A prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to wrinkles. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer.
The sun produces many kinds of rays, but we are concerned in particular with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB rays are the ones that stimulate the production of vitamin D which is actually good for us. UVA are seen as the main risk factor in causing skin cancer. Experts say it is best to expose ourselves to the sun until the skin gets a slight shade of pink. Vitamin D production also occurs in this interval. Of course it depends on skin color too. After this period, the body no longer produces vitamin D, the maximum of one day being reached. After the skin gets this color it is advisable to stop direct exposure to the sun because of the risk of severe burns. Most common sunscreens protect only against UVB rays, which is nonsense considering that they are responsible for producing vitamin D.
UVB rays reach their maximum strength at noon and filter quite easily if it is cloudy. Unfortunately, the same thing doesn’t happen with the UVA which are burning even if the weather is cloudy. UVB don’t have power in the evening unlike the UVA.
The best thing you can do is to use a natural sunscreen which acts like a mirror and reflects the sun rays and to limit the exposure during the hours when the sun has maximum power.
Here is a homemade sunscreen recipe.
You Will Need:
- 1 oz emuslifying oilve wax
- 8 oz sweet almond oil
- 2-7 tbsp zinc oxide powder
- 30 drops lavender essential oil
Directions:
1. Add the wax to a glass jar.
2. Melt the wax over low heat.
3. Add the sweet almond oil and stir well.
4. Pour the lavender oil and mix again.
5. Add the zinc oxide (the more you use, the higher the SPF – starting from 20-25) and make sure it is evenly distributed.
6. Reapply often, especially after taking a bath.
