With summer in full swing, it’s tempting to head outside and soak up the sun. Lounging poolside may be a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood (and even get some vitamin D). But as we know, the sun can also pose significant risks to our skin.
The good news is that you can enjoy the summer sun while also protecting your skin and safeguarding your well-being. After all, sun care is not just a matter of protection but an act of self-care.
Let’s explore why summer sun protection is so necessary, as well as some simple ways to create a healthy skincare routine for this season.
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Beyond Burns: The Dangers of Unprotected Sun Exposure 
When you think of protecting your skin from the sun, you likely think of using sunscreen to prevent sunburns. But, sun exposure doesn’t have to be as serious as a burn to cause damage. Sun exposure – even at low levels – is the main cause of skin aging. And, more than 90% of skin cancers are caused by unprotected sun exposure.
That’s why protecting your skin in summer (or any extended period of time in the sun) is crucial for not just your skin health, but your overall health and well-being.
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Sun Care is Self-Care: The Benefits of Sun-Healthy Habits 
- Protection Against Harmful UV Rays
When the sun’s rays touch our skin, they bring along ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are sneaky troublemakers that come in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and even long-term damage like DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for those dreaded sunburns and play a major role in the development of skin cancer. Protecting your skin means shielding it from the harmful effects of these rays, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant complexion. - Lower Risk of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is an alarming global concern, and excessive sun exposure is one of its primary causes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Here’s the silver lining: most skin cancers are preventable! By adopting proper sun protection measures, you significantly reduce your risk and create a powerful defense for your skin against this potentially life-threatening condition. - Reduced Uneven Skin Tone and Dark Spots
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Seeing spots? Excessive sun exposure can trigger an overproduction of melanin, causing unwanted hyper-pigmentation, sunspots, and an uneven skin tone. These unwelcome companions can mar your complexion and make you look older than you truly are. By taking the necessary steps to protect your skin from the sun, you ensure a more even, radiant, and balanced skin tone.
- Lasting Youthful Radiance
We all love the sun-kissed glow that summer brings, but prolonged sun exposure can speed up the aging process, leading to dull, dehydrated, and damaged skin. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By prioritizing sun care, you can retain that youthful radiance for longer, keeping your skin supple, smooth, and healthy.
6 Habits that Keep Your Skin Safe While Enjoying the Summer Sun
From younger-looking skin to skin cancer prevention, it’s clear why protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is an essential aspect of self-care. So, how can you protect your skin while still enjoying the sunny summer?
1. Find a high-quality sunscreen and reapply often.
Let’s face it, wearing sunscreen is not the most enjoyable part of summer. It can be sticky or greasy and often interferes with your makeup or other skin care products. But, not all sunscreens are created equal! The good news is that there are many sunscreen products out there that feel nice on your skin and still offer powerful protection. Here are some key factors to consider when seeking out a sunscreen that meets the mark:
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- Sun Protection Factor (SPF): Look for a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so regular reapplication is crucial.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure that the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Reef-Safe and Environmentally Friendly: If you’ll be swimming in natural bodies of water, consider opting for reef-safe sunscreens that are formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals have been found to harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. By choosing reef-safe options, you can protect both your skin and the environment.
- Non-Toxic Formulations: Look for products that are free from potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, seek out sunscreens with natural and gentle ingredients that are suitable for your skin type.
- Water-Resistant Formulation: Water-resistant formulations adhere better to the skin and provide protection even when exposed to water or sweat.
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
2. Seek shade during peak hours.
When the sun is at its strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., it’s best to stay in the shade. While it may be tempting to bask in the sunlight, taking breaks in the shade can provide your skin with a restorative respite from direct UV exposure. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park or lounging by the pool, setting up under an umbrella or finding a shady spot under a tree can significantly reduce your skin’s exposure to harmful rays.
3. Don’t forget your lips, eyes, and ears.
While we often prioritize protecting our skin, it’s important not to neglect our lips and eyes, which are equally susceptible to sun damage. Invest in a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from UV radiation. Additionally, donning a wide-brimmed hat and wearing sunglasses with UV protection can safeguard your eyes, ears, and the delicate skin surrounding them.
4. Soothe and nourish your skin post-sun exposure. 
Even with the best sun protection measures in place, it’s essential to provide your skin with post-sun care. After a day out in the sun, treat your skin to some much-deserved pampering. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers to wash away any impurities and sweat. Follow up with a soothing moisturizer enriched with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to replenish and nourish your skin. Additionally, consider incorporating after-sun products that contain aloe vera or chamomile to calm and soothe any potential sunburn or irritation.
5. Stay hydrated – even when you’re not outside.
Proper hydration is essential for protecting your skin during the summer – it’s a way to protect your skin from the inside out!
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Hydrating regularly helps maintain the skin’s barrier function, promoting elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It also aids in detoxification, cooling the body, and delivering essential nutrients to the skin. By staying hydrated through drinking water and consuming hydrating foods, you can fortify your skin’s defenses, reduce oxidative damage, and achieve a healthier and more vibrant complexion this summer.
If you struggle to get eight (or more) cups of water per day or are already feeling the effects of dehydration, IV hydration therapy can help. IV hydration therapy is the quickest and most effective way to nourish your body on a cellular level and reverse the effects of dehydration.
6. Nourish with skin-healthy foods. 
Eating a healthy diet rich in skin-supporting vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy summer skin and fighting UV damage. Key vitamins like C and E, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, almonds, and spinach, provide antioxidant protection and aid in skin repair.
Beta-carotene in foods like sweet potatoes and carrots promotes a healthy glow, while omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish and seeds support skin barrier function. Including antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and hydrating water-rich foods like watermelon helps protect against UV damage and keep the skin vibrant.
Need extra help getting the nutrients you need? At Moringa Natural Health Center, we offer both intravenous nutrients and intramuscular vitamin injections to help you restore your health faster, and enjoy longer-lasting results.
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Your Healthy Summer Starts at Moringa Natural Health Center
Fun in the sun is what makes summer so special. With these tips and personalized holistic health treatments, you can enjoy the sun while staying healthy and safe, too.
Whether you’re looking for an expert-approved self-care plan or want to address a key health concern once and for all, the team at Moringa Natural Health Center is here to help. Request an appointment to get started today!
Much love,
Dr. Lena Fernandez
PS: Our online store went live! You can place your supplement orders directly with us now: http://shop.moringanaturalhealth.com