« Back to Glossary <section><h2>TAKING CARE WITH SUNTAN</h2><p><p>To many of us, summer means siting on a beach, relaxing with our family and catching a tan. Whilst the aesthetic attraction of a bronzed glow may be obvious, exposing ourselves to sunlight also brings a health benefit. </p></p></section><section><h3></h3><p><p>Sunshine is a good source of Vitamin D. This is a key ingredient for a properly functioning immune system. </p><p> </p><p>Studies have shown that many diseases, especially diseases related to the immune system (such as infections), occur less in the summer season. </p><p> </p><p>This probably explains why we are naturally drawn to tanned skin. On some primal level, we recognise that it is a sign of health.</p></p></section><section><h3>For all its benefits, however, the sun can cause a lot of harm to the skin and organs. This will now be discussed before attention is turned to how you can protect yourself.</h3><p></p></section><section><h3>Avoid overexposure to the sun</h3><p><p>Whenever you spend time in the sun, you should consider how much radiation is reaching the skin. There are a number of factors that influence the level of exposure your skin is subject to. </p><p> </p><p>The first is the <strong>length of time</strong> you spend in the sun. </p><p>The second is the <strong>time of day</strong>. </p><p>And the third is the <strong>cloud cover present</strong>. </p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3>To understand why sunlight can be harmful, it is necessary to delve into what is present in it.</h3><p><p>The sun emits two electromagnetic energies – UV and infrared (IR) rays. These radiations are invisible, but they can cause irreparable damage to the skin. </p><p> </p><p>IR radiation is responsible for skin burning, however both IR and UV are known to cause skin damage, skin ageing and skin cancer. </p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3>BUT SUNSCREEN LOTIONS CAN PROTECT THE SKIN</h3><p><p>Unfortunately, most sunscreen lotions do not sufficiently protect the skin from the different types of UV radiation. </p><p> </p><p><strong>When choosing a sunscreen, pay attention to the SPF</strong>. This is the amount of protection the cream will offer your skin against UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection it will provide. </p><p> </p><p>However, people’s tendency to not put on enough in the first place and to not reapply sunscreen regularly means that we rarely get the protection the bottle promises. Furthermore, <strong>there is no sunscreen on the market that offers 100% protection</strong>. </p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3></h3><p><p>Rather than rely on sunscreen alone, there are some other steps that you can take to protect yourself from the sun.</p><p> </p><p>The time of day is widely regarded as the most critical consideration because the strongest ultraviolet (UV) rays are produced between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Meaning that UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.</p><p> <br /></p><p>It is therefore important for those with sensitive skin to avoid the harsh sun during this time. This does not mean that the person must stay inside, but it is a good idea to remain in the shade or to wear protective clothing. </p><p> </p><p>For those who are looking to get a suntan, the most beneficial times for tanning are before 10 am and after 4 pm. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3>Use natural skin screen</h3><p><p>Skin screen lotions are mostly made of synthetic chemicals, many of which are known to cause damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. </p><p> </p><p>These chemicals include oxybenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene and Vitamin A derivative Retinyl Palmitate. </p><p> </p><p>These chemicals protect the skin against UV rays by crossing the skin barrier and penetrating deep inside the skin tissues, where they are then absorbed into the blood stream and stored in organs. </p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3></h3><p><p>It is well known that these chemicals cause havoc with the hormonal, immune and nervous system. </p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, according to studies done by the EWG (Environmental Working Group), of the 1400 types of screen lotion tested, only 5% met safety standards, and 40% would increase the risk of cancer. </p><p> </p><p>The safest forms of sunscreen contain natural minerals, such as <strong>Zinc and Titanium</strong>, that are not absorbed into the skin, but stay on the surface and <strong>protect by reflecting sunlight</strong>.</p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3>Beware of increased sensitivity if you take medications</h3><p><p>Many drugs are known to increase sun sensitivity and people on such medications should avoid spending too much time in the sun. </p><p>These medications include: antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin; antihistamines; painkillers, like ibuprofen and naproxen; many blood pressure medications, including furosemide and Enalapril; and antipsychotic medications. </p><p> </p><p><strong>If you are on any long-term medication, it is a good idea to ask your doctor how it will affect your sensitivity to the sun. </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p></p></section><section><h3>CONTACT MEDB FOR MORE INFORMATION OR DIAGNOSTICS</h3><p><p>Medb Health Clinic bring the worlds most advanced diagnostic technology together with science-based natural medicine. </p><p>We are doctors, nurses, specialists, and scientists working together to restore and protect your health. Our carefully selected therapies are clinically trialled and proven to work without causing side effects.</p><p><strong>Book a scan NOW!</strong> It is non-invasive, safe and can detect over 1000 microbes – viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Call +<strong>34 865 616 862</strong><strong> or visit </strong><strong>www.medbhealth.com</strong><strong>. </strong></p><strong><br /></strong></p></section> « Back to Glossary
