Skin exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays breaks the skin and makes it sag and stretch. This is because ultraviolet, or UV, rays damage skin fiber known as elastin that enables the skin to withstand bruises and facilitates quick healing when cut. Using natural ways to protect your skin from sun damage helps you keep your skin healthy and reduces complications arising from the use of sunscreens that contain materials such as homosalate and octocrylene, which may have side effects in the long run.
Dietary Precautions
Eating foods rich in omega-3 such as salmon, cod and halibut provides sufficient anti-inflammatory properties that offer protection against UV skin damage. Sufficient intake of vitamins C and E reduces sunburn reactions from UVB radiations. Combining vitamin E with foods rich in carotenoids such as carrots, kales and spinach triggers your body’s natural sunburn protection mechanisms.
Clothing
Wearing light pants and making use of fashion accessories such as UV hats offers your skin protection against violent sun rays. According to Dr. Steven Stiles, of the Eye Group of Fort Smith in Oklahoma, people should consider UV protection when purchasing sunglasses. The glasses are vital for children and people who spend long hours outdoor.
Natural Sunscreen Lotions
Sunscreen lotions made out of natural oils such as coconut, eucalyptus and sunflower oil moisturizes the skin and enables the cells to offer protection against sunburn. Natural sunscreen lotions made of glycerin enables the skin to maintain water in the cells and the cell membrane. Avoid purchasing sunscreens containing chemical blockers because the chemicals may cause skin irritation that may damage your skin and general health. Suitable sunscreens contain natural blockers.
Minimize Sunbathing
Staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., helps reduce skin damage, especially when you are staying outdoors for long hours. The first skin cancer signs caused by sunburns can show after 30 years.
References
- Health Food Organization; Guide to Protecting Skin From Sun Damage; 2011
- Radiant Health Center; Natural Ways to Protect Your Skin Against Sunburn and Sunlight Related Damage; Dr. Ben Kim; June 2011
- "The Daily Telegraph"; Sunbathing is More Dangerous Than Terrorism or Crime; Charles Starmer-Smith; August 2005
- "Times Record"; Experts Stress Importance of Sunglasses; Jordan Grummer; July 5, 2010
