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.