Sun care tips for healthy skin this summer!
Guest Blog Post by Tayiana Reed - founder & CEO of The Wellness Apothecary
Hot temperatures, and intense UV rays this season will require extra protection for areas of the body exposed to the sun. Therefore, it’s important to add sun care to your daily self-care regimen to keep your skin healthy this season.
Ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun is why it is necessary to use sunscreen to avoid harmful effects on the body such as cancers of the skin, premature aging, sunburn, and wrinkled skin.
So, here a few methods to consider before you head outdoors…
First, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your skin a half hour before sun exposure, and reapply if you’re in the water or have excessive sweating. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends this level of SPF to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen protects the skin from sun damage by absorbing UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation “is a form of energy, most visible to the human eye”, and there are three types UVA, UVB, and UVC.” UVA has the longest wavelength of the UV rays, followed by UVB, then UVC. UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer, while UVB can filter through the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis, and the UVA rays can permeate the middle layer of the skin called the dermis.
Second, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, especially those most sensitive to the sun (i.e., eyelids, lips, face, hands, and feet), and wear protective clothing including sunglasses with polarized lenses.
Lastly, choose sun care products carefully in order to avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule which may have absorption into the bloodstream. Chemicals found in sunscreens have also been linked to disturbing coral reefs as they wash off the skin into the ocean.
In February of 2019 the FDA submitted new guidance on nonprescription over the counter sunscreens to make the public aware of potential carcinogenic and reproductive side effects with the absorption of these chemical ingredients into the bloodstream. Studies are ongoing and until research determines those side effects the FDA has deemed only two ingredients as safe and effective which are titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. It is very important to reapply sunscreen and avoid over exposure to the sun, especially since the use of sunscreen may not be full proof against defending sunburn.
Sunscreens containing alcohols should be avoided for dry, oily, and sensitive skin. There are sunscreens with higher percentages of zinc oxide that may leave a white film, and maybe less desired on darker skin tones, therefore opt for a sheer sunscreen.
Sunscreen should also be worn when the weather is cloudy, and if you’re taking medications such as antibiotics, birth control, diuretics, thyroid & vitamin supplements, and dermatological topical products such as (benzoyl peroxide) all cause photosensitivity making the skin more susceptible to sun damage.
However, there are some positives to the summer sun, such as getting Vitamin D from the sunlight. Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin.” Skin produces cholesterol from the sunlight which then converts to Vitamin D, and vitamin D is still absorbed from the sun even when sunscreen has been applied to the skin.
Lastly, eating foods containing antioxidants that fight free radicals from sun exposure such as blueberries, watermelon (lycopene), nuts and seeds that contain omega essential fatty acids, and leafy greens containing beta carotene which converts to vitamin A provides natural sun protection. All of which would make an awesome summertime smoothie recipe!
Check out this sun creme that contains naturally protecting ingredients & minerals such as titanium dioxide, carrot seed, & red raspberry seed oil.
I hope these recommendations come in handy this season, be safe, and I’m wishing you healthy skin all summer!
References:
JAMA article Volume 321, Number 21, June 4, 2019: Effects of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma concentration of Sunscreen active ingredients.
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sunscreen-guide
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreeen-drug-proudcts-for-over-the-counter-human-use
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-from-sun#overview