Nothing says summer like a day at the beach soaking up the sun. But too much sun can lead to long-term skin damage. So how can we still enjoy those lazy summer days without trading our bikini for a burka?
Dr. Kenneth Beer, a certified dermatologist and NewsmaxHealth.com contributor, offers tips about the importance of skin safety during the summer months.
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“Protecting the skin has become far more complicated because there are now many different ingredients in sunscreens,” he says.
These new variables make sun exposure in moderation even more important, Beer says. When choosing a sunscreen, look for one with both UVA and UVB protection and apply 20 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun to avoid getting burned.
Limiting sun exposure is the key to avoiding skin cancer. This preventable cancer is marked by irregular moles including those that are scaly, bleed, or won’t heal.
Beer saysthat the “best investment in your skin that you can make” is to watch out for these curious moles by self-examining head-to-toe each month, and then consulting a board certified dermatologist annually.
Also harmful to your overall skin health are fad and binge diets. These popular “quick fixes” rob your skin of certain essential minerals and amino acids.
Beer recommends creating variety in your diet while avoiding refined foods. This should include organic meats, milk, and vegetables, which don’t have additives, antibiotics, or hormones. Beer also suggests including antioxidant rich berries: raspberry, blueberry, acai, and gogi. All of these ingredients contribute to an overall-skin friendly diet.