UV sun protection: Sunscreen for the skin, vitamins for the eyes?
Ultraviolet Safety Month
July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, a time meant to increase awareness about protecting ourselves from the harmful Ultraviolet A and B light rays from the sun. This is also the time of year when 1) the sun’s UV index is at its most potent, 2) our bodies are at their most exposed because, well, it’s hot out, so we wear less clothing, and 3) we love being outside because it’s summertime! These things may seem obvious, but here’s something less obvious that you may not have known. UV Safety Month is not only about how important it is to protect our skin, BUT also protect our eyes from the harmful impact of ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Interesting fact: The American Academy of Ophthalmology named July UV Safety Awareness Month in 2008, following years of growing concerns around the potential increase of UV radiation that could lead to skin and eye damage. The UV index (UVI) was developed in Canada in 1992 and was officially adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1994.[i]
Protecting our skin should be common practice by now as we have been reminded time and time again to apply sunscreen regularly if we are going to be outside for long periods of time. Sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of higher than 30 is standard practice on that front. In the last few years, mineral sunscreens have made a big splash. They are definitely one of the cleanest sunblock options. In order to be considered mineral, a sunscreen should only include zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide in the active ingredients. You can also add oral supplements which include Lutemax Skinglo to your daily sun protection routine, an ingredient that has been clinically demonstrated to help protect the skin against the harmful rays of the sun. To understand more on how Lutemax Skinglo works on our skin visit, the How it works page.
Because general sun protection messaging is around our skin, you may not be as well informed about also protecting your eyes from the sun. Let’s face it, since it’s not common to see the effects of sunburn on our eyes (at least not to the naked eye), it may not be as much of a concern. But this doesn’t mean you’re safe from UV-related eye damage over the long term.
Besides wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays, nutritional support can also protect eyes from the inside.
Balanced nutrition that includes lutein and zeaxanthin can provide antioxidant protection for our eyes from UV light. These foods include naturally colorful deep green, bright yellow, and orange vegetables
Antioxidant supplements, especially those containing lutein and zeaxanthin, may also help protect sensitive parts of the eye from UV light rays. Eye health supplements, when taken regularly, may help fill in gaps and offer protection where diets fall short
Lutemax 2020
Lutemax 2020, containing clinically studied lutein and zeaxanthin, has been shown to lessen visual discomfort in sunlight, help reduce eye strain associated with exposure to sunlight, and most of all, protect the eyes from sunlight. To find out more on how Lutemax 2020 can support your eye health, read our Health benefits page.
Here are a few additional tips to protect you and your loved ones from the sun, especially during peak sun times from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wear hats with a wide brim to help shield your face and eyes
Little ones are even more vulnerable, so keep that in mind when choosing UV protective sunscreen and clothing, especially bathing suits
Stay cool and hydrated
Don’t forget that cloudy days aren’t an excuse, they can still cause skin burn and damage to your eyes
Let’s make this UV Safety Month as comprehensive as it can be. Help spread the word that our eyes need sun protection, too. We can extend the health of our eyes, and that begins with UV coverage on the outside and supplements on the inside! Look for the Lutemax 2020 logo or listed on your supplement bottles.
[i] https://nationaltoday.com/uv-safety-awareness-month/