Just about everyone likes to soak up the sun in the summertime but doing so without proper protection can do irreversible damage to your skin and even cause cancer. While you don’t need to spend the warm season indoors, there are steps to take — and actions to avoid — to catch some rays and stay safe. Below are a few tips to consider as a natural remedy against the threat.   

Do:

Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Though most understand the value of wearing protection when it’s sunny out, it’s equally important to apply it when it’s cloudy. On overcast days, ultraviolet (UV) rays—which are the dangerous ones—still reach and affect your skin. No matter the weather, make it a habit to adhere sunscreen and use at least a 30 SPF. 

Eat a balanced diet. 

Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and antioxidants are the best natural remedy against the free radicals that cause skin cancer. Orange colored options, high in beta carotene—like carrots, squash, and apricots—are especially beneficial to that end, as they also boost the immune system. 

Don’t:

Go tanning. 

Whether you lay out on the beach or use a tanning bed, tans are caused by UV radiation and imply skin cell damage. Moreover, if you’re not careful, just one severe sunburn that blisters increases the risk of cancer, so limit direct exposure and apply sunscreen whenever you go out. 

Neglect sensitive areas. 

When applying sunscreen, it’s easy to skip over areas that are vital to protect. The delicate skin around the neck, ears, nose, and eyes is highly vulnerable to damage from the sun and forgetting to coat these areas can lead to wrinkles or worse. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses designed to withstand most UVA and UVB light. Apply ChapStick® with SPF as well, since the lips are also susceptible to sunburn. 

If you are looking for a natural remedy or more advice on how to stay safe, turn to the Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine in Anchorage, AK. The team specializes in natural health care and offers personalized services to meet each patient’s specific needs. Their services include acupuncture and naturopathic medicine when you require a natural remedy to boost your body’s defenses against illness or chronic pain. Reach out through the website or call (907) 563-2366 today to schedule an appointment.