How to Be Sun Smart and Still Enjoy Your Summer
Good news, you don't have to stay inside and avoid the sunshine this summer!
According to the World Health Organization, getting anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands, and face two to three times a week is enough to enjoy the benefits of sun. The sun has provides us too many health boosts to the body, brain and mood to be ignored:
- Serotonin Production: The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. This feel good hormone helps lessen anxiety and depression.
- Vitamin D: Exposure to the UV-B radiation in the sun’s rays causes a person’s skin to create vitamin D, aiding in healthy bones and teeth and prevention of several diseases like rickets and diabetes.
- Circadian Rhythms: Sunlight and other time cues are used to keep your clock set from day to day which also regulates body temperature, hormones and wakefulness.
With lots of good reasons to be in the sun this summer, the sun’s rays do have ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can penetrate the skin and damage DNA cells. This can lead to skin cancer and premature skin aging. This is largely preventable by following a few of these tips for staying smart in the sun:
- Wear Broadband SPF: Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and water-resistant and reapply every 2 hours. Our Sun Collection includes two powerhouse broadband sunblocks: Sanitas Skincare Solar Block and Skin Script RX Sheer Protection SPF 30+
- Bring a Hat: A wide-brimmed,or floppy hat provides good protection for the face, nose, neck and ears, which are common sites for skin cancer.
- Slide on Shades: Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat worn together can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98%.
- Seek Shade: Use trees or built shade structures, or bring your own! Whatever you use for shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow to protect from reflective UV rays.
Adding a little sunshine to your life by getting outside more can relieve anxiety and reduce depression. If you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes or so, you’ll need to follow these guidelines above. Stay Safe and Have Fun!
