Summer has arrived! Let’s enjoy the sunny weather! We’re sure we can speak for most of us when we say that we’re ready to soak in that beautiful sunny weather before the cold winter sneaks its way back and never leaves (or at least that is what it feels like here in Montreal)! But how many of us can say that they will be soaking in that sun with lots of sunscreen protection on?
Of course, we all have that one friend who refuses to put on their sunscreen and is determined to get that perfect sun-kissed glow, no matter what. That friend might even be you!
Is roasting in the sun all day or going to a tanning salon to get that temporary summer tan really worth the damage it can cause in the future? When you look at the facts, it is far from worth it. Skin cancer is among the most preventable types of cancer, but the number one cancer worldwide. A crazy fact about Canada is that melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, is actually the type of cancer that is rising the fastest. Luckily, you can avoid this terrible fate by taking the necessary precautionary steps.
Enjoy Your Summer and Protect Your Skin
At Cardiogenix, we care about your health and wellbeing more than anything else. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer while staying safe at the same time! Let’s begin!
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
The sun is strongest from 10am until 4pm. If you are outdoors during this peak period, try to avoid the sun and stay in the shade instead.
Wear protective clothing.
Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat that shields your neck, ears, eyes and scalp. Wear sunglasses with UV ray protection, and dark, loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs. You can also invest in UV protective clothing that is specially designed to add extra protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
Apply the right sunscreen the right way
Let’s be honest, you can’t always avoid the sun, and you probably don’t want to either. After all, what is summer without the pool, the beach, and fruity, refreshing drinks?
So, let’s get to the most important part!
Choose a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher with double protection against UVA and UVB rays.
That means extra protection against UV rays that are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer! Did you know you can also burn your lips?! To avoid this, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 protection or higher. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your neck, ears, and scalp either! These are some of the most common areas for sunburn, since these areas are easily forgotten. Not only does the type of sunscreen matter, but also, when you apply it.
Be sure to apply your sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
It is not enough to apply your sunscreen only once throughout the day. The key is to re-apply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and right after you swim or sweat heavily. For the sunscreen to be effective, apply the recommended amount indicated and in an even manner.
Sounds simple enough?
Just as importantly, don’t be fooled by the clouds and wear your sunscreen not only on the hottest and sunniest of days, but throughout the year, regardless of the season!
Not many of us realize this since the sun isn’t shining directly on us, but the snow reflects the sun’s rays, so you can get sunburned in the winter too. (Sometimes, they could be worse than the ones in the summer!)
Get Your Dose of Vitamin D
Now, since a young age, some of you may have been told that a certain amount of sunlight exposure is good for you since it produces Vitamin D. However, sun exposure is not the only, nor the best way to get it. There are other and much better ways to get your dose of Vitamin D without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, according to many experts!
You can get your Vitamin D intake by adding a variety of healthy foods to your diet.
Just to name a few, there is salmon, egg yolks, cheese, and even mushrooms! To quote Dr. Ashok Oommen, “Wear your sunblock and eat your Vitamin D!”
Fortunately, if you really are desperate to get that bronzed look for the remaining summer months, there is another solution because as we all know, there is always another way!
Simply reduce your sun exposure and its associated risks with this easy alternative: Sunless Tanning Lotion.
Since there are many options available, make sure to get the sunless tanning lotion that works best for you and follow the instructions very carefully!
Sure enough, unlike all the other options at your disposal, sunless tanning lotions are safe and will give you the perfect bronze color you desire. The most significant difference between sunless tanning lotion and sun tanning is that you will not get a sunburn nor be exposed to any health risks! That doesn’t sound so bad, right?
Thankfully, summer has not left us just yet so we still have time to enjoy the rest of our summer the right way – the healthy way!
Get that sunblock out and your appetites ready for all sorts of Vitamin D enriched foods!