Authored by Dr. Barrett
With summertime right around the corner I want to address some fears about sun exposure. First of all we need sunlight. Sunlight regulates our sleep wake cycle by affecting the melatonin levels in our brain. Sunlight also converts cholesterol into vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays. For people in Minnesota it will take at least 30 minutes of exposure without any SPF to make vitamin D. The more pigment your skin has, the more time it will take to make adequate vitamin D.
Let's address skin cancer fears. Cancer is a big problem and it is only getting worse. Sun is just one piece of the puzzle. When we are exposed to sunlight it can damage the DNA in our skin cells but we have many protective mechanisms in place to make sure that damage either doesn't happen or it is quickly repaired. These mechanisms are fueled by- you guessed it- what we eat. The following is a list of compounds that help prevent DNA damage (not just in your skin cells). Of course there are many more than this short list but it is a starting point.
Despite the fact that we have sunscreen to "protect" us from the sun, skin cancer rates are on the rise. I believe it has more to do with a weakened defense system rather than sun exposure. If you want more information read this article about the rise in skin cancer rates.
Keep in mind sun exposure is part of a healthy lifestyle and like everything else must be done in moderation. If you are going to be exposed for extended periods of time, cover up after 30-60 minutes (depending on skin tone) and/or seek shade.
Skin cancer can form on skin that has not been exposed to the sun! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends doing self exams once per month. When doing self exams learn the ABCD's to properly evaluate your skin. I recommend annual checks by a dermatologist who records your mole sizes and can help monitor your skin health.
With summertime right around the corner I want to address some fears about sun exposure. First of all we need sunlight. Sunlight regulates our sleep wake cycle by affecting the melatonin levels in our brain. Sunlight also converts cholesterol into vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays. For people in Minnesota it will take at least 30 minutes of exposure without any SPF to make vitamin D. The more pigment your skin has, the more time it will take to make adequate vitamin D.
Let's address skin cancer fears. Cancer is a big problem and it is only getting worse. Sun is just one piece of the puzzle. When we are exposed to sunlight it can damage the DNA in our skin cells but we have many protective mechanisms in place to make sure that damage either doesn't happen or it is quickly repaired. These mechanisms are fueled by- you guessed it- what we eat. The following is a list of compounds that help prevent DNA damage (not just in your skin cells). Of course there are many more than this short list but it is a starting point.
- Vitamin C: Berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes
- Folate: dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, beans, peas, lentils, avocado, okra, Brussels sprouts, seeds and nuts
- Carotenoids: especially orange and green vegetables
- Vitamin D: sunlight
- Vitamin E: Broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds
Despite the fact that we have sunscreen to "protect" us from the sun, skin cancer rates are on the rise. I believe it has more to do with a weakened defense system rather than sun exposure. If you want more information read this article about the rise in skin cancer rates.
Keep in mind sun exposure is part of a healthy lifestyle and like everything else must be done in moderation. If you are going to be exposed for extended periods of time, cover up after 30-60 minutes (depending on skin tone) and/or seek shade.
Skin cancer can form on skin that has not been exposed to the sun! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends doing self exams once per month. When doing self exams learn the ABCD's to properly evaluate your skin. I recommend annual checks by a dermatologist who records your mole sizes and can help monitor your skin health.
Accidents happen....
Sometimes accidents happen. You fall asleep in the sun, forget to bring your hat, don't realize your SPF clothing has shifted exposing some skin etc. Try to avoid burns but if you get one, give sunburn tea a try!
After a family member got pretty severe burns from the sun we didn't have any aloe on hand so I got creative and made a sunburn tea. We were very pleased with the results! I made a large pot of tea with bags of the following:
PS- If you are a science nerd like me keep reading- this idea came to me after reading this article about iron's role in sunburn damage. Black tea has tannins which bind iron. The rest of the ingredients were added for soothing and antioxidant action.
After a family member got pretty severe burns from the sun we didn't have any aloe on hand so I got creative and made a sunburn tea. We were very pleased with the results! I made a large pot of tea with bags of the following:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Mint leaves
- Chamomile
- Tzao Passion
PS- If you are a science nerd like me keep reading- this idea came to me after reading this article about iron's role in sunburn damage. Black tea has tannins which bind iron. The rest of the ingredients were added for soothing and antioxidant action.
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