Catching some rays? Keep your skin healthy

The actress Doris Day once quipped, “Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children.”

Kidding aside, wrinkles can form on the skin from prolonged UV radiation from the sun and its softening effect on collagen and elastin fibers. Sunburns do lasting harm to our skin, which is the largest organ in the human body and regularly exposed to the elements.

Skin plays a key role in our overall health, standing strong as the first line of defense against harmful bacteria, releasing toxins, regulating body temperature, and cooling us off in the sweltering months of summer.

Overexposure to the sun can create wrinkled, brown, leather-like skin, but it also frequently leads to skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

With plenty of beach days remaining on the calendar, there’s ample opportunity to overdo it under the sun – but also time to do what it takes to keep your skin safe and healthy:

Limit your moments in the sun

We all know that “time flies when you’re having fun” and we don’t always notice how long we’re spending out in the sun. Limiting your time in the sun will avoid sunburn and will also prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. The sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so it’s a good idea to go inside during these times if possible, or at least seek out shady areas under a tree or a beach umbrella.

Slather on that sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied to protect the skin from the sun – before exposure and by re-applying it while you are outside. Most health experts including dermatologists advise using a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of no less than 30. During water activities such as swimming, make sure you’re applying a fresh amount of sunscreen about every hour. Reapplication every two hours is recommended for outdoor activities in general.

Cover up with clothing

Besides sunscreen, covering up with clothing and head gear can help block harmful rays. A wide-brimmed sun hat is ideal for long beach days, while a baseball cap or visor effectively keeps the sun off your face during yardwork or backyard barbecues. Even a long-sleeve shirt will work on hot days if you don a light, white breathable blouse. Don’t forget sunglasses – and be sure to use a UV-blocking style of shades.

Wet your whistle – with water

Staying hydrated in hot, sunny weather is important for all parts of your body. The skin is essential for regulating body temperature, and perspiration provides a cooling effect but also requires replenishing by drinking water regularly. Staying hydrated also helps prevent sunburn.

In the event that you do get a sunburn, it is important to get proper care. The typical pink or red sunburn can be treated with pure aloe vera gel and/or Seven Cream, which contains all natural ingredients including Manuka honey and calendula which soothe and heal the skin without chemicals or preservatives.

For redder, stinging sunburns, place a cool compress on it for relief and ease the discomfort with homeopathic remedies such as Urticaria, Apis and Cantharis. Belladonna can be used for a bad sunburn accompanied by a fever and perspiration. If your burn is severe enough that blisters form on the skin, you should seek medical attention.

John Walczyk is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email john@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.