SUMMER SUN AND SKIN LIGHTENING. ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR SKIN.

Everybody knows to avoid the sun, like the plague, when on a skin lightening regimen, because it’s counter-productive to your skin lightening goals.

Excessive sunlight exposure can cause sun spots, sun-burns, blotches and skin discolorations. Skin lightening products that contain alpha hydroxyl acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, as well. But, do not let that stop you from enjoying the summer weather; go out for a walk, play with your pets, go to the beach/go swimming, play your favorite sports. Bask just a teeny weeny bit, in the glory of the sun.

In fact, a little bit of sun light is an excellent source of vitamin D, which confers a host of protective benefits. Like all organs, the skin needs vitamins to function, properly and vitamin D is one of them.

Vitamin D is sometimes called the “Sunshine Vitamin”, because it is produced in your skin, in response to sunlight. Vitamin D has many vital functions. One of the most important functions involves the regulation and absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system functions.

Adequate amount of sunshine vitamin is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth; insufficient vitamin D increases ones risk of developing osteomalacia (soft bones) or osteoporosis (fragile bones). In addition to vitamin D’s primary effects, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in reducing heart disease, multiple sclerosis and the likelihood of developing the flu.

The best time to get vitamin D rich sunlight is mid-day, for about 10-15mins, 3-4 times a week.

Other sources of vitamin D include: Fatty fish (such as tuna, salmon & mackerel), shrimp, beef liver, cheese, egg yolk, milk (fortified), cereal (fortified), yogurt (fortified), orange juice (fortified) and vitamin D supplements.

             Besides, Vitamin D boosting benefits, sunlight has other hidden benefits, like protection against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system.

In conclusion, sunlight exposure should be in moderation. When outdoors, especially during hot summer sunlight, wear sunscreens, loose protective clothing, hats and sun-glasses. But, do not use skin lighteners in direct sun light.