Sunscreen solutions and Anti-wrinkle, Sun Damage protection, too!

My favorite Sun screen is a dose of intelligence with protection.

Long sleeves and hats when you know you are going to be exposed for long periods in high sun hours.  Don’t forget to tuck ears in and cover necks.  Sunshine is vital to our health. Research shows we DO need high noon sun to increase our synthesis of Vitamin D.  Only twenty or so minutes, but we do need it. Through our eyes the UV rays stimulate our Pineal Gland which encourages the release of melatonin.  Healthy melatonin levels help you sleep deeper and longer at night.  To get these benefits, we need early morning sun.  So when you are exercising out doors in the morning or driving to work, do not wear sunglasses. If you have to be at work early, slip out on a break for a fifteen minute walk outside, no sunglasses, especially if you are experiencing INSOMNIA.

To prepare your skin for excess sun exposure (athletes, sailors, gardeners, etc…)

• Beta Carotene, from carrots, dark leafy greens, beets, will help with free radical damage due to UV rays

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D 

• Vitamin C  from lemons, grapefruits, oranges, and several other fruits and berries help with oxidative damage to delicate collegen of the skin. Breaking down of collegen = wrinkles

• Natural, mixed Vitamin E’s, alpha, gamma, delta, reduces oxidative stress

• Selenium,

• Zinc

• B6 and PABA taken daily for one week prior to excessive exposure

 Look for Sun blocks with Zinc Oxide and sunscreens with NATURAL PABA.  Also look for nutrients that help reduce the heat in sun burns and soothe sun damaged skin.

Healing sun-kissed skin:

• Aloe Vera juice

• Calendula/marigold tea infusions

• Avocado oil- AFTER the burn/inflammation is gone!

• Apple Cider vinegar baths: tepid bath, pour a whole bottle in and soak.  Or apply to a soaked cloth and leave on burned areas