Back in the not-too-distant past, people commonly spent hours baking in the sun with the goal of developing a bronzed glow to their skin. Most people now know better. Sunscreen and limiting of sun exposure are common warnings, however, many people still like to tan and do not use sunscreen regularly.
Though we do benefit from the vitamin D that sun exposure generates, many people stay out in the sun too long and get burned. This is dangerous for many reasons. UV rays from the sun can be damaging to the skin as well as the rest of the body. The good news is that there are many natural ways to help fight UV damage and to combat overexposure to these harmful rays.
C and B Vitamins
Did you know that you can help combat the effects of UV rays and boost your own natural sun protection by taking in vitamin C and vitamin B? Foods rich in vitamin C and B, such as citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, provide a great source of these nutrients for your body.
Vitamin B and C containing foods:
- Cantaloupe
- Eggs
- Liver
- Poultry
- Wheat
- Germ
- Strawberries
- Green
- Peppers
- Collards
- Broccoli
- Tuna
- Spinach
- Milk
- Peas
- Brewer's Yeast
It is possible to get enough B and C in your diet through eating the proper diet, but supplementing with good sources of these vitamins can also help your body develop these natural sun-blockers even easier.
Natural UV Blocker
Looking for a natural UV blocker? Next time you tan or participate in any outdoor activities in the sun, try sesame seed oil. Sesame seed oil is known as a natural sun blocker which can block up to 30% of the sun's harmful UV rays. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize the free radicals caused by sun exposure.
One thing to remember is that sesame seed oil will need to be re-applied after sweating or after going into the water since it is not water resistant.
Use Antioxidants
The same antioxidants that help fight free radical damage can also help your skin against sunburn and the damaging after-effects of a sunburn and sun exposure. Antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin E and beta-carotene provide significant benefits. Studies from University of Arizona at Tucson show that skin redness was reduced while taking a beta-carotene supplement, and lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene helped with the sunburn.
Antioxidants are a natural way to get UV skin protection and help your cells recover from any prior damage from the sun.
Feel free to get 10-15 minutes of sun exposure in an effort to boost your vitamin D levels. Make sure you don't ever burn though and get out of the sun before that happens. Also keep your skin healthy by staying hydrated, getting plenty of essential fats, consuming sufficient protein, and possibly taking a good, well-balanced skin supplement to achieve glowing, flawless skin.
