Does wearing sunblock and sunglasses on a daily basis really help?
403501
I can attest to the fact that sunglasses really help. My grandmother who lived in the Philippines for most of her life (it's very hot and often sunny there), had to get her eye checked for cataracts several years ago. I went with her, and while the doctor was looking at her eyes, he told me that it was very obvious that my grandmother grew up where there was a lot of sun. \n\nThe cataracts was not caused by not wearing sunglasses, mind you. I just want to be clear about that.\n\nAs far as sunblock. Yes, it does help. Have you seen people who sunbathe a lot? Their skin looks kind off wrinkly and old. If the sun can do that to you, then it only stands to reason that sun block should offer some protection.
365085
Dion,\n\nIt sounds like you are fortunate enough to have skin that tans well enough to eventually handle full sun all day.\n\nThis is really a good thing.\n\nI've used coconut oil as a moisturizer in this way, and it is close to perfect.\n\nI don't know if it has any sunblocking capability, since I'm not trying to block the sun.  I have felt the great effects of improved mood from the sun, and I have read a lot about the large amount of vitamin D that the skin produces from the sun.\n\nBut is is one heck of a moisturizer.\n\nBe sure to get the organic kind, like a health food store has.
391068
Do NOT ingest sun screen. There are chemicals and other ingredients that are way harmful to the body. The only way to make your skin more sun repellent is to use a higher SPF.
939225
I also suffer from SAD and have been successfully utilizing a tanning salon, in the winter months only, with great results.  I realize UVA/UVB rays can be harmful, but I use sunblock and I only go 2 times a week during Dec./Jan./Feb.; by then, spring is back where I live and I can be outdoors again.
709417
tanning wont really help. i have the same type of problem and its because its hereditary PLUS i have sinus/allergy issues that contribute. cosmetic surgery is out there but not the best idea, in my opinion. cucumbers work a bit especially with any puffiness, as does sleeping well! if all else fails, yup, makeup is always a quick fix
910176
My understanding, and I may be wrong, is that UV Therapy, helps when you are just exposed to UV light a certian amount of hours a day.  You are supposed to be free to eat, read, sew, or whatever other activity twangs yer thang while doing your therapy. So, I don't think that it matters that the UV box is not over your head, as long as you get the prescribed treatment of 15 minutes to 2 hours that is usually called for.\n\nOutside is another matter all the way around.  Even on cloudy days, the body soaks up UV rays.  Have you ever been out on a fishing boat on a cloudy day and gotten a terrible sunburn??  Or to the beach, and had the same result?  Just as you can get the radiation benefits and the start of a great tan on a cloudy day, you can get the same UV waves you are seeking to up that serotonin level that makes you feel bright and chipper.  I would say, that yes, it still works through sunglasses, and windows, unless they are UV protected.  And, if you were to shield only your eyes, hon, you would still get what you need from Mr. Golden Sun.  He seldom disappoints.  If it worries you terribly, consider tanning. (Which might worry you more, but an alternative.)  You can sunscreen up, cover your eyes, and get maximum UV exposure in about a quarter of the time it takes to do it the lightbox, or the outdoor way.  I use my tanning bed in the winter, for just that.  I hope this helps you :) Cheers!\n\nP.S.  I usually read or work crossword puzzles while I am in the tanning bed, so it may be something that can work for you.
561228
I think self tanner is the safest way to go.  Not only will it help prevent skin cancer but it will also keep your skin young looking.  You may not care about that now at a young age but I am 49 and look much younger because I use sunscreen.  Another thing that is bad for you skin is smoking cigarettes.  So dont tan and dont smoke!
713320
i would be safe, and use it, even a little sun might react with your treatments,  what you might do is find a light moisturizer, that contains sunscreen,   to wear while your indoors
146280
you should protect your skin from the sun and that will lighten it up
876242
why dont u just use a makeup that contains sunscreen? and use a regular facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen? You dont need to reaplly every 2-4 hours or whatever..i think thats like if you are out ona beach sweating and swimming and stuff...for daily life regular spf in moistuizers should last all day. besides, the sun only puts out damaging rays this time of year b/w like 11-3 oclock anyways.
544054
There are some good sunblock/insect repellent mixes available so you don't have to buy two lots of goods all the time. Any drug store/supermarket should have them.
1105736
Absolutely.  Skin cancer is caused by the sun damaging the skin.  You do not have to ever get sun burned to get skin cancer.  Some people tan very easily and never burn, but the repeated and/or prolonged exposure to the sun's damaging rays damages the skin cells causing cancer.  People with light complexions and well as dark complexions and every where in between NEED to wear a good sun block to prevent the sun's damaging rays from actually damaging the skin.  It is also recommended that people with light colored eyes (blue/green) wear sunglasses when out in the sun.  Apparently lighter colored eyes are sensitive (or more so) to the suns harmful rays.
1099466
According to Reuters Health article \n\n" a Little Bit of Sun May be a Good Thing: Experts" by Anne Harding, researchers spoke at the annual meeting of the American Association of the Advancement of Science, on the positive effects of solar radiation on the human body. Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University School of Medicine noted that vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and helps control cell growth. \n\nBut don't overdo it. Too much sun without protection can damage your skin. No need to spend hours and hours at the beach. But do make sure to spend some time, every season, in the sun to keep your body strong and healthy. And getting some sun is another reason to lace up those running shoes, get out the door, and go for a run.\n\nMelanoma skin cancer is caused by too much sun exposure but keep in mind everyone's skin is different and offers different levels of protection due to their amout of pigment in their skin. Black people can stay in the sun much longer than white people due their high amount of pigment in their skin. Black people do still burn and do still get skin cancer however, just that their at a lower risk of it. Bottom line here is to get some sun regularly and then cover up! I am not positive that sunblock stops the production of Vitamin D so you might want to ask that question. Good luck!
270569
Yoga and meditation helps me, Get outside and sit in the sun for at least 30 minutes a day (15 and 15min) unless it's warm then go for it. \nYou can try homeopathic remedies\nFind something you enjoy doing and do it. \nExercise I have heard helps to, as well as make you fit.\nSometimes a talking to a psycologist helps\nor if you can afford it hypnotherapy. It can help with a lot.\nGood luck and good health to you
320966
It would depend on how much the sun really bothers your eyes, and I guess does it matter to you how you look.  You can always buy the clips that go on your prescription glasses, which would be way cheaper.
1051720
I agree. I put sunblock on my kids everyday to help protect them while they get their exercise outside. I don't care that some people think that I am being anal about it because I want to protect their young skin. I used to tan years ago but I don't anymore. If I get a little sun on my legs that is fine, since I am 1/2 Puerto Rican I don't burn. I have a natural light tan anyway. Good for you for taking care of your skin!
329544
Melanin production requires sun exposure, and sunblock actually blocks UV radiation.  So there is a correlation. While melanin production has a protective effect against the sun, sun block is far better.  Exposure to multiple severe sun burns during childhood and young adult greatly increases the odds of melanoma.  Melanoma is just about the worst cancer you can get, it's very difficult to treat and has a very high mortality.  I'd wear the sunblock and look forward to a long life.