Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
UnitedHealthcare Ask the Expert Elson Haas Integrative Medicine Expert This viewer asks,
"Are there any natural options for sun protection in the summer?" Well, some of this is common
sense. If you're gonna be out in the sun very long, wear a hat. I am a believer in we need
some sun. It helps us make vitamin D. It helps keep our skin healthy I think. But too much
sun can damage and cause a breakdown in the skin cells. So, I said wearing a hat, but
also there are many natural sunscreens. I'm not a big fan of overuse of chemical-based
sunscreens, but I think it's important that we do have some protection. Our body wants,
and our skin needs, good oils, and good nutrition, and hydration. So, in the summer time in particularly,
you wanna protect yourself from dehydration and make sure you're getting enough water
and fluids. And this helps keep your skin healthy as well. And we also need vitamin
A, and D, and C, which helps support your healthy skin as well. In terms of natural
sunscreens, there are many on the market and they can be used. I tell people that if you're
gonna be out for more than 15 or 30 minutes, unless you have really sensitive skin, you
want some, because if you have sunscreen on, you don't produce as much vitamin D from your
sun exposure. So you do want, to have some natural sun to help support that production
of that important vitamin. Zinc oxide is a common ingredient, which is one of the factors
that helps produce protect the skin. And some people just use straight zinc oxide, which
is a white cream you put on. It looks like you kind of painted your face white, but it
does offer that protection. And key areas under your eyes and your cheeks maybe that's
a good area to do. There's other oils like coconut, and shea butter, and vitamin E oils
that help the body tan and offer some nourishment to the skin and protection. So, in general,
if you wanna naturally protect yourself in the heat of the summer and too much sun, then
cover yourself up, use natural sunscreens, and make sure your body is well hydrated and
well nourished. And those are some of the basic ideas for protecting yourself in the
summer time. UnitedHealthcare