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SHOW YOUR GLOW

Spring is here with its sunshine, warm weather and new life.  For most people, this change of season brings on a cheerful disposition. Warm weather is more pleasant, the colours are more vibrant around this time, and people have more motivation to be active. This increase in activity releases endorphins which contribute to our mood change. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that warmer weather and sunshine does have a significant, positive affect on mood.

Perhaps the reason for the significant change in mood during the warmer seasons is that the warm weather encourages people to eat healthier, be more active and go outside, causing greater exposure to light.  In addition to the positive mental effects of sunlight, there are many other benefits to the natural light therapy of the sun. 

Light therapy has been proven in various studies to assist in treating skin conditions such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis and eczema. Yes, “SMART” exposure to the sun can have positive effects. Katharine Tallmadge, a Washington, DC, dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, suggests that most people can get the US Department of Agriculture’s recommended 400 daily international units (IU) of vitamin D by spending 30-60 minutes outside per day before 10 AM and after 4 PM.

According to the US Health  National Cancer Institute, a certain amount of exposure to sunlight actually may reduce the risk of some more common types of cancer. The key could lie in the amount of UVB light the skin absorbs-enough to stimulate healthy, vitamin D-linked immune response in the skin, but not so much that it boosts skin cancer risk and other inflammatory conditions.

Although there are proven benefits of sun exposure, the other side of the coin on this matter is serious and it is important to remember that melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), one American dies every hour from it. 

The AAD recommends that everyone practice a smart sun protection program, including avoiding outdoor activities between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at LEAST 15 - reapplying EVERY two hours, and wearing sun protective clothing.

The best sunscreens have their main constituents being natural minerals and chemical barriers as their secondary.  Suncreens with chemical barriers have proven to be sensitizing to the skin. If you already have sensitve skin, we suggest pure mineral, titanium and/or zince, sunscreen accompanied by powerful antioxidants and free radical protection. Always apply sunscreen before your hydration lotion and/or cream.

Make up products that have SPF may support some protection, but we do not recommend them unless the SPF is a mineral. Chemical ingredients in a make up products can irritate the skin. This is mostly true for the most exposed and delicate areas of the body such as the face, hands and decollete. Remember, you need to reapply SPF every two hours for true UV protection.

If you have any questions regarding this information or are interested in our product recommendations, , please contact Skin Fitness and one of our Wellness Advocates would be happy to speak with you. Contact Us if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Skin Fitness
Wellness Center & Day Spa

Skin Fitness is located at 715 South Point Blvd., Suite G, Petaluma, CA, 94954, next to the Petaluma DMV.  For more details, please visit Skin Fitness Wellness Center Day Spa Community Page.

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