Be smart about sun protection this summer

It’s one of the most basic tenets in the summertime health handbook: Wear sunscreen.

 

And it’s true: Whether you’re looking to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, or premature aging, avoiding excessive exposure to harmful UV rays is a must. But there are some catches to be aware of where that daily SPF is concerned.

 

If you’re not careful, you may not be getting the sun protection you’re counting on. So today, let’s go over a few exceptions to summer’s golden rule…

 

Higher SPF doesn’t always help

 

Here’s why: Studies have shown that SPF values from 30 to 50 are perfectly adequate for most people. Higher SPF sunscreens, on the other hand, only confer a negligible amount of extra protection—and they are more likely to contain higher levels of questionable chemicals, too.

 

It’s still unclear whether many of the most common active sunscreen ingredients—including oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone—are safe at the levels at which they are currently used. And some have even been identified as potential hormone disrupters.  

 

So ultimately, your best strategy for sun protection is simply to limit your exposure. If you have a long day outside, stay under an umbrella, cover up with hats and loose-fitting clothing, and use a non-toxic sunscreen instead.

 

With all the options to choose from, selecting a product that’s not packed with chemicals may feel like an impossible task. But the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) has made it simpler by compiling a comprehensive guide to the safest sunscreen picks on the market.

 

A little bit goes a long way

 

It’s worth noting that sun exposure does have its benefits, in moderation. And one major benefit in particular: Sunshine is your best source of life-saving vitamin D.

 

As we’ve mentioned here before, research has linked vitamin D deficiency to just about every disease in the book, from heart disease to cancer. Ample stores are also critically important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

 

But here’s the catch: You’d need at least 20 minutes of midday sun exposure over the majority of your skin every day to come anywhere close to meeting your body’s requirements from sunshine alone. 

 

If you have a history of skin cancer, the risks of this daily routine still outweigh the benefits. And between modern office jobs and oppressive summer heat, getting enough sunshine to meet a healthy quota isn’t possible for most people, anyway.

 

That’s why it’s important to monitor your levels and supplement accordingly, even during beach season.  

 

Until next time,

 

The XY Wellness Team