In May, we protect ourselves! - National Sun Awareness Week

May 3 to 9 is Sun Awareness Week across Canada. Throughout the week, the Canadian Dermatology Association is offering FAQ videos, printable resources, and a ton of relevant information on how to stay safe in the sun. You can find it all on their website.

Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays plays a key role in the development of melanoma, a rare but very dangerous and often fatal skin cancer when detected too late.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, cells that produce pigmentation and are found in the outer layer of the skin. In 2019, melanoma ranked as the seventh most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.

In Canada, the overall risk of melanoma is currently 1 in 59. This compares to a risk of 1 in 1,500 for North Americans in the 1930s.

Hence the importance, today more than ever, of protecting your skin from the sun. It is recommended to limit the duration of sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially during midday. In addition to wearing a hat, staying in the shade as much as possible, and always using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

Naturiste suggests…

To protect your skin from the sun... from the inside

Vitamine D3

Take one drop a day to increase the levels of vitamin D in your system, which will help your body produce melanin faster, and thus help protect your skin from the sun.

To protect your skin from the sun... from the outside

Vitamin E oil

Vitamin E has a very interesting role on the skin: it is an excellent anti-aging active ingredient, particularly recommended for dry and mature skin and in after-sun repair products. Mix with your sunscreen and apply before sun exposure for less red, swollen, and dry skin.

Extra 11 plus

Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and free radicals. Extra 11 Plus is a generous combination of 11 of the best antioxidants known to target and "radically" fight free radicals. The active ingredients in this multi-antioxidant act as an impenetrable shield that effectively protects the body against the signs of premature cellular aging. Research shows a strong protective effect of antioxidants against inflammation and skin damage.