Internal Sunscreen - How to Boost Your Natural UV Resistance

Did you know you could boost your natural UV resistance?! 🌞

Yep, maintaining healthy skin and nourishing your body with the right nutrients can *enhance* your natural UV resistance? Regularly incorporating certain foods and herbs into your diet may provide an extra level of support. Here's a guide to help you out:

1. Start with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Stay hydrated! Hydrated skin is happy skin, so make sure to drink enough water throughout the day (and eat water-rich foods) to keep your skin plump and resilient. 

3. Boost your antioxidant intake! Antioxidants fight against free radicals generated by UV radiation. (ex. citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, certain teas, and nuts/seeds)

4. Vitamin C! It supports collagen production and aids in repairing damaged skin. (ex. citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, and papaya) 

5. Vitamin E! This antioxidant can help reduce UV-induced skin damage. (ex. almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, avocado, and olive oil)

6. Beta-carotene! It acts as a natural sun protectant. (ex. carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, apricots, and mangoes) AKA internal sunscreen!!!

7. Consider herbal supplements! Green tea extract, with its polyphenols and catechins, may offer protective effects against UV damage. Turmeric, known for its curcumin compound, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (other great ones: cinnamon, cumin, clove, ginger, peppermint)

8. Don't forget about lycopene! This powerful antioxidant, found in tomatoes and other red-colored fruits, offers potential benefits in protecting against UV damage. So, make sure to include tomatoes, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit in your diet to give your skin an extra boost of lycopene power! I’ll be eating watermelon all summer long. 

🚫 Keep in mind, these suggestions are not a replacement for proper sun protection measures—they serve as a SUPPORT. 

Thank you for reading!