Getting the Sun-Kissed Glow Safely

By Donna Stark

Well, summer is here and that usually means that most of us start to have a burning desire to head outdoors and get some sun, right? After all, who wouldn’t be craving a little bit of sunshine and that summertime glow on our skin? This past winter has been rough for so many people! But after a hard winter and a long, rainy spring, don’t let your excitement and burning desire turn into a different kind of burn. Sunburn happens to the best of us and it can easily start the summer holidays off on the wrong foot.

Preventing Sunburn

Those who weren’t born with the gift of beautiful, summer-kissed skin can usually respect how strong the desire is to achieve it. Even I have been known to declare that my lobster-red body will turn to tan. It rarely does, but I certainly do hope for that result. The sad part though, is that in trying to achieve a temporary look, many people may actually be sabotaging their appearance in the future. So what should you do? You certainly don’t want to hide away and only come out in the late hours of the night, protected by darkness, right? Here are a few tips on how to stay safe under the sun.

• Apply sunscreen - The sun is an example of a perfect “frenemy,” both friend and enemy at the same time. Go on, head outdoors to bask in its rays, but give your skin some protection before you do so. Sunscreen that contains higher levels of SPF protection are going to be your best choices if you want to spend a fair amount of time outdoors and for optimal protection, but remember to apply it at least 30 minutes before going outside. Also, don’t forget to reapply frequently after sweating or swimming.
• Limit exposure - The sun’s rays are strongest and most intense during the middle of the day, so limit your exposure during this time. If you have a choice in the matter, head outdoors earlier in the morning or later in the evening, but if you can’t, remember to wear appropriate clothing, eye protection, and sunscreen. Also, look for shade to take cover under!
• Eating foods that help - Omega-3’s and antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to help protect against the harmful rays of the sun, so stock up on olive oil, salmon, cherries, blackberries, kale, and spinach. Grab some foods that are rich in Vitamins C and E because they have been shown to reverse the effects of sun damage as well!

Achieving the Look You Want, Safely

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It protects you, so keep that in mind the next time you head outdoors into the hot summer sun; be sure to protect it in return. In no time at all, you will end up with that sun-kissed look that everyone wishes for, but you will have achieved it safely.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.