Navigating Fun in the Sun – Summertime brings more time outdoors. And that is fantastic! Time outside and in nature is good for your health and your spirit! Tis the season for picnics, parks, water sports, hikes, and barbeques with friends.
We have been trained almost to fear the sun. But exposure to the sun is essential for optimal health. Sunlight is crucial for vitamin D synthesis, which is imperative for hormone balance, the immune system, and overall health.
Sunburn Prevention
Sunburn is undoubtedly detrimental, and we should always take preventative measures to avoid it. However, sunscreen isn’t the sole method of protection.
Cover Up
Adopting a sensible approach to sun exposure involves getting sufficient sunlight without risking sunburn. Given the indoor nature of many modern lifestyles, achieving this requires a conscious effort. Rather than relying on harmful sunscreens, consider using other protective measures like clothing or shade when necessary.
An optimal approach to sun safety includes a balanced combination of natural sun exposure, protective clothing, and natural sunscreen when necessary.
I make a point to get daily moderate exposure to support my health. When sailing or in the sun for extended periods, I wear a hat and cover up with a shirt. If you only get in the sun on rare occasions, you may need to take extra precautions to avoid sunburn and build up tolerance over time.
Protection From the Inside Out
Eating a whole foods-based diet that is nutrient-dense can help protect your skin. It is anti-inflammatory and gives your body the nutrients needed for skin protection. Be sure to include leafy greens and treats high in antioxidants, like berries and dark chocolate.
Limiting processed foods and avoiding polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by eliminating vegetable oils is essential for skin health. Adding in foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is good for your health and can help protect your skin.
Sometimes, adding sunscreen is the right decision to prevent sunburn. When you can’t avoid the mid-day sun or know you will be over-exposed, adding in a safe sunscreen makes good sense.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that sunscreens should be a last resort, promoting shade and avoiding midday sun as preferable alternatives.
Sunscreen Considerations
Have you ever wondered why, in the time of sunscreen, skin cancers have been on the rise? One potential reason is that with UVB protection in sunscreens prolonging time in the sun before sunburn, but UVA protection from skin damage (aging and cancer risk) not being in the proper ratio, we are setting ourselves up for trouble. We can typically feel it when we have had too much unprotected sun, but when sunscreen protects us from the burn, we stay out longer and risk exposure to those harmful UVA rays.
Even more concerning, the majority of sunscreens sold in the United States have toxic, hormone-disrupting chemicals (like oxybenzone) that are banned in Europe and many other countries. Some of these chemicals also increase the risk of cancer. We are trading on problems.
Consider the Coral Reefs
Another essential thing to consider is the environmental impact of most chemical-based sunscreen, particularly its detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and coral reefs. Ingredients in many sunscreens have been found to damage ocean life, leading to bans in certain regions to protect coral reefs.
Safer Choices
According to EWG, mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient are the safer choices. The minerals create a protective barrier on the skin, which helps prevent sun damage and don’t readily absorb into the skin.
The great news is that more nontoxic, effective sunscreen options are available each year. I look for EWG-verified products to ensure that they have been tested and rated safely.
Go Old School
One more note about mineral-based sunscreen: avoid all spray-on sunscreens. While safe when applied to the skin, neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide is safe for inhalation. In addition, the propellants used in spray-on sunscreen can be toxic. So, it is essential to avoid sprays altogether, even if the active ingredient is mineral-based.
Putting it into Action
So put on those flip-flops and safely enjoy time in the sunshine! By having intelligent sun practices, embracing antioxidant-rich foods, and choosing safer sunscreen options, we can protect our skin and health without forgoing the pleasure and benefits of sunlight.
Please note that this is not an encouragement to disregard sunscreen or medical advice! It is an invitation to critically evaluate research and apply practical wisdom to your sun exposure decisions.
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