Protecting Yourself From Sunburn
So, the sun is out and we want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The warmth and the bright blue sky are what we have been waiting for but we often forget is how strong the sun becomes on days like this. We also forget to protect ourselves adequately from the harmful rays that can cause sunburn. Our Vancouver Naturopathic Doctors at Broadway Wellness want to remind: – Read the labels!- the same applies when you are buying sunscreen.
A good place to start when finding the best sunscreen is to choose a lotion over a spray, or a powder. Lotions will give you a better distribution of sun protection without inhaling it in the process! Also look for a product that protects against UVA as well as UVB rays. UVB have, until this point, been highlighted as the more harmful but more research is coming through chalking up skin damage and a link to skin cancer with UBA rays as well.
The SPF protection level is also something to be mindful of. Anything less than 15 must carry a warning label and anything about 50 may not in fact be more effective. Some believe that by applying a higher SPF, we don’t need to apply as often. This false notion may contribute to why higher SPF lotions may be pulled from production.
Avoiding unnecessary chemicals and fragrances that will only further irritate the skin is also best. Some known chemicals in sunscreen can actually increase your risk of sunburn for an extended period beyond the initial application- seems counterproductive, no? The New York Times Wellness section posted a great comprehensive article outlining what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to sun protection. The article is located here: The New Rules for Sunscreen.
Summertime brings with it a feeling of happiness and health but there are still outside factors to be conscientious of. Get just enough sun to dose up on Vitamin D and then cover up!
Our clinic in Vancouver, BC is a wellness centre focusing on helping you meet your health goals through Registered Massage Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, and Acupuncture. Broadway Wellness is a friendly and inviting space where your well being is of the utmost importance. All practitioners are currently welcoming new clients, so feel free to contact us with any questions!
– Vancouver Naturopath Article of the Week –