Sunshine… Friend or Foe?

SUNSHINE, FRIEND OR FOE?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself… what did humans do before we had sunscreen?  What happened to all those generations who lived in the sun all the time without slathering sunscreen all over themselves before they went out to hunt the buffalo?  I think the worst they could expect is possibly a serious sunburn.  Gradual exposure to the sun is best. Start with 5 to 10 minutes a day and increase the amount of time every few days.

Our skin produces vitamin D from the suns UVB rays.  SPF 8 sunscreen blocks 95% of UVB rays but does not block the UVA rays which some studies have shown may cause melanoma skin cancer. After the skin starts turning pink it no longer produces vitamin D. It is not possible to overdose on vitamin D from the sun. It is possible however, to suffer greatly from a lack of vitamin D in our bodies.  Those who live in areas that do not get much sunshine often find themselves battling depression and other physical ailments that could be avoided with a good dose of sunshine.

When it is necessary for skin to wear sunscreen due to the inability to tan (which is your best protection by the way), consider using natural sunscreens which use minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as a barrier on the skin. Be aware that some of the ingredients in over the counter sunscreens have been known to be carcinogens.

Enjoy the sun!  Walk barefoot in the grass, drink lots of herbal tea and bask in summer. If by chance, you happen to get sunburned here are some natural remedies to help soothe the burning skin.

1. Aloe Vera Gel, (put it in the refrigerator and keep it nice and cool)
2. Use a fomentation of tea made with comfrey and calendula and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to each cup of tea. The ACV will take the burn out nicely.
3. Apply a thin layer of our Soother ointment
4. If your burn is severe, apply a paste made with equal parts of wheat germ oil, raw liquid honey, and comfrey leaf or root powder.
5. Crooked House Herbals carries a hand and body lotion in our Smooth as Silk line that has aloe vera and other soothing herbal oils within.  Give it a Try!

It has been noted, that when people change their diet to a plant based diet abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables, they didn’t experience sunburn as much as they did before. HAVE SOME FUN IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER!!