Natural Ways to Protect Yourself From the Sun

It’s about that time where the sun starts coming out to play here in Rochester, Ny! It’s natural for us to instantly think about sunscreen as we prepare to spend more time outside with our families. However, I wanted to first talk about a few natural ways to prepare for the season, while also maximizing the positive effects of the amazing sunshine.

Before we talk about ways to protect ourselves from the sun, let’s first talk about the benefits of sunshine. So before you apply copious amounts of sunscreen (many with toxic ingredients) let's get some vitamin D exposure and unaltered sunshine on those faces.

Top 7 Benefits of sunshine

1. Boosts Cognitive Function: From a 2009 study published in Environmental Health, data from 16,800 participants was analyzed to research the relationship between sunlight exposure and cognitive function. Researchers found that among depressed participants, lower levels of sunlight were associated with impaired cognitive status.
   

2. Fights Depression: Sunlight boosts mood by increasing serotonin levels, according to research published in “Issues in Mental Health Nursing.” This offers a simple and cost-effective therapy for improving mental health outcomes and quality of life, particularly for conditions like seasonal affective disorder, where low serotonin levels are linked to depression.

1. Supports Better Sleep: Studies have shown a link between sunshine and serotonin, a crucial brain chemical for mood and body processes like sleep regulation. Additionally, research suggests that sun exposure helps maintain a regular circadian rhythm and supports restful sleep by aiding in the production of vitamin D, which regulates various bodily functions.

1. Supports Immune System Health: Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor immune function and increased disease susceptibility. Vitamin D plays a huge role in healthy cell replication and its protective effects against autoimmune conditions.

1. Promotes Bone Health: Studies show that bone deficiency is concerning and adequate sun exposure is needed to maintain proper vitamin D levels and optimal bone health.

1. Promotes Longevity: Getting adequate sun exposure promotes longevity and improves your mood and feelings of happiness. Evidence published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that it would be beneficial for people living outside of the tropics to ensure they expose their skin to the sun sufficiently. Lack of sunlight can cause vitamin D deficiency and increase the risk of several major health concerns, including cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.

1. May Help Fight Cancer: Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology points out that vitamin D is derived from solar ultraviolet light exposure and there’s evidence that low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of 16 different types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.

Now that we know there are many different benefits to sun exposure on a regular basis. Here are some tips to maximize your sun exposure safely while maximizing its health benefits.

1. Invest in sun protective clothing and hats: Protective clothing, suits and hats have come a long way in recent years and are perfect for active families and kids who love to be outside in the sun. We always recommend getting some natural sun first and then transition to the protective clothing and hats moving forward to make sure you aren’t overdoing it.

1. Eat food with sun-protective properties: Believe it or not, what you put into your body has a huge effect on preparing your skin for sun exposure. Focus on  real foods and lots of quality fat. Shy away from processed foods, vegetable oils, sugar and grains as they have an opposite effect on skin preparedness. Adding supplementation of vitamin D, Omega 3’s and vitamin C has been found to decrease the negative effect of sun on your skin. And as always, stay super hydrated and add a little salt to your water for added benefit.
   

1. Use sun exposure wisely to further protect: We all see those individuals who get fried on the first day of vacation or summer. Too much sun too soon can cause havoc on the skin. Mornings and evenings are the best time to introduce sun exposure to your winterized skin. I recommend starting a progression of sun time during the start of sun season and slowly adding more time as your body and skin adapts. Also, adding coverage during the strongest time of the day. 
   

2. Make your own or use healthy sun block alternatives: Most sunscreens have toxic ingredients or don’t do what they claim to do. Nowadays there are plenty of natural and healthy sunscreens to choose from or you can make your own utilizing a blend of waxes, butters, and oils and adding in zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier on the skin to block harmful UV rays. In the office, we actually sell (and use as a family if needed) the Earthly Sun Shield.

So as we enter some of the best days of the year make sure to get outside, move your bodies, have some fun and take advantage of some amazing Vitamin D filled sunny days. Have questions about natural ways to enjoy the sun or even questions about Tree of Life Chiropractic as a whole, please don’t hesitate to reach out.