Safety in the Sun

​Happy June! It is almost summer, and it is the time of the year we spend a lot of time outdoors yay! So, I thought it might be useful to go over sun safety today. I know, we all are already aware of how dangerous the sun can be for us if we are not careful, but it does not hurt to go over the basics once more.
​We all need vitamin D. It helps our bones, and 

without it, we're at risk of conditions like ​osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps boost the immune system. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it manufactures vitamin D; however, letting the sun beat down on you isn't the only way to satisfy your vitamin D quotient! Fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, beef liver, and cheese are all excellent sources of vitamin D. If you think you're not getting enough, supplementation these foods are an option!

Natural ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other minerals act as a physical sunblock - they reflect UV rays from the skin. Please use an all-natural sunblock, most of the conventional sunblock's have so many chemicals in them that they are more dangerous than the sun!

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to how well a sunblock can protect against UVB rays, which cause burning and skin cancer. It could be helpful to think of UVB for "burning." Another type of radiation, called UVA, is responsible for age spots and wrinkles, as well as some types of skin cancers. Choose sunblocks that are labeled "broad spectrum" to ensure that it protects from both UVA and UVB.

Sunblocks are designed to remain at optimal strength for up to three years. This means that you CAN use leftover sunblock from one year to the next. Some sunblocks will include an expiration date, discard sunblock that is past its expiration date. Otherwise, write the date of purchase on the bottle and be sure to throw it out three years later.

It's better to be safe than sorry! When you're spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure to cover up with lightweight, light-colored clothes. Make it a point to wear a hat with a brim to cover your eyes and scalp, and don't leave your house without sunglasses on a bright day. 

UVB rays are most active between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Make every effort to limit your time in the direct sunlight during these hours.

Water, sand, concrete, snow, and ice are all surfaces that can reflect UV rays and cause more severe sunburn. Further evidence that you should be wearing sunblock year-round – even in the winter!

Up to 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds, which means that you can still get a severe sunburn on an overcast day.

It's a common misconception that darker complexions don't need sunblock. While melanin does protect from a small number of UV rays, every shade of skin needs sun protection! If you have a dark skin tone, you've likely got a natural skin protectant of about SPF 13. You need about SPF 30 for reliable protection. No matter your skin color, you're still at risk of cancer, and wrinkles, dark spots, and burning from excessive sun exposure.

Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun, whether indoor or outdoor UV rays, your skin will still suffer. Also, tanning beds don't help your body make vitamin D. They emit mostly UVA light, while your body needs UVB to create vitamin D.

If you live close to the equator, or in a high altitude location, you're more at risk of burning. Take this into account when you're on vacation too!

It is essential to stay hydrated when you're spending time in the sun. Carry water with you when you're spending time in the sun and aim to drink more than you would on a typical day spent indoors to avoid heat stroke.

​Once you come inside from a sunny day, immediately apply a moisturizer, oil, or aloe based gel to your skin, this will help keep it hydrated and make it less likely to peel.

You tried to take precautions but still got a burn? That's okay take these steps to heal your skin:

• Take frequent cold baths or showers and immediately apply a moisturizer to help trap water in your skin when you step out
• Grab aloe gel and keep it in the fridge to keep it cool. Apply as necessary
• Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and discomfort
• If your skin blisters, DON'T pop them. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn -Take extra care to protect sunburned skin from the sun and elements as it heals.
• Wear loose, tightly-woven fabrics that will help protect your skin from sun and wind.

I hope this information has been helpful. Remember I here to help. if you have any health questions email me at Toni@MoongazingApothecary.com or call 858-564-8880. 

Until next week,
Regards
Toni
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