Sun Protection
Summer is just around the corner! For those of us here in Hawaii, “Summer” is year round with slightly varying degrees of humidity, rainfall and sunshine and the following tips are beneficial year round. For those that live on the mainland – as summer approaches, here are some summer-time tips to keep in mind.
Many of us know that we feel better with some time spent outdoors in the sunlight, and for optimal health, some sun exposure is necessary. While its true that too much sun exposure can contribute to early wrinkling of the skin and even skin cancer, lack of sunshine has health risks as well. Most of our bodies’ vitamin D is produced by the skin in response to exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D has been getting a lot of press lately; recent studies link a lack of vitamin D with a host of health problems, from osteoporosis to cancer. Vitamin D may even help diabetics improve their blood sugar regulation.
With all the conflicting information on the topic of sun exposure, the bottom line is common sense. Some sun exposure is beneficial, yet broiling yourself in search of a deep tan is not beneficial. Balance, as usual, is the key. How much sunshine an individual needs to make adequate Vitamin D depends on various factors; if you are fair-skinned, 15 to 30 minutes a day in bright sunlight can meet your vitamin D needs. If you are darker-skinned, you may need 60 to 120 minutes to get the same benefit. Clouds, smog, clothing, sunscreen, and window glass all decrease the amount of vitamin D you get from sunlight. Most dermatologists suggest avoiding too much sun exposure without sunscreen during the hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense and burning is more likely.
The foods you eat can improve your resistance to sunburn. High intake of foods rich in carotenes can increase the amount of sun you can be exposed to before burning, much like a mild sunscreen. The carotenoid family which includes Beta-Carotene, Mixed Carotenes, and Lycopene can all improve you skin’s sun tolerance. These natural compounds are the same ones that give many fruits and vegetables their intense colors: yellow, red, orange, and green. Foods that are especially high in carotenes include carrots, berries, tomatoes, spinach, and Spirulina. Carotenes are also available in high-quality supplement form.
Sunscreen and sun protective clothing remain crucial in the balance of proper sun enjoyment. So remember your sunscreen. Sunscreens that are fast absorbing of the broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) rays and enriched with vitamins, organic herbs and pure plant proteins often provide optimum benefits.
Enjoy the wonderful sunshine!
Be mindful of your skin type & length of exposure
Use sunscreen
Eat foods high in carotenes & lycopene: carrots, berries, tomatoes, & spinach
We wish you a healthy, happy, prosperous and “Sun-burn free” Summer!
The Staff at Blue Sky Natural Health Products