Trusted Health Products
Written By Mikkie Mills / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
Enjoying the warmth of a summer sun may seem as natural as breathing, but it isn't necessarily a good thing. Yes, you need sunlight to produce vitamin D and there is strong evidence that spending time outdoors is good for emotional and physical health, however, UV rays produced by the sun also have serious consequences.
They contribute to free radical damage — or oxidative stress — that speeds up aging processes. That can contribute to premature wrinkles and leathery skin which is pretty bad, but it can also cause damage at the cellular level that increases rates of skin cancers. That is why it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun. These easy tips can help you stay safe while still enjoying the great outdoors.
Use Products That Multitask to protect yourself from the sun
Applying sunscreen can be a chore, but it is a vital component in the battle against sun damage. Most experts recommend an SPF factor of at least 15 for adequate protection, although some argue that aiming for an SPF of 30 or higher is a better goal.
Make applying this every single day a part of your routine, even when it is cloudy outside. You will be less likely to skip it that way. You also want to reapply any sunscreen after every two hours of sun exposure — more often if you are sweating excessively or in the water.
Use products that multitask as a moisturizer of makeup and sunscreen to make daily application more convenient. Add an SPF lip balm to cover delicate lips and avoid possible burns or blisters.
Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection to protect yourself from the sun
Your skin isn't the only thing that needs to be protected from the sun, either. UV rays can do a lot of damage to sensitive eyes. Oversized sunglasses are an excellent tool in the fight against that type of trouble, plus they look pretty cool, too.
Just like with sunscreen, look for options that offer broad-spectrum coverage for both UVA and UVB rays. Learn how to choose the best sunglasses to protect your vision and ensure a clear picture of the world around you.
You might be wondering how the sun can harm your eyes. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, UV rays can damage the surface of your eye as well as more internal structures. This can lead to abnormal growths on the eye and certain diseases like cataracts. It is also linked to cancer of the eye. In some cases, it can also cause a painful condition called snow blindness in certain situations.
Seek the Shade to protect yourself from the sun
There isn't a much better way to avoid exposure to UV rays than to avoid the sun. That doesn't mean going out on cloudy days, either, since UV rays can penetrate clouds to reach your unsuspecting skin. Instead of soaking up the rays, relax in the shade and preserve your skin's health and youthful appearance. Use a high-quality tanning product if you absolutely must have that sun-kissed glow.
Another popular tactic is to limit exposure during peak hours when the sun is at its strongest. This is generally a window between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which means early morning or evening outdoor activities are best. Plus, you will still get enough sunlight to stimulate vitamin D production vital for strong bones and muscles.
Cover Up With Long Sleeves and a Hat to protect yourself from the sun
The reality is you can't always stay in the shade. Whether you are at a sporting event, enjoying a day at the beach or working in the garden, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to be in the sun for an extended period of time during peak hours. Wearing protective clothing is a good defense against this type of exposure.
There are several modern fabrics that are not only cooling, but that also offer sun protection. It is generally rated using an Ultraviolet Protection Factor system which makes choosing an appropriate level of protection straightforward. A wide-brimmed hat can add an extra layer of coverage for your face, neck and ears.
Protecting yourself from the sun is important for your health. Use simple strategies to make sun protection a normal part of your daily routine.
Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer from Chicago. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks and DIY. When she's not writing, she's chasing the little ones around, walking her dog, or can be found rock climbing at the local climbing gym.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
Image by AdoreBeautyNZ from Pixabay
