Summer will soon be on its way, and as the temperatures rise, many of us will be planning holidays or time away with loved ones.
As this week is Sun Awareness Week (1st – 7th May), we want to highlight the importance of staying safe in the sun, so you can prepare to stay healthy in any weather.
We Love The Sunshine
Who doesn’t love a good day out in the sunshine? Not only does it boost our mood and make us feel happier, but it also has numerous health benefits.
Did you know that sunshine is one of the best natural sources of Vitamin D? This vitamin is essential for healthy bones and can help prevent certain diseases.
Plus, spending time in the sun can improve your mental health and help you sleep better at night. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the amount of sun exposure you’re getting. Too much sun can increase your risk for skin damage, including sunburns and even skin cancer.
That’s why taking precautionary measures can help. Here are five of our top natural recommendations to help you bask in the sunshine safely…
1. Stay in the Shade
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin from the sun is to stay in the shade when possible. This can mean sitting under an umbrella, tree, or any other cover shielding your skin from direct sunlight.
For extra protection, choose clothing that offers more coverage, like long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also help protect your face and eyes from the sun.
2. Use Natural Sunscreen
When you venture out into the sun, use a natural sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Look for natural, non-toxic ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and coconut oil. These are gentle on your skin and provide an effective physical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.
3. Hydrate Your Skin
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for protecting it from the sun’s damaging effects. Drink plenty of water –ideally 6-8 glasses of pure water each day with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to help alkalise the body.
It’s also recommended to use a natural moisturiser and use after-sun Aloe Vera products to soothe and hydrate your skin. A well-hydrated skin is less likely to burn, peel or become damaged when exposed to the sun.
4. Take Supplements
Certain supplements can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Astaxanthin and CoQ10 are two powerful antioxidants that help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
These supplements can be taken orally or applied topically to help protect your skin from sun damage. Zinc is also a crucial nutrient that your skin needs to stay healthy and can help prevent sunburn, skin irritation, and other sun-induced skin issues.
5. Limit Sun Exposure
Limiting your sun exposure as much as possible is essential. Aim for early morning sun until about 10 am or late afternoon after 4 pm when the sun’s rays are less intense. Avoiding the midday sun is vital when its rays are at their strongest.
To Summarise…
The sun is essential to life; we need it to survive and thrive. However, overexposure to it can lead to skin damage and other health problems if we’re not careful with our exposure. The good news is that you can adopt many natural health tips to help keep your skin safe in the sunshine.
Staying in the shade, using natural sunscreen, keeping your skin hydrated, taking supplements like Astaxanthin, CoQ10, and Zinc, and limiting sun exposure are all effective ways to stay safe and enjoy the benefits of being in the sunshine.
Remember that the best way to protect your skin from the sun is to be proactive instead of reactive, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a happy and healthy summer season!
Recommended Examples from our sponsor, Good Health Naturally:
Astaxanthin with DHA™
Astaxanthin with DHA™ – Provides a powerful combination of pure DHA and AstaReal® Astaxanthin for efficient and effective absorption by the entire body and the brain, which plays a protective role due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
It may help to protect the skin from UV radiation. AstaReal® offers Astaxanthin of the highest purity and safety, made in freshwater algae. Suitable for vegans. 90 capsules.
UB8Q10 Ubiquinol
UB8Q10 Ubiquinol – Contains Kaneka Ubiquinol™ (reduced form of CoQ10), 100mg per serving. A coenzyme Q10 that’s up to 8x times better absorbed than ordinary CoQ10. As the body’s powerhouse enhancer and antioxidant, it fuels each cell and every process in the body.
CoQ10 provides many health benefits, including protecting deeper layers of skin from damage by neutralising harmful free radicals.
CoQ10 can also repair and protect against sun damage by stimulating the skin cell activity to encourage the removal of toxins and oxidative damage from UV rays, stress and pollution. CoQ10 is also recommended for cardiovascular health and overall energy production—60 soft gel capsules.
Lysine Lip Balm
Lysine Lip Balm – Good Health Naturally’s Lysine Lip Balm is a unique formula containing lysine and monolaurin to heal and nourish your lips.
The Lysine Lip Balm is certified organic and includes the nourishing benefits of coconut, olive, and jojoba oil with a pleasant mango flavour. Contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Suitable for daily use. Suitable for Vegetarians. 5g.
