SKIN HEALTH

Written By: Kimberly Marshall, FNP-C
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​Heat wave to arrive in San Diego County this weekend. Let's talk about SKIN HEALTH!

Outdoor activities are a boost to mental and physical health. Whether you enjoy playing soccer,
summit hikes, mountain biking, trail running, road racing, or a good run on the beach, being
outdoors can be the boost you need for a great workout.

But are you very careful about protecting yourself during exposure to sunlight?

Take a minute to guess what skin protection a cotton t-shirt gives you..…?
The answer may come as a surprise…​

​A cotton t-shirt offers about 7 SPF and goes down to 3 SPF when wet.

Be skin smart with these tips for protection:

Eat foods that are believed to have be skin healthy:

• Kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts- antioxidant value of suforaphane which is believed to protect the body against UV radiation.
• Orange colored fruits like peaches, apricots, papaya, colored peppers and roots like sweet potatoes and carrots- contain high doses of carotenoids an antioxidant that reduces the effects of UV radiation.
• Watermelon and tomatoes- contains lycopene which after 10-12 weeks of use provide skin protection.
• Salmon and other fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids found in may decreases risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
• Oysters, beef, chicken, tofu, pork, lamb, hemp seeds- high in zinc, considered to be important in skin protection

- Daily 15 SPF sunscreen to entire body. Use makeup that has at least 15 SPF. Reapply (30 SPF or higher) every two hours while outdoors and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.

- Use clean sunscreen options, we like products such as Sun Bum and COOLA, to name a couple!

-Wear UPF clothing over 30 UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

-Use hats, sunglasses with UV protection.

-Seek shade while outdoors and save extended workouts for early morning or late afternoon (after 4pm).

- Anti-inflammatories, retin-A, some antibiotics and other medications increases your sensitivity to the sun- Use extra protection when taking sun sensitive medications. 
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Learn more about skin health at:
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts