The sun has a positive impact on the biology and psychological health of the body. The vitamin D spread by sunlight strengthens the musculoskeletal system and plays an active role on rheumatic disease, inflammation and osteoporosis. Sunlight also increases the absorption of calcium, strengthens the immune system and helps decrease depression and stress. In order to get full benefit from the sun, it is enough to get direct sunlight for 20 minutes of the day. It isn't necessary to expose our whole body for this. The inner sections of your arms and legs will be enough for you to get enough vitamin D. Being exposed to sunlight constantly might cause some problems. You need to use a sun cream or lotion to protect yourself from ultraviolet lights. So, what should we consider when selecting such creams?
Protection level
You need to make sure they include zinc oxide and titanium oxide when choosing your sunscreen. These two materials act as a blocking set against harmful UV lights. It is of utmost importance for the sunscreen you choose not to include any chemicals. Padimate O homosalate, octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone, octyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid and octocrylene can be considered as materials blocking harmful UV lights. People who have allergies should particularly consult their doctors when choosing sunscreen. It is important not to cause more damage to yourself while trying to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.
Use once or twice a day
Skin types vary from person to person. The time you will be exposed to sunlight and your skin type are important when selecting a suitable sunscreen. According to a study by the Dermatology Department of Washington University, sunscreens are much more effective than sun lotions. They need to applied half an hour before being exposed to the sun and should be renewed every hour. The same study also showed that while sunscreens with SPF 30 protection, blocking 97 percent of UV rays, while sunscreen with 50 SPF protection blocks 98.5 percent of UV rays. A 30 SPF protection factor is suitable for adults while this factor should be slightly higher for children.
Even with protective measures, using a hat when exposed to direct sunlight is one of the most effective measures. While discussing the harms of the sun, the harm it causes to skin is generally the issue discussed, yet, the eyes are another element under threat. Sunlight causes cataract to form on the eyes' lenses. Thus, using the correct sunglasses is important. Another popular harm of sunlight is that it speeds up the aging process. The elastin layer, which gives the skin its elasticity, gets damaged under too much sunlight and causes your skin to sag at an early age. Without the correct protectors, the sun might cause acne and sunspots to form on your skin, which you might have to carry with you throughout your whole life. Such spots usually appear on the face and neck and, your efforts to make yourself more beautiful, might end up with disappointment.
creams with multiple properties
UVB rays cause rashes and burns on the skin while UVA rays cause skin cancer, spots and deep damage to the skin. For protection from both UVB and UVA lights, you need to use "large spectrum" sunscreens. Before you buy one, you need to look at the ingredients and make sure it provides protection against both. According to a study conducted at Washington University, people should use sunscreen on cloudy days as well. Clouds cannot block UVA lights, even if your skin is not exposed to direct light, they may cause some damages.
Tomato: As useful as a sunscreen
Americans have a great saying, "You are what you eat!" In addition to using skincare products, you can also help your skin through the food you consume. Here, the "reds" are the best solution. I have included details on the benefits of red vegetables and fruits like tomato in my writing; like I said, lycopene is one of the most important properties protecting the upper layers of the skin. In a research conducted on volunteers in the U.K., it was revealed that consuming tomatoes has miraculous results on the skin. The volunteers were separated into two groups. The first group was fed by adding 10 grams of olive oil to tomato puree for 12 weeks. The second group was given olive oil only. After 12 weeks, it was revealed that the group that consumed tomatoes was 33 percent less affected by UV rays. Do not forget to consume tomatoes.
Other UV protective foods
Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E provides protection against oxidative stress and it has been proven to reduce skin damage caused by UVB radiation. Lately, much research has emerged highlighting the importance of the consumption of olive oil in fighting against the harmful effects of the sun. Include it in all your meals. Add cold olive oil to your salads or cooked or roasted vegetables.
Walnut: Walnuts have high amounts of Omega-3. Omega-3 provides effective protection against skin damage. Walnuts renew the upper layers of your skin while they help you fight UV rays by preventing cells falling off or apoptosis. You can grind walnuts and add them to your salads; you can consume five-to-six of them a day.
Apple: Apples have numerous benefits against inflammation, oxidative stress and help the immune system. With rich polyphenols (antioxidants), it cleans dead cells from the skin. You can contribute to your skincare by consuming one apple a day.
Broccoli: Like apple, broccoli is a champion of polyphenols. It is very rich in terms of polyphenols, probably the richest in vegetables. While it helps inflammation, it also provides great protection against cancer cells. In addition, research conducted shows that the contents of broccoli activate the defense system of our skin when exposed to UV rays. You can boil it or add it to you meals as a salad.
Basil:Basil eases digestion; it relaxes the body and has expectorant abilities. It also helps with headaches and protects our eyes while filtrating UV rays on the retina. It isn't possible to list all of its benefits as there are too many. You can brew basil tea by pouring hot water on a couple of leaves. You can consume your tea after brewing it for 15 minutes. It helps with sores in your mouth and gas in your intestines. In addition, you can add it to your fish dishes and water.
Water: The miraculous drink that would hydrate your skin is water. Consuming 2 liters to 2.5 liters of water a day would get rid of your dead skin cells and create a clear tone on your skin. Water would act like an upper layer on your skin and protect it against harmful sunlight.
Black Tea: Green tea and black tea contain antioxidants that cure the skin. According to a recent study, black tea in particular contains high levels of polyphenol and hence, protects against hyper-pigmented sun spots causes by sunlight
