It has been unseasonably warm here in Salt Lake. Last year, it snowed on May 29th. This year, it is sunny and warm. I have been enjoying morning walks with my children and we haven’t needed sweaters for weeks (except for that one rainy day). I love it. I love the bright blue sky, and the happy green trees.
Ancient and not so ancient cultured have and do worship the sun as deity. That huge star burning up in the sky is vital to everything (that I can think of) on our plant. I grew up thinking the sun was bad. It should be avoided at all costs. Bare skin shouldn’t be exposed to sun, etc. Over the years, I have changed my view completely. The sun is wonderful! It brings life to plants and to us. Our bodies can convert the suns rays to vitamin D (60% of Americans are very deficient).
Of course, I would not recommend you put on your bikini and go lay out for 5 hours until you are a roasted tomato- burning is bad. Be smart and cover up when necessary (beach umbrellas are great). Incidentally, the healthier your body and diet, the less likely you are to darken and burn.
A word on sunscreen- I don’t slather up every day or every time I go outside (same with my kids). But, when we are going to be outside for hours, especially at a pool or beach where the water and sand can intensify the rays, I do think is wise to protect. Unfortunately, many (most) commercial sunscreens are full of toxic sludge and chemicals. (agh!) CHECK THE INGREDIENTS! Remember, your skins is full of pores that will absorb that nasty stuff right into your body- be aware of what you put on your skin. Zinc Oxide is the natural active ingredient I look for and want in my sunscreens. Here are 3 worth trying (or at least looking at their ingredient list so you know what one should look like):
-
Raw Elements Eco Formula 30+ creamor stick
. I especially love the stick cause it is easy to apply one handed and super water and sweat resistant.
- Erbaviva SPF 30 is great for anyone with sensitive skin. It is gentle enough for babies.
- John Masters Organics
Mineral Sunscreen. If you hate to wear sunscreen, this is for you. It likes like moisturizer and absorbs quickly.
- I recently starting using La Bella Donna mineral makeup
. It is all natural and has SPF 20. I don’t put on a thick layer, but I think it does me just fine for a typical day indoors and I can don a hat to protect my face when I’m outside.
If you have been covered up and inside for the last decade, reintroduce yourself slowly to the sun; get out there and start soaking up some joyful sun.
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