It’s summer time and we know it’s time to take care of yourself. Your skin , your hair , your eyes, all your body is exposed to ultra violet rays .
Sometimes the products we have over the counter are not what we think.
So it’s important to know some facts about sun exposure:
1. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.
2. Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.
3. Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin.
4. Some medications increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. As a result, even kids with skin that tends not to burn easily can develop a severe sunburn in just minutes when taking certain medications. Fair-skinned kids, of course, are even more vulnerable.
5. Clothing provides very little protection from extended stays in the sun.
FIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
1. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Safe sunscreens not only protect your skin from sun damage and cancer, but also come free of suspect chemicals, like parabens, oxybenzone, PABA and retinyl palmitate.
2. Always wear a natural lip balm (no filler oils) with an SPF 15 or higher – remember that your lips can burn just like the rest of your skin.
3. Find sun protection fabrics for your clothes: Most sun protective fabrics (also called SPF fabric) are tightly woven/knit and may (or may not) be chemically treated with UV inhibitors. Fabrics from cotton to polyester are used, with the most common being nylon.
4. Use Polarized lenses with UV protection: Polarized lenses reduce glare. Unless they’re specifically treated with UV coating, polarized lenses don’t offer UV protection.
5. Find the best beach umbrella!
Laura Termini. www.naturalorganicaylatina.com