It's the early days of June -- which means that many of us are heading to the beach and enjoying our off time in outdoor settings and scenarios.
When we pitch the idea of protecting your skin against harmful UV damage, we're not telling our readers to avoid the sun at all cost. Actually, there are certain health benefits that sunlight offers human beings.
Sunlight Benefits
Scientists have been aware of the benefits sunlight has on our circadian rhythms for quite some time. When your body gets sunlight, the better it produces melatonin in the evening when you're ready to sleep. It's science!
One of the best and easiest ways to get Vitamin D is by being outside in the sun. However, if you're fair-skinned, you only need to be out in the sun for 15 minutes to get the requisite exposure in order to glean those Vitamin D benefits, which will help strengthen your bones, not to mention strengthen your immune system.
Being out in the sunshine also brightens the mood and reduces depression. A good old fashioned serving of sunshine also helps reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder.
So, we're not trying to be the bad cops here -- we are aware that sunlight is awesome, but it also has its drawbacks.
Ultraviolet Radiation Damages the Skin
According to the American Cancer Society, Ultraviolet Radiation is categorized as a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes about from exposure to the sun as well as man-made sources (like tanning beds and welding torches).
When you get a sunburn, this is easy proof that you've been overexposed to the sun and have experienced UV damage. Exposure to harmful UV rays can cause the following skin problems:
- Premature Aging
- Liver Spots
- Leathery Skin Texture
- Actinic Keratosis
- Solar Elastosis
UV rays have been known to cause people to develop eye problems and even lead to the formation of cataracts.
Skincare Measures to Take This Summer
The CDC has some helpful advice when it comes to protecting yourself from UV radiation. You don't have to stay indoors all day long, but it's a good idea to be out of the sun when its at its most harmful.
10AM to 4PM are generally known as the times when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you can be in a shaded area or opt for morning beach time or take your beach trips later in the afternoon, this will help you avoid experiencing skin damage due to overexposure.
Wear loose clothing that covers as much as your skin as possible. Wear beach-friendly layers that you can shed when the sun is being more forgiving.
Wear big wrap-around sun glasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Accessorize with a large wide-brimmed hat that will protect your head and face from the sun, especially areas like the neck and nose -- areas that take the brunt end of sun exposure.
Gin Amber Products Available
We carry a number of supplemental Gin Amber Beauty products that will help you get the best out of your skin and help you shed years off of your complexion -- even if you've experienced sun damage in the past.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums are available and help bind water and moisturize the deep layers of your skin. Many of our clients report their skin becoming softer and plumper. Hyaluronic acid is very gentle will not burn the skin.
Gin Amber Beauty utilizes plant-based hyaluronic acid rather than using ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a powerful skin irritant that ends up being counterproductive to an effective skincare and beauty routine.
Our Vitamin C Booster (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) will help stimulate collagen production, which benefits the skin in numerous ways. Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) comes in a variety forms, but most of which do contain ascorbic acid. The Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) Gin Amber Beauty uses is bioavailable, which makes our products much more beneficial to the skin -- no drying effect; no burning sensation.