Many people love the warmth of the sun. The sun’s rays  on our skin make us feel good and can make us look good in the short term. However, there is a hidden danger. By now, you may be aware of the SPF controversy. Some SPFs will protect you from UVB rays, which cause skin cancer and burning, and some will protect you against UVA which cause skin cancer and wrinkling. The danger is that many sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun in a matter of hours or even minutes. After this breakdown occurs, UV radiation passes through the skin which can cause a host of problems. Many times, you will see claims such as “all day protection” and “blocks all harmful rays” on bottles, but quite often this is not true.

Fortunately, the FDA has taken action to ensure that consumers are clearer about the protection we are actually getting from a sunscreen product. Beginning in the summer of 2012, new guidelines were put in place for SPF ratings that more accurately reflect the guaranteed protection level. This is great news to be sure, but with all this talk about SPF sunscreens and protecting our skin, we can often overlook one basic way of protecting our skin: water. While there may be no clear evidence on how water effects skin health, the importance of water still can’t be overlooked in any area of your life. Your skin is an organ and just like every other part of your body, your skin is made of cells. Skin cells, like every cell found in the body, are made of water. Without water, the organs won’t function at their best. Your skin will be much better equipped to handle harmful UV rays if properly hydrated and taken care of.

What’s the best way to stay properly hydrated?

Having water on hand at all times is essential. However, having access to filtered water that does not contain harmful contaminants will be best for your skin and overall health. One of the best ways for easy access to filtered water is through the use of a filtered water pitcher. For example, the PUR Filtered Water Pitcher holds up to 7 eight ounce glasses of water and removes 99.9% of microbiological cysts and 98% of lead. It also comes with a built-in electronic LED indicator filter change light and includes the PUR CRF-950Z water filter cartridge that should be changed every 40 gallons.

What is another way to stay properly hydrated? Having a good filter in place is necessary for ensuring that you have pure, clean water in your home. For example, the Pentek Water Filter Cartridge Replacement. This is a 10 inch carbon block water filter replacement for use in many water filter systems, especially undersink filter systems. This Pentek filter replacement cartridge uses advanced Fibredyne carbon block technology to remove or reduce sediment, dirt, rust, and other impurities. Never neglecting to replace your refrigerator water filter is also important to stay properly hydrated the right way.

In conclusion

Remember to always read labels carefully before choosing the sunscreen that may work best for you. Staying up-to-date about the latest information regarding sunscreens is valuable to skin health. Water can go a long way to protecting your overall health, which includes your skin. When filtered from harmful pollutants, you should never underestimate the value that this natural resource can add to your life. Check out this blog for another benefit of this precious resource: water improves kidney health.

IMAGE CREDIT: http://www.aubrey-organics.com