Holistic Summer Skin Protection
Sunscreen is often not enough to prevent a sunburn. Of course this varies per individual. However fair-skinned persons or young children are at greater risk of sun damage. Individuals taking certain medications, Tetracycline or even herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort and lomatium can increase sun sensitivity.
Sun is not bad, but overexposure is. Sun is necessary for the body to manufacture vitamin D. A dose of sun helps boost spirits and vitality. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is helped by sunlight. However, sunbathers and outdoors enthusiasts are at risk for overexposure. What follows is information about how to be in the sun sensibly.
- Vitamin C: Too much sun depletes vitamin C from the body, and vitamin C helps in the defence against sunburn. Vitamin C could also help regenerate the skin damaged by too much sun.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which enhances skin immunity. Applying Vitamin E oil after a sunburn also helps heal the skin.
- Lycopene: Lycopene is also a powerful antioxidant that may be an important defense mechanism against the adverse effects of UV irradiation on the skin.
- Zinc oxide: Used with calamine lotion or alone, zinc oxide has been used to treat burns and skin irritations. Zinc is a natural sunscreen, and topical zinc could help decrease the number of damaged or sunburned skin cells formed from UV light.
- Witch hazel: Witch hazel is commonly used for bruises and swelling, but can also help against sunburn. This makes it an ideal sunscreen ingredient.
- Aloe: Ahh, aloe, the most common kitchen remedy for burns and minor wounds, known as well for its sunburn-healing qualities. Aloe may also help the immune system of the skin.
- Plantain: Your average garden weed plantain contains allantoin, the same soothing ingredient as aloe.
- Calendula: The marigold, or calendula reduces inflammation and stimulates new cell growth.
- Veggies: A slice of cucumber or mashed eggplant also cools burning skin.