Summer Sun Safety

With summer almost officially here, Natural Standard would like to provide readers with a few summer sun safety tips.

A recent study found that retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid and microdermabrasion products, which are used to minimize wrinkles and improve skin tone, might make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Experts recommend wearing protective clothing and sunblock with a minimum SPF of 15. Individuals are also encouraged to use a sunblock that is specially formulated for the lips.

Herbs and supplements that may make individuals more sensitive to the sun include alfalfa, ambrette, belladonna, bitter orange, cashew, chlorella, chlorophyll, chondroitin sulfate, dong quai, fennel, feverfew, glucosamine, lavender, lime, oak moss, riboflavin, shiitake, St. John's wort and vitamin B6. For more information about the interactions associated with these herbs and supplements, please visit Natural Standard's Interactions Checker.

Integrative therapies studied for sunburn protection include beta-carotene, green tea, lutein, lycopene, pycnogenol and selenium. Beta-carotene, a highly pigmented, fat-soluble compound naturally present in many fruits, grains, oil and vegetables (green plants, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, and green peppers), has the strongest scientific evidence in the prevention of sun damage.

For more information about integrative solutions for sunburns and sunburn protection, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness database.

Comments

[Jen]

It's also important to note that sunblock and sunscreen are the not the same thing. Sunblock is made with metallic substances that reflect the ultraviolet light from the sun, preventing it from penetrating the skin. Sunscreen, on the other hand, acts as a filter, allowing some ultraviolet light to absorb into the skin.

[Laurus nobilis]

I always tear a leaf off of my trusty aloe plant to put onto sunburn.

[Matthew Seamon]

Don't forget your sunglasses, a hat, and proper clothing. Most times the best remedies are the least obvious.

[JMM]

These products may affect people who are conditioned differently, depending on their histories of exposure.

[Nick A.]

Also be aware that the hottest point during the day is not at 12:00. Sun rays take a little time to collect, so it is actually hottest at around 2 or 3 p.m.

[thrasher543]

Is getting a "base tan" from a tanning salon a good way to prevent overexposure to the sun?

[Rachelle Provost]

In response to Thrasher's question, no, getting a base tan from a tanning salon is NOT a good idea. You are exposed to the same harmful rays. Although it is true that the darker the pigment of your skin, the more sun protection you have, this only applies to your natural skin pigment. I.e. African Americans/Native Americans have more protection than people of English/Irish decent. But a tan is the skin telling you - "ouch, I'm damaged from the sun!"

[Cady B]

A sunburn is actually your body reacting to damage to your skin, it's red because your capillaries (smallest kind of blood vessel, that are closest to the surface of the skin) have swelled. The pain is because you've caused the deeper layers of the skin to swell. The best thing you can do to prevent this is to use sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher. But once you hit 30 there is no difference (i.e. no difference between 45 and 65 or between 30 and 65, etc.).

[Woods]

I've heard that applying vinegar to sunburn can help the skin turn tan quicker. Is this true, or is it an old wives tale?

[Leah Cohen]

Has anyone had any luck with natural sunscreens? I have tried some that work, but then some leave a greasy white residue, which I believe is the zinc oxide in the formulation. Any suggestions on good products?

[J.W.]

Coppertone makes a purple sunscreen for kids to help them learn how to apply it evenly on their skin. It sounds like a good idea. Every time I go to the beach I have at least one giant hand print from where I forgot to apply lotion.

[mike]

Watch out for cloudy days! Some people don't believe it is possible to burn on days when the sun is not out. This is not true; nearly 80% of all the sun's UVA and UVB rays penetrate cloud coverage and can lead to sun damage. So next time you are at the beach or out by the pool and the sun is not out, still apply sunscreen and save your skin from burns!

[Diane]

Last month, I read several articles about skin cancer. I cannot emphasize how important it is to apply sunscreen, even if there is no sun. It is important to do a skin cancer screening once a year because you cannot predict if this will happen or not. I always like to be on the safer side.

[Hector]

Question for discussion: I saw a lady the other day putting on baby oil and povidone iodine in a 50/50 mixture. She claims it helps her tan faster and not burn? Wouldn’t the baby oil cause sunburn? And what’s the deal with the iodine?

[Hector]

Is it better to get a base tan before going to Hawaii? I don't want to burn while there, so my friend told me to tan in Boston, then go to Hawaii, and I should be fine! Will it help?

[D. Martin]

Just an FYI... the new, highly effective sunscreen Mexoryl that has been available in Europe is finally available here! The FDA finally got around to approving it for use here. It's sort of pricey, but it provides blockage against UVA and UVB, and it supposedly protects against cancer and wrinkles better than the sunscreens that have been available to us. So it's probably worth it if you are a sun worshipper like me!

[Linnea]

Also, parts of the world that are closer to the equator receive the strongest sunlight. So if you're planning to visit a country like Costa Rica, you should be extra careful to apply sunscreen.

Altitude also affects how much sunlight your body absorbs. The higher the altitude, the thinner the air. For instance, UV exposure is stronger at the top of mountains than in the valleys

[Beth]

certain surfaces reflect more of the sun's rays than others. The ability of these surfaces to reflect light influences how much sunlight the body absorbs. For instance, most natural surfaces, such as soil, grass, and water, reflect less than 10% of ultraviolet light. In contrast, sand reflects 10-25% and fresh snow reflects almost 80%. Therefore, sunburn is most likely to occur when you're at the beach or skiing/snowboarding.

[Charisse]

Sun exposure can also be good for you. (As long as you protect your skin and eyes.) It helps the body absorb vitamin D.

[MV]

Although the minimum SPF recommended is only 15, I think it wise to use the higher SPFs like 45 for complete protection. They do not feel any different, so it is only more beneficial to use them. Wearing sunblock should be the most basic precaution you take for protection against sun damage.

[Emily P.]

Many antibiotics and acne medications make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the chances of sunburn. You should check the ingredients in all medications you are taking before heading to the beach.

[Paul]

One of the biggest things to remember too is the difference between UVA and UVB rays. Currently, the SPF that is listed on bottles only pertains to UVB rays, even though UVA is more associated with skin cancers. It looks like the FDA is finally getting around to some changes, but until then its really important to get a good broad spectrum sunscreen. Zinc oxide is great, as well as avobenzone and the newer Mexoryl. Also, if you are out in the sun for more than a couple of hours, make sure to re-apply! Even if it says it is waterproof and everything, the chemicals break down and lose their sun-screening abilities. It may not wash off, but it just doesn't work after a while.

[Resveratrol]

This we have heard for so many times but we do not get affected so easily by the good things. This is the human tendency. But i would love to add to your knowledge that over-exposure to the sun is so dangerous for your skin that it can cause with skin cancer and also premature aging, which you will never want to experience.

[dino]

To get a beautiful tan and nice, moist skin with no sunburn, try tanning and swimming in the sea water alternately. You'll have beautiful skin that turns brown in a few days without any sunburn.