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Safe
Sunbathing
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 It seems that
covering the skin with a sunscreen causes two problems. Firstly
it delays sunburn, a warning sign that it is time for us to head
for the shade, and secondly, it reduces our body's ability to
produce Vitamin D, the vitamin that suppresses the growth of
melanoma cells.
Researchers think a
solution may be to use a sunscreen that has vitamins, minerals
or other nutrients like herbs added. They also suggest taking
supplements to boost our protection from within.
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| Don't
Hide from the Sun - Some Exposure is Essential to Good Health |
| Sunlight plays a vital
role to our bodies physical and mental good health. Not only is
it essential for the production of Vitamin D but deprivation of
sunlight can cause Seasonal Effective Disorder, which makes us
feel depressed and fatigued. There are also studies which appear
to show that if we restrict sunlight from our lives too much we
are at increased risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer.
So follow a few simple rules and enjoy the sunshine. |
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| Here's What
the Experts Recommend |
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Avoid the
exposure during midday hours |
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Choose a
sunscreen with added nutrients (see below), apply 30 -
60 minutes before exposure, and re-apply often. |
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Take
Vitamins C, D and E, and Beta Carotene along with
Selenium, Calcium and Zinc to give your sunscreen a
boost and help prevent skin damage.
Remember the nutrients that help prevent sunburn, can
also help to heal it. |
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Eat a healthy
diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. They
are rich in vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and
flavonoids - all the things needed for healthy skin
and good healing. |
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Drink Green
Tea. In a recent study, it was shown to be beneficial.
Tea can also be applied topically to sooth sunburn. |
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| Tips
On Choosing Sunscreen and After-Sun Skincare Products |
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Worldwide research
studies on the effectiveness of adding nutrients to sunscreens
to protect the skin from sun damage is ongoing Those listed
below have shown positive benefits and the nutrients are worth
looking out for when buying sunscreen and after-sun skin care
products, or to be used on their own. Others are age old herbal
remedies that have stood the test of time, and are worth
considering.
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Vitamin
C - This powerful antioxidant is one of the
skin's major defenses against sunburn. It is also
important in tissue repair. The sun destroys the
skin's store of Vitamin C. |
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Vitamin
E - Vitamin E acts as a natural sunscreen. It
is an antioxidant that aids tissue repair and the
healing of scars. Experts say it will also help ease
sunburn. |
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Selenium
- Selenium has been found to be effective in
preventing sunburn. Lotions containing selenium have
been around for many years as treatments for a variety
of skin problems including fungal infections and
dandruff. |
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Zinc
- Zinc has long been a treatment for minor burns and
skin irritations. Life guards appreciate the value of
zinc to protect their noses - it may look funny, but
it works. It is now available in an almost invisible
form in some sun blocks. |
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Aloe
Vera - The value of Aloe as a protectant from
the sun is still being studied, but it is well known
for it's healing powers when we do burn. Aloe's action
on the skin may also prove to reduce the chance of
skin cancer. |
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Witch
Hazel - This household remedy helps to heal
wounds and is an anti-inflammatory. It can be used for
sunburn & other minor burns. It is also used to
treat swelling and bruises. In a recent study it
showed promise as a beneficial addition to sunscreens
and after-sun skin care products. |
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Calendula
- This herbal remedy reduces inflammation, and is very
soothing to sunburnt skin. |
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Lavender
Oil - A few drops of lavender oil added to
almond, wheatgerm or sunflower oil relieves sunburn as
well as other minor burns & scalds. |
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Baking
Soda - Another common household product that
can help soothe sunburned skin. Dissolve a 16 oz box
of Baking Soda in lukewarm water and soak in the tub
for half an hour. |
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Tea
- Allow a pot of strong tea to cool, soak cloths with
the tea, then apply to sunburned areas. Leave on for
30 minutes. |
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