Sunscreen is Not the Only Way...A Useful Guide..!!

Summer’s on the way with days getting warmer and the sun’s staying out longer. This season, everyone is going after higher and higher number SPF in Sunscreen. But do you know, Sunscreen is not the only way by which you can protect your skin.

Here are 5 ways to avoid sun damage this year:

•  Sunscreen labels...Read them..!!
• Vitamin A retinyl palmitate is an an antioxidant found in most sunscreens. It slows down the aging of skin tissue. But when vitamin A comes in contact with the sun, it does just the opposite. The FDA found that the sunscreen containing vitamin A speeds up the development of tumors and lesions when exposed to sunlight.
• Oxybenzone is a chemical found in the majority of non-mineral sunscreens on the market. This chemical penetrates the skin, causing allergic reactions, and disrupting hormone function, which can be dangerous especially in children.

• Choose Mineral sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. 
• SPF refers to a sunscreen’s ability to block UVA and UVB rays. SPF 15 is said to block 94 percent of harmful rays, while SPF 30 and 45 block 97 and 98 percent, respectively. The best way to avoid sunburn is to apply even when indoors every two hours, and after swimming or sweating (from all that beach volleyball!).

• Decrease the sugar in Food. 
• Sugar contributes to the formation of advanced glycation end-products(AGEs), which are the biochemical result of sugar and protein linking together in the body. When sugars and proteins cross, collagen breaks down, causing wrinkles and cellulite. 
• Scary, right? Well according to the Journal of Oncology and the Journal of Dermatology, UVA rays have far worse toxic effects on skin when there is a buildup of AGEs. Time to rethink the Snickers.

• Wear dark colors. 
• Yes, lets demystifying the myth that dark colors attract the sun. It’s not entirely true or false. Dark colors attract more heat than light hues, offering greater UV protection than lighter colors.

• Cut back on processed foods. 
• Dietary antioxidants (specifically omega-3 fatty acids) have been found to stop the development and progression of skin cancer. Processed foods found in the average American diet contain tons of omega-6 fatty acids that replace omega-3s. 
• Corn, vegetable, canola, and soy oils actually promote the development of skin cancer and should be avoided. Switch to antioxidant rich foods like wild salmon, green leafy vegetables, colorful berries, extra virgin coconut oil, and fermented fish oil.

So this Summer fear of sun damage is no reason to be a loner this season. You can be safe under the sun with the right diet and knowledge! Happy Summer..!!