How to get the summer skin you’ve always wanted – minus the sun damage

Aug 02, 2023

Your 10-minute guide to getting sun-kissed this holiday while keeping your glowing summer skin

There’s no doubt about it – the sun; and UV rays in particular, have been given a bad rap. We know that spending too much time in the sun can have a negative impact on the skin. The dehydration caused by prolonged sun exposure together with excess impact of UVB, can lead to the premature onset of fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots. And of course, no one wants that. But apart from its resplendent beauty, there’s something very good about the sun – vitamin D. Catching some healthy sunshine, (especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon) can have immensely positive benefits, not only for your physical health but also for your mood and mental health. Let’s look at what some of these benefits are:

1.Better immunity – here we come!

Vitamin D plays a significant role in supporting a robust immune system. It helps regulate immune responses, reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and infections. Adequate vitamin D levels may also help combat respiratory illnesses.

2. Benefits for future moms

Adequate vitamin D during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother and the developing baby. It aids in proper fetal bone formation, reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Maternal vitamin D levels may also influence the child's long-term health.

3. Reduced inflammation

Vitamin D possesses anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall wellness. Sufficient levels can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

4.Time to catch some zzzzzs

Exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning, helps regulate the body's internal clock and sleep-wake cycle. Getting adequate sunlight exposure during the day can promote better sleep quality and help combat insomnia. Overall, a well-regulated circadian rhythm promotes better sleep quality, ensuring that we wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Lack of sunlight exposure during the day can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

5. Chronic diseases – no thanks!

Research suggests that sufficient levels of vitamin D can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. It also aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, regulating insulin secretion, and preventing cellular damage.

6. You can feel it in your bones

Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption and utilization, promoting strong and healthy bones. It helps prevent conditions like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults, ensuring optimal skeletal development and maintenance.

7.Goodbye excess stress

Sunlight exposure can help reduce stress levels. Spending time outdoors, basking in the warmth of the sun, can create a sense of calmness and relaxation. Sunlight stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural stress fighters, which help alleviate tension and promote a sense of tranquility.

8. Reduced Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically fall and winter when sunlight is scarce. Lack of sunlight during these seasons can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and increased appetite. Sunlight exposure, particularly in the morning, can help alleviate SAD symptoms by regulating the body's circadian rhythm and increasing serotonin production.

9. Benefits for your brain

Sunlight exposure has been linked to improved cognitive function. Studies have shown that natural light can enhance memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. Spending time in the sun can boost productivity, focus, and creativity, making it a valuable tool for students, professionals, and anyone looking to optimize their mental performance.

10. The thumbs up from Dr Spiezia

We asked Inlight Beauty founder, Dr Mariano Spiezia to weigh in on why some sun may be just what the doctor ordered: As he explains:

“Solar light and UV rays stimulate many beneficial functions in our bodies, such as the production of serotonin (the hormone of well-being and euphoria commonly known as ‘hormone of happiness’) with the consequent improvement of mood; the production of Vitamin D in its active form D3 with its ability to influence the absorption of calcium and the health of our bones; the indirectly beneficial effect on the immune system’s reactions; the influence on the circadian rhythms of sleep; helping to keep the skin free from infection – to name a few.

The sun also stimulates circulation thus improving the peripheral diffusion of oxygen, promotes the formation of red blood cells (hematopoiesis), improves physical and mental performance and contributes to the removal of internal waste through increased perspiration (emunctory effect).”

Of course, to enjoy the sun safely we do recommend applying a natural SPF of at least 30+ daily under your make up/skin care.

Feeling ready and excited to get sun-kissed this holiday season? Go for it! Just remember to take special care of your skin. It is after all, your body’s largest organ, so keeping it feeling healthy and supple should always be a priority.

The optimal word is moisture, moisture, moisture. And luckily, we’ve got just the thing…

Presenting the Inlight Beauty Body Oil with Arnica

Fast facts:

What is it? A 100% organic, deeply warming, soothing body oil with a complex of plant and astringent herb extracts to relax, rejuvenate and promote suppleness and elasticity and leave your skin with a lustrous, silky sheen.
What’s in it? Some of the star ingredients in this botanical beauty invention include arnica, witch hazel, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil.
Who can use it? The oil is suitable for all skin types including sensitive or prone to rash.

And, for your face, we’ve got the Inlight Beauty Face Oil, which happens to be one of Dr Spiezia’s favourites in our natural skincare range. Our face oil consists of a light, hydrating and intensely nourishing blend of botanical oils for daily moisturising with delicate hints of rose and vanilla. Formulated to stimulate skin cell renewal in the most natural way.

Here’s how to use it:

Let’s be honest. In a world that has most of us spending excess amounts of hours in front of our screens, getting outdoors has become increasingly difficult. Taking a hike or a short stroll, having a splash in the pool or the ocean or even visiting an outdoor venue, are things that everyone could benefit from. Sometimes fitting these kinds of activities into our busy schedules however, may feel like a bit of a stretch. But if we reframe it as being part of much-needed self-care, it may be a bit easier to wrap our heads around.

It also must be said however, that spending time outdoors doesn’t always have to be in the form of an almighty adventure. Sometimes, it’s about the simple things.

To inspire you, here are 6 easy, more unconventional things that you can do to add some sunshine to your calendar:

Geocaching: Combine outdoor exploration with a modern-day treasure hunt by participating in geocaching. Using GPS coordinates, search for hidden caches in parks, forests, and urban areas. It's a fun and interactive way to discover new places while enjoying the sunshine.

Outdoor yoga or meditation: Take your yoga or meditation practice outside. Find a serene spot in nature, such as a park or beach, and embrace the calming ambiance while connecting with your body and mind. Enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings as you find balance and inner peace.

Outdoor art: Unleash your creativity and indulge in outdoor art activities. Set up an easel in a scenic location and paint or draw the landscape. Use sidewalk chalk to create colorful masterpieces or engage in natural art by arranging leaves, flowers, and stones into beautiful patterns.

Garden picnic: Instead of the usual park picnic, do it in your own garden or balcony. Get creative with your food choices and enjoy a meal in a unique setting.

Nature photography: Embark on a photography expedition in natural surroundings. Capture the beauty of landscapes, wildlife, or even macro shots of flowers and insects. Explore different angles, lighting, and compositions while immersing yourself in the wonders of nature.

Forest bathing: Immerse yourself in nature and practice the Japanese concept of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku. Slowly walk through a forest, absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells of the surroundings. This mindful practice promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a deep connection with nature.

Have a fun suggestion on how to get more sunshine while looking after your summer skin? We’d love to hear it and connect with you on social media. Give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram.

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