Get Sunscreen Savvy - The Do's and Don'ts for Fun in the Sun Part 2

Now that we know what to avoid, what is the alternatives? We can’t just stay out of the sun! Remember – the right amount of sun is healthy! It’s our best source for Vitamin D3, improves our moods, and keeps our biorhythms on track. It’s also been shown that daily moderate sun exposure can decrease your risk of some cancers. Your body craves sunshine!  The following are a handful  of tips to maximize your sunshine benefits and keep you sun savvy this summer.

5 Healthy Habits for Sun Fun

#1 Drink Water like it’s…Water.

You know that I’m always plugging water as the best drink choice. When you are out in the sun, it’s even more important to down the H20. It’s not just important needed ward off dehydration. Drinking water increases your skins natural moisture factor which helps protect it from environmental factors (like sun exposure).

The day before an outdoor adventure (and every day for that matter!), make sure you are drinking enough water and avoiding dehydrating beverages, like those with caffeine or artificial sweeteners. Take water with you and drink as you go. Remember: by the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

#2 Eat Your Sunscreen

You can receive added sun protection naturally through your diet. Certain vitamins and minerals help your body repair the oxidative damage that occurs during sun exposure, the kind of damage greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. Here’s a list of 6 protective ingredients and the foods that can help you beat the burn: 

1.      Astaxathin: Find it in wild caught salmon and quality fish oil.
2.      Beta-carotene: Find it in carrots, red bell peppers, tomatoes, and cantaloupe.
3.      Catechins: Find it in green and white teas.
4.      Resveratrol: Find it in blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and supplements.
5.      Omega 3 fatty acids: Find it in wild caught salmon and high quality fish oil.
6.      Vitamin E: Find it in almonds, asparagus, avocado, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds

#3 Get At Least 20 Minutes of Rays a Day

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – sunshine is healthy and important for body function. Do your best to get at least 20 minutes of sun each day. This allows your body to gradually take in the vitamin D it needs (and creates a tan rather than a burn!)

Choosing the right time of day to catch your rays is also important. Avoiding the sun at the hottest parts of the day will allow your skin to absorb what it needs without assaulting it.  And remember, even when it’s cloudy, the sun can still find you!

#4 Cover Up BEFORE You Burn

We’re all good at covering up after we burn, but if we do it before, guess what? No burn! Planning ahead by bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light tops or wraps to cover exposed shoulders and legs will offer stylish protection even when you can’t make it to the shade. When all else fails, find an umbrella or tree to grab some shade when the sun’s at its hottest.

#5 Nurse Your Wounds Naturally

If you do get sunburn, treat it like an injury. It is a burn, the kind you would get if you touch a hot stove. Taking care of the area properly will help your skin heal faster and provide your body with what it needs to repair the damage.

Using Aloe, Vitamin E and/or Coconut Oil can be very soothing to the affected area and will also supply the body with healing nutrients directly at the burn site. Treat the area for several days until the redness and heat dissipates. Even if the burn is not bothering you, it should be addressed for optimum healing.

Aloe, Vitamin E and/or Coconut Oil can also be used on the skin even if a burn hasn’t occurred. They have great healing potential and it doesn’t hurt to baby your skin after a day out in the sunshine!

That covers our 5 healthy habits for fun in the sun.  Check in later this week for Part 3 to fun out what sunscreens made our safe list and how to make your own! (If you missed it, here's Part One so you know what to avoid on the ingredients label!)

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.