How To Avoid Sunspots

SUN SENSE

10 am – 4 pm are the witching hours for UV rays. Try to avoid the sun during these times. This is a general guideline. These hours can be extended based on length of day and altitude. Walk on the shady side of the street. Trees, canopies, and awnings are your friends. But whom are we kidding? Beaches and swimming pools are calling and who can resist their siren song in the summertime? Let’s face it. We are going to pursue adventures in the great outdoors. Be sure to bring your shade with you by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are a must for your eyes. 

If you want to go the extra mile there is clothing with light waves and breath-ability that offer UV protection. It can even be worn while playing in the water. Nearly clear window tinting is available and will block 99% of UV rays. Much of our exposure is due to incidental sunlight. Windows in our homes, cars, and offices can cause skin issues over the long-term. Investing in window tinting can make a big difference. Reflective surfaces like water, snow, concrete, glass (you get the picture) will bounce UV rays right back at you even if you are in the shade. What’s the answer to this little problem?

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is the Holy Grail for preventing sun damage and lets us go out into the light. Take a look at how the sun's rays damage our skin even before it becomes visible on the surface and what sunscreen does to protect us. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Chemical sunscreens have come under serious scrutiny. 

They do not always have full spectrum protection, UVA & UVB. The chemicals can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Because it is absorbed into the skin cells, when the chemicals breakdown as they absorb the UV rays, they can have carcinogenic consequences and that’s just what science has uncovered so far. 

Mineral sunscreens actually block UV rays before they enter skin cells, have broad-spectrum protection, are non-irritating and don’t have questionable side effects.To learn more about choosing the right sunscreen, we recommend Mother Earth Living’s article, “Sunscreen Ingredients: Which Ones to Look For and Which Ones to Avoid” But, is sunscreen enough?

SKINCARE

Sunscreen cannot stop all UV exposure. The suns rays produce DNA-damaging free radicals when they come into contact with our skin. Topically applied antioxidants absorb the damaging energy from the sun protecting our cells, collagen, and elastin from harm. Dr. Neil Shultz explains this well. Consuming fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants protect our skin from the inside out. Antioxidants in our skin cells counteract damage caused by sun exposure and can actually reverse hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.