Protect your skin, enjoy the sun
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, feel healthy and soak up some vitamin D. However, it’s important to remember that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to your skin if you don’t take proper precautions.
Covering up with clothing and seeking shade are great ways to prevent sun damage, but there are other steps you can take to keep your skin safe. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to protect your skin from the sun this summer and how to get that healthy sun-kissed glow!
Summer skin care supplements: what can help?
Did you know summertime is also the best season to stock up on supplements that can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light exposure?
Here are a some few vitamins and minerals selected by our practitioners to help keep your skin healthy and protected all summer long:
Some Vitamins for Healthy Skin
Vitamin E and Sun Protection
Vitamin E is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. It contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, safeguarding DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage.
Niacin and Sun Protection
Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is a multifunctional nutrient that supports various aspects of health. It contributes to normal psychological function, energy-yielding metabolism, and the functioning of the nervous system. Additionally, Niacin plays a crucial role in maintaining normal skin and mucous membranes, reducing tiredness and fatigue. By incorporating Niacin into your diet or skincare routine, you can enhance your skin's resilience and overall well-being, especially important for skin exposed to the sun.
Vitamin C and Sun Protection
Vitamin C is vital for maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being. It supports the immune system and aids in normal collagen formation, essential for the health of blood vessels and skin. Additionally, Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, reducing tiredness and fatigue. By incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare and diet, you can enhance your skin's resilience, promote collagen production, and ensure your immune system functions optimally, especially important for skin frequently exposed to the sun.
Some Minerals for Healthy Skin
Zinc and Summer Skin Protection
Zinc plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. It protects cells from oxidative stress, safeguarding DNA, proteins, and lipids from damage. Zinc also supports the metabolism of Vitamin A, which is essential for skin health.
Selenium and Summer Skin Health
Selenium protects cells from oxidative stress, safeguarding DNA, proteins, and lipids from damage. Selenium also supports the normal function of the immune system. Additionally, it contributes to the health of hair and nails, ensuring they remain strong and resilient. By supporting these essential functions, Selenium helps keep your skin, hair, and nails looking their best, even during the summer's heat and sun exposure.
Other tips for protecting your skin from the summer's overexposure to the sun:
1. Stay great - seek shade
Absorbing vitamin D naturally is great, but too much sun exposure can damage the skin and could lead to sunburn which you always want to avoid. One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun is to seek shade, especially during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
2. Cover up !
Another easy way to protect your skin is to cover up with clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
There are many sustainable shopping companies out there that are making a difference. One company that is really doing their part to be sustainable is Patagonia. Patagonia is a clothing company that is committed to using organic cotton, recycled materials, and low-impact dyes in their clothing. They also use fair trade practices to ensure that their workers are paid fairly.
Another sustainable shopping company is Eileen Fisher. Eileen Fisher is a clothing company that uses sustainable practices such as using organic cotton and linen, using low-impact dyes, and using recycled materials. They also have a take-back program where you can send back your used Eileen Fisher clothing to be recycled or donated.
3. Find the right sunscreen
There has been a lot of debate lately about whether or not sunscreen is bad for you. Some people say that it is, while others claim that it isn’t. So, what’s the truth?
Sunscreen is initially designed to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. However, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Some of these chemicals can be absorbed into your body, where they can cause health problems.
One of the most common chemicals found in sunscreens is oxybenzone. This chemical has been linked to hormone disruption and other health problems. [1]
Another ingredient to be aware of is retinyl palmitate. This chemical is added to sunscreen to help it absorb better into your skin. However, retinyl palmitate has been linked to an increased risk of skin tumours and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight [2]
So, should you avoid sunscreen altogether? No, that’s not necessary. Just be sure to choose a sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals. Look for sunscreens that are made with natural ingredients.
When it comes to choosing a natural sunscreen, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, which means that it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. And finally, you’ll want to make sure that the sunscreen is water-resistant. Don’t forget to reapply more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
4. Avoid tanning beds
Tanning beds emit harmful UV rays that can damage your skin, so it’s best to stay away from them.
However, if you want to get that sun-kissed glow, we have a great tip!
5. Check your skin regularly
It’s important to perform a self-exam of your skin regularly, and to see a dermatologist for a professional skin exam at least once a year. This will help you to identify any changes in your skin, including new moles or growths.
Thank you for reading our blog on how to protect your skin. We hope you will enjoy the sun and take steps to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.
