How to Prevent Cancer through Sun Exposure
Balance is the key to get the therapeutic benefit of the sun. UVB is often referred to as a bad thing, when in fact, it is something that can supply your skin with vitamin D3. Ironically, vitamin D reduces your chances of getting cancer, but getting this from sun exposure must not be overdone.
Basically, you have to expose most of your body parts - arms, back, chest, legs - to get a decent amount of Vitamin D. You will get maximum benefit when you expose at least 40% of your body. Perfect timing is very important when you are sun bathing. By the time your complexion turns to light pink, that’s your cue to cover up. This usually takes 10-20 minutes. After this point, your body will no longer produce vitamin D, so it’s useless and harmful to stay under the sun longer.
TIP: When taking vitamin D supplement, it is also important to take vitamin K2. These 2 vitamins create a great tandem because vitamin D mainly helps the body by absorbing calcium, whereas, K2 guides the calcium to your skeleton. With this, you can avoid getting calcium where it’s not supposed to.
How to Prevent Sunburn
Preventing skin damage not only gets you out of t he way of cancer, it can also prevent those wrinkles to show up early. I can tell you to stay out of the sun, but an active person wouldn’t listen to that advice. Good thing there are ways we can still enjoy the summer while protecting our skin.
The worst times to get out in the sun is from 10am to 4pm - where the sun is at its strongest.
TIP: Take advantage of the shadow rule:
Estimate the amount of UV rays by looking at your shadow. Longer shadow means lower amount of UV, and shorter shadow means the UV is strong.
Wear protective clothing when you have to be out in the sun - wide hats that can cover your whole face, neck, and scalp would really be helpful. Use protective sunglasses with UV ray protection. You can also wear clothing that are specially designed to protect your skin against the harmful ray of sun.
Sunburn in toddlers are common because they love playing outside. It is important to teach them how to use sunscreen and give them protective clothing as well.
How to Naturally Treat Sunburn
When you have sunburn, you have a tendency to become dehydrated so it is important to drink more water. Lotions with aloe vera can also help your skin feel much better. However, avoid products that contain ingredients like petroleum (this ingredient traps heat inside your skin), as well as lidocain and benzocaine.
Aside from these remedies, you can relieve and treat sunburn naturally. Here is a list of foods that can soothe the burning feeling that sunburn gives you. You can also use these natural sunburn remedies to treat sunburn on your face.
1. Potatoes
Potato has a starchy compound that can relieve the stinging sensation when you are suffering from sunburn. To benefit from it, you have to slice a potato and rub its flesh on most painful spots. For severe sunburn, you can grate the potato and apply it on your skin as a poultice.
2. Oatmeal
Oats are perfect as an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used for fighting against itching and stinging from sunburn. Simply grind a cup of oatmeal until it turns to a fine powder, add to cool bathwater then soak. You can also add the powderized oats to a few tablespoons of honey and a cup of milk. Make the mixture into a paste, apply it on the affected area, and leave on for 20 minutes, or when you don’t feel the itching and stinging anymore. Remove the paste by wiping it gently with a damp cloth.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is very effective for protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays because of its catechin compound. When it comes to sunburn relief, its tannic acid is on the rescue. This type of acid is powerful for healing a first degree burn.
Research says that drinking at least 2 cups of green tea a day can guard you from the harmful UV rays. However, this doesn’t mean that you are protected without sunscreen and protective clothes. To relieve the scorching sensation, soak bags of tea in cold water and apply them on the affected area. It is good to start this treatment as soon as possible after getting a sunburn.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries have tannin compound that helps reduce stinging. Simply mash a few ripened strawberries and apply directly on the affected areas. Rinse it off after a few minutes.
5. Aloe Vera
Instead of using aloe vera lotion, why not try applying pure aloe vera on your skin? Aloe vera leaves are available in the farmer’s market and sometimes in grocery stores. Break off the leaves and apply its juice on your skin. It gives a soothing feeling and has antibacterial properties, too. This home remedy is very common that some hospitals use it for burn victims. However, it should not be applied on severe burns. It is recommended to contact your doctor first if you have doubts about the condition of your sunburn before applying this method.
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