Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Enjoying the Sunshine (Safely)

Summertime. The days are longer and there is much more time for frolicking in the sun. Vitamin D, a necessary nutrient for bone and muscle strength, is best absorbed through the sun. Recent studies on Vitamin D also suggest that there are even more benefits to Vitamin D than we previously thought.


This past weekend I went to Toboga, a little island off the coast of Panama City. I slathered on the sunscreen as we waited for the ferry to take us and allowed sufficient time for it to dry while we rode out to the island. When we arrived, we set up camp under three large umbrellas and applied more sunscreen before going out to enjoy the ocean. In the midst of soaking up some much needed Vitamin D, I still managed to get a little too pink. As children, we were taught the dangers of too much sunshine and lessons of protecting ourselves. But sometimes, as adults, we forget these lessons and need a little reminder.

 Too Much of a Good Thing 
So while you are out soaking up the beautiful weather this summer, keep these things in mind:
  • Wear sunscreen every day.Whether you use moisturizer with SPF or straight-up sun screen, make sure your skin is protected when you are walking to and from your car, office, grocery, etc.
  • Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes BEFORE you go out in the sun. I know this rule but still managed to forget in my hurry to make the ferry on time.
  • When spending a lot of time outside, don't just wear sunscreen, but reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen needs to be initially applied 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun and then reapplied every 3-4 hours. If you are swimming, it should be put on again after each swim.
  • Remember the forgotten places - hairline, ears, eyebrows, and the tops of your feet are often left out of the sunscreen slathering but they get burned just as easily as the rest of your body. 
  • Don't wear SPF over 50, it has not proven to be any more effective. 
  • Avoid products with oxybenzone, nanoscale zince, and titantium oxides. Some of these chemicals may interfere with hormones in the body and could potentially cause reproductive effects. Retinyl palmitate could cause an increased risk of birth defects and should be avoided by pregnant women.
  • Wear a hat whether a baseball cap, visor, floppy hat, or whatever works for you.
  • Take breaks from the sun.There is no need to be out in the sun for several hours straight - take a break in the shade and drink some water while you're at it!

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