Sun and UV: protect yourself optimally and enjoy
Vitamin D, a better night's sleep, a good mood … The sun and its health benefits are back! However, when you say sun, you also say health risks. Discover why you need to protect yourself well against the sun and what you can best do to enjoy it safely!
The danger from sun exposure goes much further than just sunburn. To clarify a few things...
- UV radiation promotes the development of skin cancers, such as melanoma.1
- Sun exposure causes wrinkles, sun spots, and less elastic skin. Studies have shown that UV exposure is responsible for 80% of visible skin aging.1,2
- Excessive UV exposure can impair the proper functioning of the immune system and the skin's natural defenses.1,2
The beneficial effects of the sun, beyond a tan!
- One of the most well-known health benefits of the sun is that it activates the production of vitamin D. This vitamin is important for healthy bones, among other things, and supports the immune system. Learn more about vitamin D on our blog.3,4
- Apart from the health benefits of vitamin D, the sun is also good for the heart (lower blood pressure) and protects us against numerous conditions such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Exposure to light can even have a beneficial impact on certain skin conditions such as psoriasis.3,4,5
- Sunlight ensures a better night's sleep and regulates our biological clock.3
- Finally, sunbeams strengthen our sense of well-being. This is good for our mood and helps us feel more relaxed. In short, sun exposure has a positive effect on our mental health for many reasons.3
Some nutritional supplements give your skin a boost thanks to their antioxidant effect
How can you protect yourself well against the sun and UV rays?6
- An effective sunscreen with a high protection factor adapted to your skin type is essential: use at least factor 30, and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/exercising outdoors.
- Don't forget your lips (with a suitable sun balm), your eyes, and your scalp.
- Protect yourself all year round: UV rays reach us even when it is cloudy or cold, and they reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, and snow. Be extra careful when the sun is at its strongest, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Anyone undergoing treatment should be aware of potential side effects due to increased sun sensitivity. This specifically concerns certain types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungals, and blood pressure medication…
- Keep taking care of yourself in other ways too: ensure sufficient hydration, look after your skin… Certain nutritional supplements are recommended during periods when you are often exposed to the sun. They give an extra boost to your immunity and help limit the harmful effects of UV. For example, vitamin C is known for its antioxidant effect. Skin cells contain a high concentration of vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and provides antioxidant protection against the harmful effects of UV.7
Scientific references
Product mentioned in this article
Selenium-ACE+D+ZN
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