When it comes to our health, not only is it important to check your eyes for problems, but it's also necessary to be mindful of your skin's well-being. The eye-care experts at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates care deeply about your overall health. Not only is this team the best in their field, but they also offer excellent preventative nutritional counseling, and they are knowledgable about protecting your skin from the Hawaiian sun. If you are looking for an eye doctor in Aiea, the team at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates will take care of you. Below, these eye-care professionals talk about how to care for your skin in the Hawaiian heat:

• How hot is the Hawaiian sun and what does that mean for my skin? Hawaii's islands stay warm because of the state's close proximity to the Equator. Did you know that because Hawaii has extremely clear air in its atmosphere, three-fourths of solar energy can penetrate to sea level on a clear day? The sun can be extremely intense on these days. At sea level, Hawaii rarely gets above 90°F; however, don't let that number fool you—the sun here can be very powerful. What does this mean for your skin? It means that your skin needs protection. Besides the traditional SPF (always use 15 or higher), covering your skin with light clothes at peak daylight hours can help tremendously. 
• How can I prevent skin cancer? We all know that sunscreen is essential when it comes to protecting your skin. For best results, apply sunscreen every two hours, and make sure you apply the first coat at least 30 minutes before you head outside. Monthly, examine your skin from head to toe for any new or changing lesions. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and by doing this 10-minute exam, you can catch the start of cancer before it gets worse. 

• Can my diet protect my skin? The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Recent research studies the Mediterranean people and their diet, as they are less likely to get skin cancer than Americans. A Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants, which help protect against cellular damage caused by harmful UV radiation. In an Italian study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, a diet rich in olive oil, fish, and herbs can reduce your risk of getting melanoma by 50%! Pomegranates, sweet potatoes, and blueberries are also rich in antioxidants. When it comes to superfoods, with a bit of research you can find many! 
• Are there any other natural ways I can protect my skin? If you are suffering from sunburn, aloe is an excellent way to heal your skin. Also, MDSolarSciences makes a powerful tinted sunscreen. When you use this product, your skin will glow and you will be protecting this very precious organ! 

When it comes to health, the best eye doctors at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates care deeply about protecting your skin against the Hawaiian sun. To learn more about the optometry and preventative nutritional services at  Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates, visit them online, on Facebook, or call (808) 487-5500 today!