Natural Ways to Avoid Sunburn This Summer

Sun Exposure in the Summer

Sun Exposure in the Summer

With summer upon us, most of us are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine at last. However, as we all know very well, sunburn poses a serious threat in the summer months. While the immediate effects of minor pain and redness are merely temporary, your risk of skin cancer increases drastically with each sunburn, as does your likelihood of getting wrinkles and an uneven complexion. To protect yourself from the sun, click through for some natural fixes.

Pay attention to the timing of your sun exposure.

Pay attention to the timing of your sun exposure.

Peak sunburn hours are around 11:00-2:00 (or more broadly, 10:00-4:00), so if you’re planning on spending a prolonged period of time outdoors, aim to do so earlier or later in the day than this time frame. Additionally, limiting your time in the sun is beneficial, as people of all skin complexions can absorb maximum vitamin D from the sun within an hour, and for fair-skinned people it can take as little as 10 minutes. Smaller segments of time in the sun will decrease risk of burn. Plus, as your skin gets darker over the summer through short increments, your skin will acquire an increased tolerance to the sun’s rays and you will be able to spend more time in the sun sans damage.

Defend your skin from the inside out

Defend your skin from the inside out

Keep your skin moisturized prior to sun exposure

Keep your skin moisturized prior to sun exposure

Check your medications

Check your medications

Many common medications, both prescription and OTC, can increase your skin’s susceptibility to irritation and damage from the sun. These include painkillers like ibuprofen, antibiotics, antidepressants, and acne medications, among others. Check your medications’ labels to ensure that it is safe to be in the sun while on them.

Consider wearing light clothing

Consider wearing light clothing

You do not need to have all of your skin exposed to enjoy the summer’s warmth and sunshine. Wearing loose clothing made with light fabrics like cotton or linen protects the skin from damage while allowing you to stay cool. Don’t forget your sunglasses, and you can enjoy the sun in comfort, style, and great health.

If you do want to use an over-the-counter sunscreen, go for a mineral-based one, rather than a chemical-based one

If you do want to use an over-the-counter sunscreen, go for a mineral-based one, rather than a chemical-based one

Mineral-based sunscreens include those that are zinc oxide- or titanium dioxide-based. These reflect rather than absorb the sunlight and seem to be safer than their chemical-based counterparts. As a rule of thumb, 15-30 SPF is as much protection as you need. Furthermore, the more familiar the ingredients are in your sunscreen, the better it probably is for your skin. Look for ones enriched with vitamins, natural extracts, and other antioxidants. These can greatly improve your skin’s response to potential UV damage.

Dr. Christopher Calapai

Dr. Christopher Calapai

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham's Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

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