Since arriving in Florida this summer we are hitting the pool and beach almost daily. My number one concern is keeping my kids safe from sun damage. My youngest has very fair skin and burns easily – so much that she has to wear a rash guard t-shirt and gets loaded down with chemical-free sunscreen.
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M, Co-founder and Chief Formulator at derma e® shares her sun safety tips for you and your family.
Over exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin damage, premature aging and skin cancer. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun produce harmful free radicals, which damage cell structures including DNA. This photo-oxidation accelerates the aging process, causing lines, wrinkles, even melanoma. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
Reducing your exposure to the sun is truly the best defense against sun damage. If possible, avoid spending long hours in the sun. Do your outside activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense. If you plan on being in the sun for long periods of time, wear protective clothing – a hat with a large brim, a lightweight scarf to protect your neck, a long-sleeve blouse to protect your arms and lightweight cotton pants to protect your legs. These will help shield skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
If you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, apply a natural broad-spectrum sunscreen made with nanoparticle-free Zinc Oxide as well as antioxidants. Apply skincare containing antioxidants after sun exposure to help skin recover more quickly from sun damage accumulated during the day.
Aside from protecting yourself from UV damage on the outside, you can also protect yourself from damage on the inside through a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamins and antioxidants will increase your body’s ability to protect itself from free radical attack and sun damage. Look for foods high in Vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants such as lemons, blueberries, grapes and green tea. Another powerful antioxidant called lycopene can be found in tomatoes, red peppers and strawberries. Consuming these nutrient-rich foods will help boost skin’s natural defenses and promote overall good health.
Studies have also shown that daily supplementation with Astaxanthin, a unique micro-algaeantioxidant, significantly reduces UV-induced skin damage. With antioxidant potency up to 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E, Astaxanthin is also an exceptional free radical scavenger that can help prevent multiple visible signs of aging. In fact, applied topically, Astaxanthin can also help protect skin from UV radiation, refine skin texture and soothe irritation. Enjoy the topical benefits of this powerful antioxidant in the derma e® Age-Defying line.
After spending time in the sun, sunburned or not, remember to rehydrate yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, and apply an antioxidant rich moisturizer to help your skin recover. Even better, use a daily moisturizer rich in antioxidants (Vitamin E) for added protection.
Remember that sun damage is not always visible instantly and that even tanning is harmful. Sun damage today, tomorrow and next week will cause next year’s wrinkles. Protect your skin everyday to prevent wrinkles and to keep skin looking younger.
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