Sunbathing is an integral and much loved part of most people's holiday but recent



reports of over exposure to the sun causing skin cancer have

made many people wary of spending too much time in the sun. However

paradoxically the over use of sun screens can actually have health problems in itself

and under exposure to the sun can also be detrimental to our well being.

Too much high factor sun block can delay sunburn, which is of course an important reminder that

you have had too much sun, and in addition it can block the

bodies manufacture of vitamin D which in itself helps to protect

us from skin, breast and prostate cancer and is invaluable for boosting the immune

system in general. Vitamin D also offers us protection against osteoporosis

and sunlight can, believe it or not, play a part in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Another danger with using sunscreen is due to the fact that they tend

to only screen the UVB rays which cause the sunburn and not the UVA

ones which actually inflict the cancer causing damage. Therefore people

mistakenly feel protected but in fact end up putting themselves at great risk

as is evidenced by the continued growth in malignant melanoma, skin

cancer, despite increased use of sunblock creams

It is important therefore that we shouldn't all get a sun phobia as it does plays a vital

part in both our physical and mental welfare and a certain amount of time

spent in the sun will do us alot more good than harm.

As mentioned sunlight is important for the production of vitamin D, it also

plays a role in the production of melatonin which controls our sleep

patterns amongst other things, so a lack of sunlight can lead to insomnia.

Melatonin also plays an important part in building a healthy immune system

and can help protect against cancer.Serotonin, the good mood hormone, is

likewise produced in the body in the presence of sunlight.

Sunlight deprivation can also lead to Seasonal Effective Disorder which

leaves you feeling fatigued and depressed. We all know how a sunny day

lifts our spirits and makes you feel all is right with the world but it

is important to be sensible in our exposure to it.

So in order to be able to enjoy the sun when on holiday follow these

practical guidelines to safe sunbathing:-

1, Avoid exposure during the midday hours and don't stay in it for too

long if it is very fierce.

2, Choose a sun cream with added vitamins and minerals, apply it 30-60 minutes

before exposure and re-apply often. Added nutrients which have been found to be

of particular benefit are vitamins C and E along with the minerals selenium

and zinc.

3, Take supplements such as vitamins C,D,E and Beta-carotene and the minerals

selenium,calcium and zinc.These will give your sunscreen a boost and help

to prevent skin damage.

4, Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg.

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavenoids and carotenoids, all of which are

essential for a healthy skin and are good healing agents too.

5, Drink green tea, this has recently been found to be

of benefit to prevent burning if drunk whilst sunbathing, it can

also be soothing if applied topically to sunburn.

If after all your efforts at safe sunbathing you still end up sun burnt

here are a few natural remedies that may help:-

1, Aloe Vera, this has a lovely cooling effect on the skin and

is good to apply every time you come out of the sun.

2, Lavender Oil, mix a few drops of lavender oil with almond,

wheatgerm or sunflower oil, it is good for the relieve of sunburn along

with other minor burns and scolds.

3, Calandula is another herbal remedy that helps to reduce inflammation

and is very soothing to sunburnt skin.

4, Baking Powder is an old household remedy that can help to sooth

sunburn.Dissolve a 16oz. box in a lukewarm bath and soak for half an

hour. Alternatively you can mix to a thick paste and add topically.

Be sensible, enjoy the sun for your mental and physical health but

at the same time adopt these safe sunbathing tips.