The Highlights
- Why some Sun exposure is important for Your health: Ayurveda and Science weigh in
- The Ayurveda Clock: The Best times of the day to be in the sun
- Why Sun Protection is important
- Natural Sunscreen as a win-win healthy sustainable option
- What to keep in mind when choosing a UV protective summer wardrobe
- Cover up with UV protective clothing made in Canada from IZOL UV
- Throw Shade in a good way with Native Northwest
- All things Free Lion for after sun care, hydration and moisturizing
Hello Summer Sun! So good to see you again. I love you Sun, I really do, but every good relationship needs boundaries. Preferably natural and non-toxic ones. I mean it's not that we’re not going to hang out, Sun. It just means that I have to keep some distance and be cool so that I can love both you and me unconditionally, without losing my mind.
Why some Sun exposure is important for Your health: Ayurveda and Science weigh in
Sun exposure has long been a part of Ayurveda healing treatments for a variety of health issues from skin irritation to obesity, arthritis, diabetes, insomnia, depression, heart issues and more.
Our bodies operate on an internal clock, called the the circadian rhythm that regulates physical, mental and behavioural functions and processes over a 24-hour cycle, in alignment with the Sun’s daily passage across the skies from Day to Night. The appearance of the sun at the horizon in the morning tells the hypothalamus brain it time to wake, and equally tells us it’s time to rest when the sun sets. The circadian rhythm influences important functions in the human body, like
- Sleep patterns
- Hormone release
- Appetite and digestion
- Temperature regulation
When its balance is off , it can have a disruptive effect on our overall well being—how we eat, sleep, feel and function throughout the day.
While we have received much warning about the sun and cancer connection, it’s important to not abandon sunbathing altogether. The Sun helps plants grow; and in humans, UVB rays interact with a protein in our skin to produce Vitamin D3. Our bodies us this vital vitamin for:
- supporting healthy bones
- managing calcium levels
- reducing inflammation
- supporting the immune system
- glucose metabolism
And there is more Research that shows a heart health link between spending time in the sun, lower blood pressure levels, and reduced mortality from cardiovascular issues. The Scandinavian scientists behind this study suggest that exposure to sunlight triggers the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides, which cause arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the impact of metabolic syndrome..
According to still other research, increased sun exposure may also protect people from the following diseases:
- type 1 diabetes
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- several forms of cancer, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Sunlight time also supports better sleep and sets people’s circadian rhythms by regulating the levels of serotonin and melatonin.
The Ayurveda Clock: The Best times of the day to be in the Sun
So when is the best time to hang out with the Sun? The Ayurveda Clock divides up the day into 6 segments, based on the sun’s position in the sky and the element that is dominant in those hours. Ayurveda recommends waking before sunrise, between 2am and 6am, when the world is still and at peace, and the dominant element is Vata or Air/ether. It's a time for receptivity and intuitive connection, perfect for meditation, waking dreaming, and manifestation practices.
As the sun rises, you can greet it with Yoga sun salutes, while receiving its waking benefits to your brain, emotions and body. Follow up with some laughing Yoga and you’ll have depression on the run!
The morning begins from 6am-10am, when the dominant elements are Kapha water and earth. The feel is more slow and sluggish which makes it a perfect time for a light breakfast, checking your email and creating your to-do list for the day. Ease into your day if you can. Don’t hit the ground running.
From 10am-2pm, Pitta elements of water and fire dominate. Some ayurveda practitioners recommend getting your Vitamin D time for 15-20 minutes around noon, exposing your skin to the sun for 15-20 minutes every day around noon when the UVB rays are high can help synthesis of vitamin D3 and improve circulation. Once that's done, it’s time to get out of the sun and get some things done. This is the most productive time of the day. The sun is at its peak in the sky, which means your digestive fire is also at its peak. End this period with your largest meal. Back in the day, we’d visit my aunt at lunch time to tuck into a 3 course meal—appetizer, veggie curry and roti, meat curry and rice.
In the afternoon from 2pm-6pm, the high Vata air/ether energy is back, making it a good time to rest from big activity and engage in quieter, playful, lighter endeavours—like being creative or problem-solving, exercising, socializing, binge watching your favourite show, cooking a light meal or having a siesta. Or all of the above!
The next round of Kapha element water and earth goes from 6pm - 10pm. Time to relax and rejuvenate the senses. Have a light dinner, watch the sunset, relax with friends or family, listen to music, take a warm bath and shutdown screens by 9pm and prepare to wind down by 10pm.
The second pitta phase of water and fire element starts at 10pm. Ayurveda suggests that you are sound asleep at this time so that the water and fire of the body’s repair system begins to ignite, and internal cleansing happens. If you are awake during this time, cleansing is disturbed and instead you may feel late-night food cravings, thanks to the peak digestive fire.
I think that the Ayurveda way of honouring and living in alignment with circadian rhythms and natural cycles was so much easier pre-Capitalism, electricity, screens and endless content doom scrolls. I can’t pretend even for a second to follow this schedule faithfully everyday. But I can say that when I get close, I feel more energized, alert, happy and calm.
Why Sun Protection is important
While they are critical for producing Vitamin D in the body, UVB rays can cause health issues if you do not protect your skin properly. UV rays, if they penetrate the deep, inner skin layers, can damage your skin cells, and possibly increase the risk of skin cancer over time. You could experience premature aging or photoaging. Or you could develop sun allergy rashes.
So for these reasons, sun protection is important. Think of it in terms of shading your skin from the sun, as well as keeping it cool and hydrated. Well, how do you do that?
Natural Sunscreen as a win-win, healthy sustainable option
Sunscreen is the recommendation we hear most loudly. According to skincancer.org,
“…clinical studies have never found that everyday sunscreen use leads to vitamin D insufficiency. In fact, the prevailing studies show that people who use sunscreen daily can maintain their vitamin D levels.”
These cited studies are based on SPF-15 sunscreens. Higher SPF’s have not been tested with respect to Vitamin D production. Harvard Health Publishing, a blog from Harvard Medical school goes on to add:
“Sunscreen prevents sunburn by blocking UVB light. Theoretically, that means sunscreen use lowers vitamin D levels. But as a practical matter, very few people put on enough sunscreen to block all UVB light, or they use sunscreen irregularly, so sunscreen's effects on vitamin D might not be that important. An Australian study that's often cited showed no difference in vitamin D between adults randomly assigned to use sunscreen one summer and those assigned a placebo cream.”
After scientists found that toxic chemicals in sunscreen were damaging Ocean life, there was an uptick in people looking for win-win sustainable solutions for all life on this planet. My own experience has shown that me natural is best when it comes to skin care and protection. So, when choosing a sunscreen, go natural. On the whole, natural sunscreen brands do not use ingredients that damage coral or harm Marine life. They are usually cruelty free, too!
I do make a Sun Balm, which contains natural ingredients known for their sun protection and skin soothing properties. I’ve had customers use it, both before and after sun. The reviews have been positive, but I don’t have a specific SPF number to put on it yet. I will have, once it is lab tested. That’s a work in progress. In the meantime, here are some natural sunscreen recommendations with SPF ratings:
Radiant Protection SPF Fluid from Eminence Organic Skin Care
What to keep in mind when choosing a UV protective summer wardrobe
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, your summer wardrobe isn’t just about looking great; it is also about absorbing or blocking harmful UV radiation. Sun protective clothing is one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer. Bonus? You will not have to keep reapplying–unless you like life with many costume changes, of course!
Shirts, hats, shorts, long dresses, skirts, pants--these provide the best shade protection from UV rays. Cover up as much skin as you can without getting uncomfortable. That ideally means from head to toe! But that is not everyone's comfort zone. So just go for as long a sleeve and pant/skirt length as you can tolerate.
Not all fabrics and colours are created equal when it comes to sun protection. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing your summer clothing.
Color: Dark or bright colors absorb UV rays before they reach your skin; light colours do not. They offer less protection than the bold, bright and beautiful hues.
Weave: Tightly woven or knitted but lightweight fabrics are your go-to. cloth, like a denim shirt or jersey knit. The dense weave minimizes the amount of UV light that can pass through to your skin, compared to a lace or a mesh. Hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation is likely to come through easily.
Fiber Type: According REI, owners of Mountain Equipment Co-op, Polyester does an excellent job at disrupting UV light, as does nylon. Wool and silk are moderately effective. Cotton, rayon, flax and hemp fabrics often score low without added treatments. Synthetic or natural fabrics, choose what feels right for you and your skin sensitivities.
Fit: Form fitting garments tend to hold both heat and sweat to your skin. Looser ones can provide some much needed, cooling air flow.
Activity: If your clothing gets stretched or wet, it will lose some of its protective ability and become more transparent, exposing your skin to more UV light.
Have fun with it and don't forget the wide brimmed hat. Choose one that will protect your ears, as well as your head and neck. And sunglasses! Choose large-framed or wraparound sunglasses with UV protective lenses for max sun protection.
IZOL UV, Protective clothing made in Canada
In my wanderings on the net, I ran into IZOL UV, a clothing company based in Montreal that creates stylish UVP clothing. The company was founded by Mahtab Azizsoltani who developed an intolerance to the sun—even with sunscreen. She began to wear cardigans and bulky clothing to protect her skin. In shopping for UV protective clothes, she found sports and activewear, which just didn’t fit her style vibe.
And so IZOL UV was born to offer a more elegant anti-UV clothing collection to those looking to protect themselves from the sun—in style. From their website, “At IZOL UV our goal is simple: to create classic and urban clothing for men and women who care about their health.”
Inspired by Asian women at the beach, covered head to toe by their bathing suits, self-taught clothing designer Azizsoltani decided to use elastane and polyamide, a textile traditionally used for swimwear. “The fabric is tightly woven but also breathable and very light and silky” she says.
The garments are designed using simple lines and refined silhouettes to offer maximum coverage while remaining urban and chic. High-necked shirts, long skirts, dresses, scarves, ponchos, and wide-leg pants can all be found in the IZOL UV wardrobe. All the clothing is designed and manufactured in Quebec.
Throw Shade in a good way with Native Northwest
While you're out and about this summer, look for shade and spend some cooling time under it. Go for a relaxing picnic under a big old grove of trees. Take a book or if you’re with a group, break out some old school card or board games. If you have a canopy, or large umbrella, set it up on the beach or in the back yard.
Or take an umbrella parasol with you. Traditionally, parasols are the personal sun shade of choice in Japan, China and surrounding countries. They still are. In Europe and North America, the parasol had its moment but fell out of fashion in the 1920's as constructions of womanhood and beauty changed and clothing adapted to more active lifestyles.
Cut to today. With the increasing concern about UV radiation, parasols have made a comeback. If you are looking for a fashionable, artisan designed parasol, check out Native Northwest: Art by Indigenous Native Artists. Native Northwest operates on the unceded traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam First Nation) and Coast Salish Peoples.
From their website: “Native Northwest’s story began 40 years ago with a social worker, a rack of postcards, and the vision of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures. The values behind our brand originate with the founding reason for the company: Native arts and cultures, designed by Indigenous artists, built on a foundation of respect and authenticity. We tie authentic designs to bold, new concepts where artists can tell the stories of their communities and cultures through their distinct designs.”
All things Free Lion for after sun care, hydration and moisturizing
After Sun Care—Sun Balm is blended with natural ingredients that offer sun care. That would be Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Red Raspberry Oil and non-nano Zinc Oxide, Calendula Oil and Aloe Vera Gel. Use sparingly—a little goes a long way.
Skin hydration and moisturizing—Body Lotion. This light lotion is made with natural ingredients that soothe, cool, heal and moisturize, like Calendula Flower Tea and Aloe Vera Juice combined with Rice Bran Oil, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E.
Hydrate, cool and replenish your face—A little toner spritz that replenishes your skin. Made with water-attracting Humectants like hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed oat protein, Vitamin Bs and vegetable glycerin that keep your skin cells plump and supple. Botanical teas, hydrosols and extracts refresh, calm, repair, soothe and prepare skin for moisturizing.
Face Chai Hydrating Spritz for Dry Skin.
Face Chai Hydrating Spritz for Normal Skin.
Face Chai Hydrating Spritz for Oily Skin.
Moisturize your face at night time - Ayurveda inspired oil blends carefully formulated to moisturize, reduce inflammation, soothe and calm skin irritation, increase skin resilience with protective antioxidants, reduce redness, maintain skin’s pH balance and protect the skin barrier. Let your skin replenish while you sleep.
Face Chai Facial Oils for Dry Skin
Face Chai Facial Oils for Normal Skin
Face Chai Facial Oils for Oily Skin
Disclosure-The websites in this blog are provided as information only. I am not affiliated with them, nor do I get paid for advertising them. If you buy from them or have tried their products, please let me know how their products worked for you.