The sun boosts our immunity, regulates our hormones and keeps us on the sunny side of life. The best source of Vitamin D is produced in the body by receiving the suns energy through our eyes and our skin. But too much of a good thing is not so good. How can you prevent sunburns and skin damage in the hot summer? Eat antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, especially those in the orange, red and yellow spectrum. Drink clean, alkaline water. Wear a mineral sunscreen with herbs and organic butters like shea and coconut. Zinc and titanium effectively slow both the UVA and UVB rays. These two mineral oxides provide a healing and protective barrier to the skin. Many chemical sunscreens do not address the longer UVA tanning rays that can cause deep DNA damage. In a nutshell: eat lots of beta carotene and greens, stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, wear a hat and light protective clothing, use a zinc-based sunscreen and enjoy the glory of the sun!

Karen Van Dyck, Nature’s First Beauty Bar, www.naturesfirstbeautybar.com