximum UV protection” will shield your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays. It’s best to wear sunglasses everyday, including overcast and partly cloudy days because clouds can cause stronger UV rays.
Side note: Because the earth’s ozone layer is becoming thinner, UV rays are causing cataracts in people as young as age 30. That’s an important reason to wear UV-shielding sunglasses year-round.
Drink up – By keeping your body hydrated, you can avoid dehydration and provide moisture for the skin to prevent dryness, cracking, and aging. Your body needs water before you ever feel thirsty so start each day with a 1-2 glasses of water, and drink water throughout the day. Room temperature water reaches your body’s cells much faster than cold water. Coconut water provides both water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated on warm days and prevent or relieve a dehydration headache.
Pop a pill – Vitamins such as A, E, and some antioxidants help prevent skin damage from the inside. Cod Liver oil and Flaxseed oil have also been used to support skin health.
Brush it off – Before you take a shower, use a soft dry skin brush. This can open pores and slough off dead skin, allowing your skin to breathe easily and work more efficiently.
Rub it in – Moisturize your skin with natural moisturizes such as shea butter or coconut oil. The best times to apply skin moisturizer is within 10 minutes after taking a shower or bath, after shaving, and after exfoliating.
Keep healthy – Some medications we take may cause adverse reactions and side effects when we’re exposed to sunlight. Acupuncture may be able to provide an alternative to these medications to keep you healthy in a safe and natural way.
If you want to enjoy the sun this summer season and not worry later, practice good sun sense.
You and your skin deserve it!
