Staying Safe in the Sun
Summertime means lots of sunshine, plenty of time outdoors and, unfortunately, sunburn, dry skin and other seasonal-related skin issues for many of us.
I don't know about you, but two harmful skin care myths I believed in high school and college were:
1. Tanning at a salon will help me build a base so I don't burn in the sun on the beach
2. Direct sun exposure will help to dry and clear up my acne
Years later, I now know these to be FALSE
Protecting our skin from the sun's harsh UV rays is important for avoiding the pain and redness of a burn and to prevent premature aging and to support the skin’s overall health.
Before you head out in the sun, take a minute and brush up on these summer skincare basics.
Lucky for us, we now know more about skin care in the sun than ever before. Thanks to widespread education and reports like this one produced by the Environmental Working Group, it’s well-known that the majority of sunscreens on the market contain questionable chemical ingredients.
Some names you’ll see on bottle labels include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also often found in products made with mineral oil. These chemicals have been linked to health concerns over the years, leading many people to seek other, more natural options.
With skin cancer risks and rates increasing over the years, many companies have increased the sun protection factor (SPF) of their products and expanded their lines to offer many different types of sun protection products. But with these options come more questions and, sometimes, more questionable ingredients. When browsing selections of sunscreens you might think, “Should I go for the highest SPF? Is a spray, lotion or stick better? Are there better, natural alternatives? Is any sun exposure actually good for me?”
As a nutritionist and wellness expert, these are just some of the most common questions I get, so I’d like to share five of my best skin-saving summer tips to help you avoid unwanted chemical exposure while staying safe in the sun.
Say hello to natural, beautiful (and protected!) skin this summer–it’s easier than you think!
1. Avoid peak hours for sun exposure
Before 10am or after 6pm, your needs for sunscreen are not as high because the sun isn't at its peak. Sunlight at these hours can engage your body's natural circadian rhythm to flow with the sun's, which is an awesome thing for your biological clock and sleep schedule.
2. Eat foods rich in Vitamins A and C & drink plenty of Water
Vitamins A and C are antioxidants that help protect your skin naturally. It’s always a good idea to get nutrients from your food first. Besides their well-known roles in fighting skin-damaging free radicals, these nutrients also help support collagen production and maintenance in skin. Choose from these delicious foods to get your fill of vitamins A and C all summer long: mango, cantaloupe, kale, parsley, spinach, romaine, pineapple, strawberries, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, red peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and berries. Eat them raw, in salads, with your breakfast, lunch or dinner, and feel free to toss several into your favorite smoothie!
3. Remember your Omegas
Omega-3 fatty acids and some omega-6 fatty acids also help protect your skin from the sun. The best options to choose when it comes to omega-rich foods are ground flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds. Wild fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and contains the beneficial components of omega-3s known as EPA and DHA. (If eating fish, it's best when wild-caught and carefully sourced to avoid mercury exposure.) Hemp seeds and acai berry also contain healthy amounts of omega-6 fats that are not inflammatory like omega-6 fats found in refined vegetable oils, such as corn and soybean oil.
4. Keep Vitamin D in Mind
Don’t forget that natural sunlight is the best source of vitamin D which is essential to a healthy colon, a healthy brain, a healthy heart, and the maintenance of healthy bones. Try not to be so concerned with SPF factors and skin protectants that you forget Mother Nature’s natural gift to us through sunlight. Too much sun can be a harmful thing, but a little sun on your skin and face will go a long way towards enhancing your health and keeping you feeling great!
5. Protect yourself from pests naturally
No one like bug bites, but there’s no avoiding the fact that buzzing, flying and stinging critters are a part of summertime fun, too. Be smart this year and stay away from chemical deterrents, such as conventional bug sprays that keep pests away, such as citronella candles and chemical-laden sprays.
Did you know that many essential oils and turmeric deter bugs more powerfully than chemical options? Keep those mosquitos and spiders away with orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oil and add turmeric to your foods. Most bugs also hate tea tree, sage, and peppermint essential oil. You can easily add these natural oils to an essential oil diffuser to keep outside if you’re having a party, or you can add a drop or two to your favorite lotion to spread on your body. Choose a scent option that you enjoy and keep those bugs and bites away the safe way!
