Yes, being in the sun does feel good and it can rejuvenate you and give you exactly what you need, but there are things that you can do to make it a safer experience. Some sun expose provides us with essential vitamins, but too much exposure can cause wrinkles and age spots on your skin. Also, extreme sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. The sun speeds up the skin’s aging process as well. The ultraviolet light damages the elastin fibers in the skin, which causes skin sagging, stretching, and its ability to go back into place after stretching. Also, due to excess and unsafe sun exposure, the skin bruises and tears more easily, which can take longer to heal.
Most young people want that nice bronze tan during the summer months, but do not understand the lasting effects the sun has on the skin that will definitely show later in life.
Here are some tips that you can follow to only get the necessary vitamins from the sun and avoid the getting overexposed:
•Frequently apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, especially 30 min before sun exposure
•Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun, don’t forget the nose, ears, neck, scalp, and lips
•Apply sunscreen more frequently if you are swimming or sweating a lot, the SPF value decreases when in contact with water or sweat and therefore does not work as well
•Use an SPF lip balm or cream of 30 or higher to protect your sensitive lips
•Use a higher SPF when in higher elevations or in tropical climates
•Wear sunglasses or contacts with total UV protection
•Avoid sun exposure during the prime UV radiation hours, 10:00am to 3:00pm
•Don’t be tricked, you can still get sunburned on cloudy or hazy days
•Keep an eye on any moles on the body and consult your doctor if you notice any changes at all after sun exposure
•Avoid tanning beds because the artificial lights can cause skin damage and can increase the risks of skin cancer
The best way to protect yourself and your family is as simple as the ABC’s :
A=AWAY. Stay away from the sun during the prime UV hours stated above.
B=BLOCK. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
C=Cover up. Wear clothing to cover skin, hats with wide brims to protect the face, and sunglasses to protect the eyes.
S=Speak out. Teach others how they can protect their skin from sun damage.
Next time you plan on a day at the beach with your family, make sure you remember the ABC’s. It is worth it to protect your skin now, rather than pay the price in the future.
To Your Health!
The Optimal Nutrition Team
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Sources:
“The Energy Buzz: Sun Safety”. Strategic Energy Coaching, Inc.. Web. 12 August 2010. www.energy-for-me.com.