5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Preventing Sun Damage


by The Health Sciences Academy — Get free science updates here.


We usually equate sunshine with positivity. Strolls in the park, barefoot at the beach, great gardening and an overall jolly boost to your mood. Happy, fun, delightful slices of life, right?

However, you could be staring down the barrel of some serious physical harm if you’re negligent in protecting yourself from the sun and its powerful rays.

Tell me something I don’t know, I hear you say. Well, okay then.

Below I’ve listed five things you probably don’t know about preventing sun damage. Prepare to be surprised!

1.You should always wear sunscreen (even when it’s overcast)

It’s not always sunny, especially here in the UK. However, one fact many people tend to overlook is that you don’t particularly need the sun to show its face to receive the damaging UV rays. On cloudy days, UV exposure can still be high. It is therefore possible to experience the damaging effects of the sun on cool, cloudy days. As such, you should include sunscreen on top of your daily facial care routine.

It’s a simple skin-saving remedy that should be included in your no-matter-what bucket, like brushing your teeth. Sunscreen has been proven as the best protection from the sun’s damaging rays – even when the sun isn’t showing its face.

2. Natural sunscreen is a fine replacement for the chemical stuff

Natural sunscreens are often referred to as “mineral” or “natural” sunscreens. These are actually physical sun blockers, versus being chemically absorbed into your skin cells.

They may leave a whitish residue on your skin, but there have been wonderful measures made to make them more cosmetically acceptable. Because they are not absorbed and dissolved into your skin, they will last longer.

As far as the first ingredient, you’re going to want to see zinc oxide or titanium oxide listed in these natural sunscreens. Omit any with fragrance. There’s never a reason to have a fragrance in any natural product. These can cause allergic reactions, the last thing you want to have happen on the very surface you are trying to protect.

Reapply that physical block every two hours.

3. There is no point of no return with sun damage

Remember  when you were a young, sun worshiping 16 year old?

Protecting yourself in the present can actually help save further damage. Enzymes in our body that head up the internal repair clinic are always engaged in loosening up the done damage.

You can help them with a steady diligent slathering of sunscreen every time you’re outdoors. Don’t discount this process. Trust in the magic of your internal intelligence to better you from the inside out.

4. Sunscreen doesn’t (have to) cause our vitamin D deficiency

Sunscreen blocks the ability for our body to make Vitamin D from the sun. However, a deeper truth is that we only need about 10 minutes a day in the sun to get some decent levels of Vitamin D. And although our bodies are actually built better for receiving the D through the skin, we can get it from food too. So don’t ignore the D in foods.

There are some very good food sources of Vitamin D – be mindful of fish, milk, eggs, ricotta cheese, beef liver and mushrooms to deliver that D to you.

5. Sun damage to the eyes is a serious issue

As many of us take good, clear vision for granted, there’s a whole category of damage your eyes will receive from too much sun.

Those of us with lighter eyes – blues, greens and grays – are more susceptible. Darker eyes are more naturally protected from perilous UV light. Many times, those with the lighter eyes cannot even bear to be outdoors without sunglasses. You want to make sure of two things in choosing your shades:

  1. That they block 98-99% of both UV and UVB rays.
  2. That they are polarised.

Polarised glasses actually neutralise the glare coming from the light. We can experience this as an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of light coming at us. The special filter in polarised lenses blocks this crazy intensity and tones it down for a more pleasing and safe seeing. Wrap around shades are even better as they cut the UV light from all angles. Make sure you go to your ophthalmologist or optometrist to get a full eye exam that includes dilating your pupils. Your specialist can look much deeper for clues of eye damage from the sun.

Long term damage can result in cataracts, corneal sunburns, and growths unbeknownst to you. Many times these disturbances don’t show up until people are in their late 50’s. Prevent harm to your precious eyes. Choose the right shades and see your eye professional regularly.

Now you have a plan. Use it!

If you’re like most people you like to get a little sun. Its warmth and light can both relax us and boost our spirits. But the benefits come with a dangerous tradeoff.

Did you know that over the last thirty years, rates of malignant melanoma in Great Britain have risen faster than any of the current top ten cancers?

Malignant melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer and one that can spread to other body parts if not treated early. As you see the proof is in the protection. No matter what, remember your sunscreen daily.

Take measures to be mindful of the serious care of  your skin, your eyes, and past damages. If the sun doesn’t shine much get your Vitamin D from healthy food sources or consider supplementation. Be smart about your venturing into the sun (and clouds).

If you were surprised by any of our tips, please pass this onto anyone who might appreciate it as well. Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments below!


Did you enjoy this? Sign up to receive our FREE email updates!

See Also

Continuing Education Bundle

Upcoming Webinar

Free Menopause Workbook

Free Contrast Method

© Copyright

Everything on this site is original content, created and owned by or through The Health Sciences Academy ® or licensed accordingly.
Training Nutritionists of the Future™
© Copyright The Health Sciences Academy. The content, graphs and charts on this page have been exclusively prepared for The Health Sciences Academy and its prospect students, existing students and graduates. None of the content on this page and website may be reproduced, copied or altered without our explicit permission. Criminal and legal penalties for copyright and other infringement apply. All Terms and Conditions apply.
The Health Sciences Academy® is the world’s largest 100% science-based, nutrition-focused online educational institution.
✔ helping health and wellness professionals grow successful client practices
✔ raising industry standards since 2012 through personalised nutrition science
© Copyright The Health Sciences Academy. The content, graphs and charts on this page have been exclusively prepared for The Health Sciences Academy and its prospect students, existing students and graduates. None of the content on this page and website may be reproduced, copied or altered without our explicit permission. Criminal and legal penalties for copyright and other infringement apply. All Terms and Conditions apply.

Discover

Free Courses

Resources

Connect

About Us

© 2022 The Health Sciences Academy ® All Rights Reserved.