The dog days of Summer are here and skin health cannot be over looked.
I'll never forget heading out the the beach and returning home unable to move with burns so severe even the car ride home was painful. My best friend and I burned so badly that we spent the rest of the day lying down sprawled on blankets on the floor because we could not be touched or move. A few ice cold showers , LOTS of aloe vera and some hideously peeling skin later, I promised myself to never slack on the sunblock again. And no, my sun burn did not turn to tan either.
Over exposure to the sun can lead to outrageously uncomfortable burns, but it can also lead to skin cancer. Everyone has a funny sunburn story to tell but melanoma and non melanoma skin cancers are nothing to joke about.
UV exposure is a major risk factor in skin cancer. UVA and UVB radiation can cause DNA, protein and lipid damage. Topical sunscreens provide short and long term effects in protecting against the harmful rays of the sun.
Do not risk your skin health for a nice tan. Using a sunscreen high in SPF and still getting a tan is better then being bright red and putting yourself at risk. Mineral sunscreens offer an even healthier and more spreadable option.
Visit Environmental Working Group's database for non-toxic and safter options for sun screens.
There has also been a surge in popularity of orally ingested nutrients to protect the skin alongside the topical options.
In studies reviewed in the Journal of Skin Cancer, Vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E were shown to protect hairless mice from developing tumors when exposed to UV lights. A similar benefit was seen from a mixture of vitamin C, selenium, green tea extract and other natural antioxidants.
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the rate of DNA repair, while C and E have photo protective properties when exposed to UVA light.
Although you cannot replace your topical sunscreen with these vitamins, it doesn't hurt to consume them in addition. Also, don't forget to bring your big umbrella to the beach so you can get some shade to!
