Learn About Healthy Summer Skin

In a reasonable dose, sunlight is very healthy. It supports the healing of the skin and contributes to general well-being. Sun stimulates the happiness hormone serotonin after all!

Moreover, with 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight a day, the body begins to produce vitamin D. To meet the daily vitamin D requirement, about a quarter of the body's surface (face, neck, décolleté, parts of arms and legs) needs to be exposed to sunlight. 80-90 % of the body's vitamin D needs are produced by the body itself thanks to the sun.

We all know though, the dangers of too much sun. Besides the well-known sun protection, such as sunscreen, head covering and sun umbrellas, you should also pay attention to your intake of vitamins and minerals.

VITAMIN D

Fewer cases of melanoma were observed among regular users of vitamin D supplements than among non-users, a new study finds. People taking vitamin D supplements regularly also had a considerably lower risk of skin cancer, according to estimates by experienced dermatologists. The study, conducted in collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital and published in Melanoma Research, included nearly 500 people with an increased risk of skin cancer.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C supplements can provide you with a boost all year round, but it could be especially beneficial in the summer when your skin needs extra support, as vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. In addition, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is found in high concentrations in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and dermis (inner layer of skin). Taking vitamin C orally can increase the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to the skin to protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. This is because it helps the healing process of wounds and it can also help to heal damaged skin and improve dry skin.

COLLAGEN

Collagen is the glue that holds your skin, ligaments, and soft tissues together. It gives the cells structure, stability, and repairs damaged skin. In summer, collagen can help you repair damaged skin cells and sunburn can even heal faster!

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A plays an important role in building the structure of the skin and supports the regeneration process of the skin. It has a skin-improving effect and can even help to make the skin smoother. Like vitamin E, vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound and one of the most important vitamins for summer health.

In addition to its healthy effect on the skin, it also has a positive impact on the eyes. In fact, vitamin A forms the entire basis of vision. Even a slight deficiency can already cause vision problems, including difficulty seeing at night and difficulty reading. Taking vitamin A in the summer months can help prevent vision damage from the sun and also help you see more clearly.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and one of the best summer supplements for the skin. It protects the skin from sun damage and absorbs the sun's harmful UV light when it reaches the skin.

Normally, the body produces vitamin E through sebum, an oily substance that is released through the pores of the skin. In the right balance, sebum helps nourish the skin and prevents dryness. Vitamin E also helps treat skin inflammation. Especially in summer, it can also help you recover from a mild sunburn faster and with fewer symptoms.

DON´T FORGET TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER

In addition to the traditional sun protection like sunscreens, hats, sufficient vitamins, minerals and nutrients, water is also one of the most important components in the summer. In the sun, you can get dehydrated very quickly, which can have a direct negative impact on the external appearance and skin. Drink at least 2 liters of water in summer. If you do sports, drink even more!

USE SAFE SUNSCREENS

Mineral sunscreen (also known as physical barrier sunscreen) uses only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to protect you from UV rays. The minerals sit on top of the skin to deflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays. And they work differently than sunscreens with active ingredients like oxybenzone, which absorb into the bloodstream. See chart below.

Reapplying sunscreen is equally important. At the beach, where water and sand are reflecting extra UV rays onto your skin, reapplication should occur at least every two hours. Towels, clothing, and water can remove minerals from the skin, so you should reapply immediately after swimming and towel drying.

If your skin starts to turn pink, your body is signaling that it has had enough sun. Once the burning process starts, no sunscreen can reverse it. So take the hint and pack up the beach bag for the day.

In addition to being the safest for you and your family, mineral sunscreen is safe for the environment. Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients have been scientifically proven to cause coral reef bleaching, which disrupts the delicate ocean ecosystem. Conversely, there is no connection between zinc oxide and coral bleaching.

Love Whole Foods carries only mineral based sunscreens. Come check out or selection, safe for everyone in the family!