Keep skin healthy with sun safety tips this summer
Summer is in full swing, which means you’re likely spending more time outside. That makes sun safety for healthy skin a must! Being out in the sunshine is great. It makes beach days, and picnics in the park all the more worthwhile. The sun also does a lot of great things for our bodies. It keeps us warm, and promotes the production of vitamin D3 on the surface of our skin. Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin for the health of our bones and teeth, helping with the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. Being out in the sun also enhances our mood and makes us feel happier and more alert.
Too much sun however, can be a bad thing. The sun releases ultra violet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays. These rays are the culprits behind the skin damage and sunburns that may increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
Getting sunburnt can also lead to early signs of aging. A sunburn damages the skin at a cellular level which overtime with repeated sun damage can lead to dry, wrinkled and leathery skin.
Your skin however does do its best to protect itself. The skin contains a chemical called melanin, that reacts with the UV rays of the sun. Melanin is found in different colours and concentrations in the skin of different people to act has a natural barrier to protect against burning. Melanin levels increase with sun exposure to darken the skin for protection. Light tanning however doesn’t negate the risk of sun damage. With various levels of melanin found in different people, it’s hard to determine if the tan developed is safe and free from sun damage.
To ensure the best sun protection, taking precautionary measures when you’re outdoors can help prevent a sunburn and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Sun Safety Tips for Healthy Skin
1. Pick the right time
Avoid soaking up the sun when the UV rays are strongest, typically between 10am and 3pm.2. Seek the shade
Opt for shadier areas to lounge, be it under the protection of a tree, or bring an umbrella to shade yourself from direct exposure.3. Dress for the occasion
Wearing a wide brim hat and long sleeves when possible can help to shield you from the sun. While sunglasses, help to filter the UV rays to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.4. Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent a sunburn. It filters and blocks UV rays to reduce the risk of sun damage from prolonged exposure to sun. Sunscreen should be applied generously, and re-applied as recommended on the label. Make sure to look for water resistant and sweat resistant for active summer days. We love Organika® Coenzyme Q10 Sunscreen lotion as a natural skin-healthy option for sun safety. With SPF 25, it provides broad spectrum protection to filter and screen UVA and UVB rays. It’s also both water and sweat resistant to prevent sunburns no matter what you’re doing.
References:
- http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/safety_tips.html
- http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
- http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/what-is-a-risk-factor/sun-and-uvr-exposure/sun-protection/?region=on
- http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/sun-sol/index-eng.php
- http://www.dermatology.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sunscreen_eng-2011.pdf
- http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_An_Overview_ofYour_Skin/hic_protecting_yourself_from_sun_damage
