Proper Sun Protection—Enjoying the Sun!

Many of you now that I advocate spending time outdoors and especially in nature. We were meant to feel the connection with the earth and its other inhabitants instead of sitting in front of a computer screen indoors all day. Sandy and I just returned from a weekend on Block Island where we spent much time biking, hiking and reading in the sun, enjoying that bright orb after a rainy month of June!

We have been chastised for years about being out in the sun. The sun has been demonized by the media, our doctors, and even our own mothers slathered us with sunscreen from the day we were born!! After doing much reading on the subject, I have come to the conclusion that the sun is good for us, as long as we don’t stay out long enough to get burned!!! The sun gives us all the materials we need to synthesize vitamin D, which we now know is instrumental in preventing cancers, osteoporosis, and many autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Spending time out in the sun until you get mildly pinkish is all you need. THEN you slather on the chemical-free sunscreen. Yes, chemical free. I have addressed this issue in a prior letter, but suffice it to say that the chemical sunscreens are hormone mimics and potential carcinogens. DO NOT use them! Opt for safer options such as ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Safe and effective.

Something else I wanted to bring up is another way we can protect ourselves from too much sun. Overexposure to the sun causes damage to the skin by way of free radicals. And we all know by now that that includes wrinkling and sagging of the skin as well as an increased risk for squamous cell cancers. We can mitigate this risk by increasing our intake of antioxidants and by applying them to our skin. Please take advantage of the season’s bounty of colorful and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as melons, berries, peaches and nectarines as well as greens, squashes, tomatoes and onions. All are rich in anti-aging and anti-cancer phytochemicals and all are low calorie and delicious! Also, check out some of the after-sun products that contain ingredients like green tea and vitamin C, both potent antioxidants. Apply freely after you’ve been in the sun, and again whenever your skin starts to feel dry. I use Jason’s vitamin E cream, and also Burt’s Bees after sun lotion. Ingredients like aloe, shea and cocoa butter will sooth and soften your skin leaving it tanned and healthy.

One last note on sun exposure–getting enough vitamin D is paramount to good health. Research is showing us loud and clear. But please be sensible about sun exposure by not allowing yourself to burn–which increases your risk of skin cancers and damages your skin! 20-30 minutes sans sunscreen should be enough to make you slightly pink, depending on your skin tone. Then, don the hat and sunscreen. After sun time, hold off on showering for an hour so that the vitamin D can be synthesized on your skin. An hour should be fine, and then shower and moisturize as I mentioned above. Then kick back with a big fruit smoothie and some extra vitamin C. Your body’s immune system will thank you, as will your bones. Your mood will be lighter and life will seem better. Enjoy one of nature’s most wonderful gifts!