While being in the sun has its share of benefits for health and well-being,
it also carries quite a few risks if the skin is not taken care of properly.
Here are 5 sun care safety tips to keep in mind before heading out to catch
some rays.
The sun, a 6 billion old star remains a seasonal topic of
confusion almost every summer yet it can have a year round effect. How do we
understand the damage the sun can cause to our skin and how can we protect
ourselves?
Here
are the top 5 sun care safety tips to make sure you do before heading out for a
day in the sun:
1. Avoid direct sun contact
between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV rays are strongest.
2. Apply sun care products 30 minutes before going
outside.
3. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an
SPF of 15 or higher.
4. Wear sun blocking clothing such as wide-brimmed
hats, loose fitting light colored clothing and UV blocking sunglasses.
5. Be mindful and don’t allow your skin to burn.
“There is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan,
you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your
skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.”1
Personal preference and purpose are
often deciding factors when purchasing sunscreens. Some prefer to use sunscreen
on their face but often forget about our other body parts that are exposed to
the sun especially during the summer months.
Often we think to use sun protection
for the body when at the beach or when we know we will have maximum sun
exposure throughout the day. If outdoor activity during the summer is your
thing, then sunscreens labeled "Sport" are best which offer a
“water resistant” protection, not “waterproof”. For this reason sunscreens
need to be re-applied periodically throughout the day to avoid burns, sun
damage and photo aging. Some people prefer lotions or creams but spray
lotions are easiest to apply for the body and offer better coverage.
It is not possible to know how
anyone's skin reacts to topical lotions, creams. Some sunscreens have added
skin soothers and conditioners like Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Lavender, all
which are very soothing and calming to the skin. Lavender is often recommended
for psoriasis and Aloe Vera heals skin wounds.
What
to consider when purchasing sunscreen:
•
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
•
Natural/Biodegradable
•
Eco-Safe/Reef Friendly
•
UVB/UVA Protection
•
No Parabens
•
Botanical/Mineral Blend
•
Water Resistant
Coconut’s
Green Market sells
over 50 different sun care products and 15 brands to choose from. To easily
find products go to the category "Personal Care" then go to "Sun
Care" or you can use this link: “
Sun
Care”. As
you scroll thru pages consider your outdoor activity level and personal
preferences.
Have any other ideas for sun protection you like to do?
Comment below to share your input!
Resources: