In our world of ozone holes and SPF-30 sunscreens, most people have
come to think of the sun as a formidable enemy of the skin. Many
doctors consider visible signs of aging of skin on fair-skinned
people -- leathery texture, wrinkles and age-spots, for example --
mainly the result of ultraviolet radiation. Yet the sun, besides
being the source of energy for mind and body, also nourishes the
skin. It's the best natural source of Vitamin D, which is necessary
for calcium absorption and healthy bones. Many doctors today
recommend 15 minutes of direct exposure to gentle sun on the hands
and face to absorb the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin D.
Over-protecting from sun is not a good idea. The challenge is to
maximize the benefit from sun and at the same time protect it from
damage.
People with Caucasian skin definitely should avoid direct exposure to
strong sun, because their skin makes less melanin, the pigment that
acts as a barrier to UV rays. However, short periods of exposure to
very early morning sun are soothing and mild on the skin, and allow
even very sensitive skin to absorb necessary Vitamin D.
From the ayurvedic perspective, it is important to avoid long
exposure to the sun whenever you are angry, hungry or emotionally
upset, as these factors increase Pitta -- the fire element -- in the
body and make the skin even more sensitive to sun damage. At these
times, it's important to protect yourself by wearing a hat,
protective clothing (full-sleeved shirts and pants, for example) and
sunglasses. People with naturally more Pitta in their bodies should
always take care to protect themselves from the midday sun.
Dietary Tips
It's also a good idea to cool the body from the inside if your skin
is very photosensitive. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits such
as raisins, sweet juicy pears, sweet apples, and pomegranates, for
instance, will help nourish and restore balance to the skin. Indian
Gooseberry is also an excellent anti-oxidant and rasayana for the
skin. Rose petal jam, blended with boiled and cooled milk, is a
delicious cooling beverage.
Cooking your food with a skin-protecting spice mixture to stimulate
digestion but not overheat your skin helps. Sauté equal parts
turmeric, coriander, fennel and cumin in ghee and add it to your
vegetables and grains.
Even in winter, people with photosensitive skin should avoid eating
too much ginger, garlic, aesofetida (hing), red chillies or any types
of hot peppers as hot foods can increase sensitivity to the sun.
Herbs for the Skin
Watermelon puree is an excellent mask to cool down facial skin.
Apply it evenly, except in the eye area, and rinse off with room
temperature or lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. Cotton pads
soaked in rose water can be placed over closed eyes.
Another good way to cool the skin is with a milk bath. Add a couple
of drops of rose water to room temperature milk and either rinse your
face with it, followed by room temperature water, or apply generously
with cotton pads and rinse off after ten minutes with room
temperature water.
Butea monosperma (Flame of Forest) is renowned in ayurveda for
helping to boost the skin's natural long-term resistance to sun
damage. In a balanced topical skin formulation, it can be very
beneficial.
Winter Tips -- Beyond Sunscreen
Drink plenty of water, and avoid very hot water for baths and showers
if your skin is photosensitive to keep your skin properly moisturized
and to protect it from the sun.
Take a warm bath before and after skiing or exposing your skin to
freezing temperatures for a long period of time. Any time it's
freezing outside, the pores of the skin freeze shut and heat is
retained in the deeper layers. This heat dries out the skin and
lowers its resistance to the sun. That is why many people get worse
sunburns after skiing than at the beach, and it's also why some
people's skin breaks out after a skiing trip. A warm bath before and
after tackling the slopes helps dilate frozen channels and supports
the skin in its effort to release heat trapped in the deeper layers.
Note -- This information is education and is not intended to replace
standard medical treatment or advice.
Copyright MAPI, 2002.
