The sun is a real health booster and it gives quite a few health benefits. But it is of course important to know how and when you expose your skin to the sun and which natural remedies you can best use when your skin needs some extra protection.
June 21 is the day of the summer solstice. This is the planetary moment when the tilt of the Earth reaches its peak. This is the longest day of the year with the most sun.
So hopefully you have been able to enjoy the sun, because sunlight is a real health booster. After all, light is the basis for all life on earth. Not only for animals and plants, but also for us humans. Sunlight ensures that the mitochondria (energy factories) in your body cells are charged. This makes you feel much more energetic in the summer. Sunlight = (life) energy
Health benefits
In addition to the fact that sunlight is a huge energy booster, exposing your skin to sunlight has a number of other health benefits:
- It causes an increase in the release of serotonin, also called the happiness hormone
- sunlight stimulates the immune system
- it ensures the production of vitamin D by your own body
So there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the sun and expose your skin to the sun. Butrr.. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours baking with your white winter body in the heat of the day somewhere close to the equator. No, your skin needs to slowly get used to the sun. So make sure that you are outside a lot from the first rays of sunshine in the spring (this has more health benefits, by the way). It is not the sun that causes problems, but the way we deal with them.
Protection from within
In addition to the fact that you have to let your skin get used to the sun very quietly, you can also support your skin from the inside. For example, foods with antioxidants reduce the risk of burning (preferably choose organic). Examples include:
- vegetables and especially the brightly colored varieties
- fruits, and although all fruits contain antioxidants forest fruits, red fruits and avocados contain a good dose of antioxidants
- herbs (both fresh and dried) and sprouts
- nuts, especially walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and pecans.
- dark chocolate (juuujjjh)
- kernels and seeds
It is also wise to avoid some foods as much as possible. Like rancid fats, which oxidize faster in heat. Think, for example, of sunflower oil, margarine and trans fats. Then choose coconut oil, avocado, nuts, etc.
Natural sun protection
To nourish your skin during sunbathing, you can rub yourself with shea butter. Do you still want to use a sunscreen for extra protection at times (I do too) or for the children? Then choose a natural sunscreen with mineral filters , which remain on your skin and reflect the UV light.
You can read all about the difference between sunscreen with a chemical or a mineral filter here .
Would you like to know more about how you can organize your life more sustainably? How can you become more conscious in life and make better choices for yourself and the world around you? Request the free Glow Guide here. The ultimate guide to start shining from within. With a conscious, sustainable and low-tox lifestyle.
