Foods for UV (Sun) Protection

Sunscreen and sun protection is never far from our minds here, and although the best way to protect our skin from sun damage, apart from staying out of the sun completely, is the daily application of a stable, broad-spectrum sunscreen, there are ways to boost that defense.  One of them is to include foods that are rich in antioxidants.

Consuming more foods which contain antioxidants can protect from sunburn damage, lower free radical levels and fight oxidative cell damage that can lead to disease and premature signs of aging.

The next time you hit the grocery store, add these to your list:

• Red, yellow and orange fruits and veggies:   Carrots and red peppers contain beta carotene which has been found to reduce sunburn intensity.  Lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes, also protects against sun damage.
• Green tea:  Full of antioxidants called EGCG’s, these compounds stop genetic damage in human cells exposed to UV light.  Green tea’s disease-fighting polyphenols may have also been shown to protect the body against Squamous cell carcinomas and Basal cell carcinomas – two of the most common forms of skin cancers which are usually caused by too much exposure to the sun’s rays.
• Walnuts and salmon:  Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  Not only do they help the skin stay smooth, supple and to hold in moisture, omega-3 fatty acids are believed to guard against sunburn and DNA changes that can lead to cancer.
• Spinach, kale and other dark leafy greens:  Containing lutein (a carotenoid),   vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, these leafy greens are top choices when looking to boost the skin’s natural defense of UV-caused damage.

There’s certainly no harm in adding more of these healthy and delicious foods to your diet.  In fact, consuming these on a daily basis would undoubtedly do us all some good!  But nothing replaces the use of an effective sunscreen, rain or shine.  Check out our most popular Anthelios suncreens formulated with La Roche Posay’s patented sun filtering Mexoryl SX/Mexoryl XL technology.  They come in a wide range of textures (creams, fluids, gels, body milk, and sticks) to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Layer on a topical antioxidant to boost that sun protection where it’s needed. Yes, antioxidant foods can help, but the levels that reach the skin when you consume them orally aren’t as high in the skin as when you apply them topically. Try Apothekari Undercover Agent Serum.