Save Your Summertime Skin!

Support for Summer Skin

Now is the time of year when the sun becomes irresistible. 

As tempting as it is to spend as much time as possible in the warmth of the sun, there are a few precautions to take to protect your skin from harmful rays.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It reflects our health and age.

Today, there’s much concern about sun exposure leading to an increase in skin damage and skin cancer. 

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the production of free radicals that can adversely affect the integrity of collagen - the main building blocks of skin.

Over time, our skin becomes wrinkled, cracked, aged, and brittle. 

Research suggests that skin cancer is cumulative over a lifetime.

It begins with overexposure and serious sunburns during childhood. We can’t live without the sun.

Our bodies require sunlight in order to manufacture Vitamin D needed for calcium absorption, among other things. So, we shouldn’t hide from our shining star.

Here are a few helpful tips and precautions to take when you’re soaking in the sun this summer.

1. Use sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF number for greater protection.

Apply it onto your skin 15 minutes before you go outside.

Don’t forget your nose, ears, and neck! You can find a great list of Robin's suggestions and great information about sunscreens (including a DIY recipe!) here:

Safe, Natural Sunscreens

2. Time is key 

Avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its highest peak in the sky, typically from about 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

3. Gear up

Wear a hat with a wide brim, light-colored breathable shirt, and sunglasses that filter ultraviolet rays.

4. Drink up

By keeping your body hydrated you can avoid dehydration and provide moisture for the skin to prevent dryness, cracking, and aging. 

5. Take the right supplements 

Vitamins such as A, E, and some antioxidants help prevent skin damage from the inside. Cod Liver oil and Flaxseed oil have also been used to support skin health.

6. Brush it off

Before you take a shower, use a dry skin brush. This can open pores and slough off dead skin, allowing your skin to breathe easily and work more efficiently.

7. Keep healthy

Some medications we take may have reactions and side effects when we’re exposed to sunlight.

Acupuncture may be able to provide an alternative to these medications, keeping you healthy, safely, and naturally.

8. Recover well

Traditional Chinese Medicine has wonderful ways of healing irritated skin.

If your family has summertime skin issues anything like my family, you should check out some of my suggestions for scrapes, sunburn, bruises, and bug bites! Check out my tips and tricks here:

Chinese Herbal Creams for Summer Skin!

If you want to enjoy the sun this summer season and not worry later, practice good sun sense. You and your skin deserve it!   This blog post has been shared on: Let's Get Real Friday Party from Jugglingrealfoodandreallife.com  

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