In the Midwest, summer is often synonymous with sunburn. People tend to spend too much time in the sun without protecting their skin. Avoiding sunburn is important. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, 1 million American’s are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Of those diagnosed, more than 7,700 will die as a result of the condition.

Meanwhile, more an annoyance than a health concern, acne is more prevalent in the summer as people spend more time in hot, humid conditions. Although having healthy, glowing skin can seem daunting, it doesn’t need to be, according to Kurt Wood, DC, associate dean of clinical services at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn., and an instructor of dermatology.

“Contrary to popular belief, sunshine in moderate amounts is good for you,” says Dr. Wood. “Sunshine helps your body produce vitamin-D and helps a variety of conditions including acne, psoriasis and eczema. However, too much of a good thing can be dangerous and ultraviolet exposure is cumulative.”

Dr. Wood offers these tips for keeping your skin healthy this summer:

• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of no less than 15. People with fair skin and those who are taking medications that may make them photosensitive should apply sunscreen with a higher SPF value. “Rarely, however, is an SPF sunscreen greater than 30 necessary,” says Dr. Wood;
• Use bath oil rather than soap if skin gets dry in the summer.  Additionally, frequently apply a topical lotion to keep skin moisturized;
• Photosensitivity is a common side effect of a number of drugs, making the individuals taking them more prone to sunburn. People should check with their pharmacists to see if their medications could make them photosensitive. If so, they should minimize sun exposure, and cover exposed body parts and use sunscreen with a higher SPF when in the sun;
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water or Gatorade; and
• Take a daily multivitamin that includes the recommended daily dosages of vitamins C and E. “Collagen, the ‘glue’ that holds skin and other connective tissues together, requires vitamin C to be produced,” says Dr. Wood.

Source:  Natural News Service, Northwestern Health Sciences University (June 2006)