While we all love basking in the sunshine in the summer, it’s crucial to approach sun exposure wisely, especially considering the profound impact it has on our skin and overall health. In this blog, we’ll uncover the secret to using the sun to our advantage, how to protect our skin against damaging UV rays and some of our favorite products and ingredients that can combat skin aging.
Understanding the Summer Skin Challenge
During summer, increased UV exposure can lead to a host of skin issues, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The UV rays penetrate the skin, causing oxidative stress that can degrade collagen and elastin—key components that keep your skin firm and youthful. And the first way we experience wrinkles.
“Healthy” Sunlight
Our bodies are tuned to the natural cycle of day and night, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep patterns, hormone release, eating habits, and other bodily functions. Exposure to full-spectrum light, particularly in the early morning and late evening, can help reinforce our natural circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall health.
Morning light is especially beneficial as it contains higher levels of blue light, which is most effective at resetting our internal clocks. This light signals to your body that it’s time to wake up and start the day. In the evening, as the sun sets, the warmer tones help signal that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. These natural cues are essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and healthy mitochondria-the batteries of our cells.
Making a habit of spending time outside during these periods not only boosts your mood and energy but also provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, crucial for bone health , mental health and immune function.
Dangerous Sunlight
But not all sunlight is created equal. While the early morning and late evening rays offer numerous health benefits, the midday sun can pose significant risks.
During midday (around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the sun emits higher concentrations of UVB (the burn) rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and can contribute significantly to the development of skin cancer. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, are abundant during these hours as well, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of long-term damage.
Here’s how you can protect your skin and health while still enjoying the outdoors.
The Power of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant known for its distinctive red pigment, that occurs in some algae and creates the pink-red color in flamingos, shrimp and salmon. What makes astaxanthin a superhero for skin care is its exceptional ability to quench free radicals and combat oxidative stress. Studies have shown that astaxanthin enhances skin health by reducing inflammation, minimizing skin damage from UV exposure, and improving skin elasticity and moisture levels.
Its antioxidant properties are up to 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, making it a formidable force against the free radicals generated by sun exposure. By integrating astaxanthin into your diet or skincare routine, you’re equipping your skin with the tools to resist sun damage and maintain its health and vitality during the summer.
The Protective Shield of Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a mineral-based compound used extensively in sunscreens as a physical UV filter. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV light, titanium dioxide acts as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause irritation.
Titanium dioxide is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, encompassing broad-spectrum protection essential for comprehensive skin defense. Its stability and gentle nature make it a staple ingredient in sunscreens, particularly for those seeking effective UV protection without the toxic chemical load.
More Daily Practices for Optimal Skin Protection
To make the most of these ingredients and protect your skin this summer, consider the following tips:
- Use a Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen: Choose a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide for effective, broad-spectrum protection. Apply generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Incorporate Antioxidants in Your Diet: Boost your internal sun protection by consuming foods rich in antioxidants and carotenoids. Consider supplements or products with astaxanthin, which can enhance your skin’s resilience against sun-induced damage.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep your skin and body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrated skin is healthier skin and can better manage the stress caused by heat and sun exposure.
- Seek Shade: Reduce direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts can provide additional protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
Our Commitment to Your Skin Health
At Boon For All-Ecco Bella, we understand the importance of skin health, not just for beauty, but for overall well-being. Our products, like the Boon Collagen Reviver and the Plant-Based Liposomal Recharge Day Cream, are designed to nourish and protect your skin from the inside out and outside in.
The Boon Collagen Reviver, available in a delicious Berry Lemonade flavor, features ingredients like astaxanthin that help combat oxidative stress and promote skin elasticity. Find it here: Boon Collagen Reviver.
For external care, our Day Cream not only moisturizes but also helps shield your skin against environmental stressors with titanium dioxide and liposomal technology. Check it out here: Plant-Based Liposomal Recharge Day Cream.
This summer, use these tips and products to keep your skin protected, healthy, and radiant. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in maintaining the health of your skin all season long and all life long!
References
- The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Naoki Ito, Shinobu Seki and Fumitaka Ueda
- Diet-derived and topically applied tocotrienols accumulate in skin and protect the tissue against ultraviolet light-induced oxidative stress. Maret G. Traber, Maurizio Podda, Christine Weber, Jens Thiele, Michalis Rallis, Lester Packer
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