Sun protection should go hand in hand with moisturizing. Most mosturizers already have some level of sun protection. However, relying on these moisturizers on days when our sun exposure will be high is not enough. The sun’s rays will make our skin thicker, darker, dryer, and more prone to irritation. It can even affect our immune system. However, we don’t want to avoid the sun completely. The sun is our major source for vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D may influence in the development of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowl disease, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (Heller et al. 2007). A light tan will maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.
Sunscreens help protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the best way to naturally protect our skin from the sun. Use them alone or add them to your moisturizer. The only down side of these minerals is that they leave a white film on your skin…. not pretty.
So remember, get some sun, it’s good for you, but remember to protect your skin. Use a product with a minimum of 30 SPF.
