The skinny on summer skin health
“UVA and UVB radiation damage the skin by changing the structure of cell DNA resulting in potential skin cancers and degradation of collagen and elastin molecules leading to aging and wrinkles.”
S
ummer is finally here! For many of you, this will mean heading for the outdoors – to the beach, camping, boating, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue. But along with all the outdoor fun comes the increased risk of sunburn, dehydration and aging skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the entire body by weight and surface area. In fact, the skin consists of 16 per cent of the total body weight of an average adult, this being equal to 1.5 to 2 metres of skin. That’s a lot of skin to expose to the sun.
The main function of the skin is to protect the internal body from its external environment, including bacteria, dirt and inflammatory molecules such as free radicals that can damage and mutate the DNA within our cells. The skin also provides a barrier to prevent dehydration, help regulate body temperature, and liver and gastrointestinal function. The skin is our primary organ for elimination and detoxification.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is found in the sun’s invisible rays – the ones that cause sunburn and sometimes skin cancer. UVA and UVB radiation damage the skin by changing the structure of cell DNA resulting in potential skin cancers and degradation of collagen and elastin molecules leading to aging and wrinkles. Here are some useful tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy summer outside: • THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IS TO DRESS
APPROPRIATELY. Wear a hat, breathable top (that provides UV protection) and sunglasses. Use a good quality, natural sunscreen that limits absorption of both UVA and UVB. Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that can cause allergic skin reactions or irritations and create a toxic burden on the body. However, some brands
from local health food stores will provide skin protection while minimizing toxic chemicals. Check the Environmental Working Group website for a list of the best and worse sunscreens: ewg.org
• KEEP WELL HYDRATED. Take plenty of water along for outdoor hiking, boating and sports. Dehydration not only affects the skin’s appearance in the short term; but prolonged periods with inadequate fluid intake may affect the elasticity and smoothness in lower skin layers. There are electrolyte-balancing products available at your local health food store that can be added to water to prevent dehydration during high impact outdoor activities.
• SKIN HEALTH AND PROTECTION CAN BE NURTURED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. Every cell membrane in the body can be strengthened by consuming fresh, unrefined essential fatty acids (EFAs). Good quality fish oil with a high EPA content contain nutrients that act as protectors to your skin.
• OTHER IMPORTANT SKIN PROTECTORS
AND HEALERS are: vitamin E (with mixed tocopherols), vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and of course, plenty of colourful, fresh fruits and veggies.
• CLINICAL STUDIES have demonstrated the impressive role of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) found in BioSil for healthy skin. In just 20 weeks, shallow wrinkles improved by 89 per cent with the use of ch-OSA compared to the use of a placebo. This was seen in women ages 40 to 65 who had clear signs of sun damage or prematurely aging skin.
• ASTAXANTHIN has earned a reputation as one of the most potent and powerful antioxidants. Research shows that it has neuroprotective properties, decreases inflammation, protects the body from cellular damage and may help prevent UV damage to the eyes and help the skin resist UV damage from excessive sunlight exposure.
• EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG) from green tea extract is a natural and powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that can support healthy skin. Some super sunburn remedies include:
• CALENDULA CREAM AND ALOE VERA
GEL, which can soothe and repair all types of minor burns. Sunburns heal quickly with topical applications of calendula and/or aloe and will prevent scarring.
• URTICA URENS, HYPERICUM AND
CAUSTICUM – homeopathics all can be taken for sunburn as well.
While it is true that severe burns may lead to skin cancer, moderate exposure to sun promotes formation of vitamin D in the body. Research shows that vitamin D helps with calcium absorption to prevent osteoporosis, and may be protective against multiple sclerosis and other cancers. Plan your sun exposure wisely. Enjoy a safe and healthy summer!
THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IS TO DRESS APPROPRIATELY. WEAR A HAT, BREATHABLE TOP THAT PROVIDES UV PROTECTION AND SUNGLASSES. USE A GOOD QUALITY, NATURAL SUNSCREEN THAT LIMITS ABSORPTION OF BOTH UVA AND UVB.