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Skin Treatment for the Summer May Involve Using Less Sun Block

04/14/2008

Now that summer’s on its way, many of us are getting our beach gear into shape – new bathing suits and wraps, new towels, beach umbrellas, sand chairs, and the inevitable sun block skin treatment products. However, some experts are questioning the value of sun block, especially in light of new research that revealed the incidence of cancer mortality is lower in those who live in southern latitudes and get more sun. Although generous use of sun block is still unfailingly recommended, a greater understanding of the sun’s benefits may motivate you to make a few changes in your summer skin treatment choices, and get a little more unblocked sun.

How important is sun exposure? Exposure to UV rays is the only way our body can manufacture vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many health problems: depression and mood swings, sleep disturbances, compromised immunity, low energy, fatigue, muscle pain, falls and fractures in the elderly, and 16 different types of cancer. A Norwegian study also found that higher vitamin D levels lower the risk of cancer mortality.

Vitamin D is also used to treat a variety of skin conditions. The success of light therapy on psoriasis, for example, is attributed to the increased exposure to the UV rays that enable the body to produce vitamin D. Studies have also found vitamin D effective in treating eczema and dry skin, and in regulating sebum secretion. Millions of people around the world are using medicines and other skin treatment products to treat these conditions when all the skin treatment they need might be two or three hours a week in the sun.

Not only do we need the sun, a recent Mayo clinic investigation into the increase of skin cancer concluded that sun block warrants further investigation as a possible cause. This may be due to the high levels of toxic chemicals in many sun blocks.

Another study conducted by the University of California found that excessive use of sun block actually increases the production of the harmful compounds sun block is supposed to prevent.

Nevertheless, we definitely don’t want to get burned.

How can you ensure adequate exposure to the sun and, at the same time, prevent sun damage? Your best bet is to get out in the sun for about 30 minutes a day without sun block, preferably not midday when the sun is hottest. You should also look into using natural sunscreens that don’t contain toxic ingredients that increase the risk for skin problems and other health conditions.

When using sun block of any kind, it is also vital to first apply a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer than prevents absorption of harmful chemicals. Shielding lotion is now a widely recommended skin treatment – used by thousands of doctors for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

This summer, do a little research before you slather on the sunscreen as part of your summer skin care treatment routine. As with most things in life, sun block is best used in moderation.

Technorati Tags: skin treatment, skin care treatment, skin care, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, shielding lotion

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