Healthy Skin All Year Round
“Wow! Can you believe how great the weather is today? ” Being in Palm Coast, this is a common phrase we hear and say thanks to the wonderful climate we enjoy year round. Snowbird or not, you know exactly what I mean. The sunshine we love is like a medicine to many. We laugh and play in it, it can give us a new spring in our step, and its a great way to get those vital nutrients like vitamin D. But when you go outside, I hope you take protective measures from getting overexposed to those ultraviolet rays to maintain healthy skin. This should be a combination of the right protection, which include choosing the right clothing at the right time, and sun screen when necessary.
First, it is important to realize that the major consensus is that sunscreen tends to inhibit the production of vitamin D, which is made when the skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. So if you have limited time in the sun, it may be best to wait 20 minutes before applying sunscreen. This is unless you easily burn or have an established condition or medication that effects the skin. If you are on any medication, be sure to check the label. It may advise against prolonged or excessive sun exposure due to how the medication is metabolized in the body.
It is also vital to know the effects of some sunscreens could be harmful to you and your loved ones depending of what’s in the bottle. This will require you to look at the ingredient list, but these tips will help you make an easy and fast decision when comparing different brands and lotions. The most important ingredient to look for is what blocks UVB rays. The ones you want to see listed (typically the first ingredient) is either Aluminum Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. These are considered nanoparticles and generally are not absorbed by healthy skin and aren’t energized by the sun, which can cause skin damage when that occurs.
Others are less safe. Why? Many are considered to be what is referred to as hormone disrupters. This basically means they can alter the normal balance of hormones in your body. That is not something considered safe or healthy for anyone! Unsafe ingredients include: Avobenzone Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone.
Lastly, having a good ratio of UBA to UVB protection is important. Why UVA? These rays are also harmful to the skin and cause advance the aging process, making healthy skin prone to wrinkles, dark spot, and increases your risk of skin cancer.
Overall Takeaways:
- If on medicine, check label before prolonged sun exposure.
- Based on your skin pigment levels, you may or may not require more time in the sun to absorb Vitamin D.
- The best times to be outside is between 10am- 2pm. You will absorb more Vitamin D generally during that time.
- Choose sunscreens with Aluminum Oxide or Titanium Dioxide
- Avoid sunscreens with Avobenzone Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone.
- UVA rays are harmful too and your sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB.
- Limit excessive exposure to the sun this season by choosing clothing with UVA/UVB protection.
This is a topic close to my heart cheers. Thanks
I adore it when folks come together and share views,
great site, keep it up.
It’s challenging to locate well-informed people on this issue, but you seem like you realize what you’re
talking about! Thanks