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Summer Skin Care Reminder
It’s now the third official week of summer. If you haven’t already been doing so, it’s time to be mindful of caring for your skin; not in terms of mere aesthetics, but in terms of health and safety. It’s ironic that the deep sun-tanned look appears healthier when, in reality, it can be a precursor to serious skin health issues. As the largest organ of the human body, skin is responsible for respiration and for protection against bacterial infections. Over-exposure to the sun will lead to damage of this vital organ, not to mention quickened aging of the skin.
To be clear, the sun’s rays are essential to health. To be deprived of sunlight will contribute to several types of illnesses, from eye degeneration and vitamin deficiencies to increased potential for cancer. Vitamin D, for example, is essential to health in that it maintains several vital functions, including the following: bone growth and health, nervous system stability, and normal heart action. Although vitamin D can be consumed through supplements, it can become toxic if consumed in larger quantities than needed. When absorbed from sunlight, there is no potential for toxicity. Studies have illustrated that 10 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight per day is all that’s needed for healthy skin.
On the other hand, keep in mind, too, that it doesn’t take a lot of time for the sun to begin to cause damage to your cells. With the ozone layer severely diminished, risks are even greater. Melanoma is a very real risk for all people. It is a skin cancer that is very dangerous in that it can lay dormant for a long period of time before surfacing; once active, it can spread quickly, affecting the internal organs and may result in death.
Here are seven healthy skin tips to help your skin remain more youthful and healthy:
- Avoid, or minimize, sunbathing.
- Depending on the fairness of your skin, choose appropriate sunscreens; use those with an SPF of at least 15, that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply lotion 20 minutes prior to being under the sun.
- Reapply lotion every two hours, or after swimming.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking sufficient water will aid in protecting your skin. If you’re dehydrated, the top layers of skin will tend to dry out. Drink 1-2 cups of water prior to playing sports; during physical activities, drink at least one quart of water during every hour.
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours of intensity, particularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect the face and neck from extreme sun exposure.
Remember, skin health (and beauty) is much more than about the superficial dark tan. Your skin is your largest organ, vital to a healthy, long life. Be good to it – give yourself just the right amount of sunlight. Avoid depriving yourself, and certainly, avoid overindulging in the sun’s rays.
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