Sun-Kissed Skin:

Staying Healthy and Tan

Warm weather, music thumping, swimsuits and sunglasses mean summer is here. Everyone wants to be outside, enjoying the sun’s warmth, including hanging out at the beach for a day. But what about the dangers of being in the sun? The oversaturated market of sunscreens, all warning against prolonged sun exposure will cause cancer yet what is the truth? Can we sunbathe without dropping dead of melanoma?

Lathering up in sunscreen isn’t necessarily going to prevent skin cancer, no matter what the labels tell you. Not to mention, humans are actually meant to spend time in the sun, as we need vitamin D to prevent many other health problems, including other types of cancer. To balance these two, there are safe ways to get your vitamin D, the sun-kissed look and stay safe from risk of melanoma.

First, avoid getting sunburned. This is a result of overexposure to the sun and can lead to skin problems, not limited to only cancer. If you are out in the garden, or spending a day at the beach, be sure to have sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and face. The skin around the eyes and the eyes themselves are extremely sensitive to UVA/UVB rays. Keep them protected at all times. Bring an umbrella or lightweight clothes to protect your body from the sun’s rays once you have had enough, but want to stay out an enjoy the day.

Second, sunscreen can help protect you from harmful rays, but it can prevent you from getting the necessary vitamin D you need. If you choose to spend the day at the beach and rely on sunscreen to protect you, be sure it is a “broad spectrum” lotion, blocking UVB AND UVA rays. Most sunscreens only block the UVB rays, those that cause sunburns. UVA is also dangerous in prolonged exposure.

Third, build up slowly. If you know you are going to spend a whole day outside with little coverage in the near future (next week, next month), spend a little time in the sun each day to build up your melanin which protects your skin naturally from getting burned and harmful rays. Start on the first day with 3-6 minutes of exposure and build up from there.

Lastly, be smart. As soon as you feel toasty or warm, take cover and protect yourself. Nothing better than using common sense and knowing your own body. Don’t be intimidated by the sunscreen warnings and the hysterical talk about getting cancer by spending time in the sun. Be safe and enjoy the summer weather!

by LA DiNardi