Sunny Days - Harmful Rays

The Heat is ON -  

Well, it doesn't seem to matter where you live anymore, the scorching summer is upon us. Here in Southwest Texas the "humidity" is also factored into what's fondly referred to as the "heat index".  If its not hot where you are yet, enjoy the last vestige of spring, summer IS coming!

With that said, the heat & sun effects just about every facet of life... for months. The sun shinning brightly causes a multitude of problems for us humans: sunburn, dehydration, squinting eyes and poor air quality, to name just a few. What's worse when summer is "over" the effects can remain on & in our bodies for a lifetime. Sun damage to the skin is cumulative, meaning it continues to "add up" over time. So the effects of a bad sunburn as a child or teen, will "follow" us throughout the rest of our life. Making us more prone to skin cancer.  So we want to slather on lots of sunscreen right?

Sunscreen - RIGHT or WRONG?

True or False: Sunscreen is the best protection from skin cancer.

The correct answer is "it depends". It depends on what ingredients the sunscreen contains.

MANY  sunscreens on the market have potentially harmful ingredients!!!

(CNN May 16, 2012) -- Twenty-five percent of 800 tested sunscreens are effective at protecting your skin without the use of potentially harmful ingredients, according to the 2012 Sunscreen Guide released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group.

To make the watchdog group's safe list, sunscreens must be free of oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate (a type of vitamin A), not have SPF above 50 and protect against UVA and UVB sunrays.

Here is a quick list of things to look for in sunscreen:

-Broad Spectrum -  means the product protects against both UVB rays that cause sunburns and also UVA radiation that causes premature skin damage and aging.

-Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and a maximum of SPF 50;

--Look for a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide & zinc oxide.

--Avoid products containing oxybenzone and retinyl palminate if you're concerned about potentially toxic chemicals;

--Choose lotions versus spray sunscreens for a more evenly distributed protection.

-Remember:  apply at least 2 ounces of lotion (about a shot glass full) and reapply often. The sun breaks down the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin. Experts recommend reapplying every two hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating.

Along with sunscreen are great clothing companies that make UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), clothing. Everything from hats, shirts, skirts, pants that have a UPF of 50. They can be a bit "pricey" at times. However, if you watch you can find deals on them. Thanks to a friend who told me about it, I found a great big beautiful UPF hat at Ross for $9.99, with a UPF of 50. That's a "steal" usually you would pay between $30 - $50 + for one similar. Wearing UPF hats & shirts are a  lot easier than slathering on sunscreen every couple of hours!

With all that sunscreen and hats how is one to look "sunkist" with a beautiful tan?
Self tanners or bronzers are a great healthy option.

• Gives skin a radiant, golden glow
• Provides even, natural-looking color
• Lotion formula hydrates and moisturizes the skin
• Tinted lotion helps you see the spots you missed

  I have been trying this one out: Motives® Bronzing Lotion

It takes about 15 minutes to dry, and you really do need to take your time putting it on to be sure it's even. But so far I really like it..smells great has coconut oil & aloe in it so makes the skin super soft as well! Get ready for summer & get your glow on!

Helping you to Select The Best Health,

Sherry

www.selectthebesthealth.com