July is UV Safety Month, which comes during the height of summer when many people face high levels of sun exposure─often without adequate protection. Given that Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, we all need to be vigilant about sunscreen, which helps to protect our skin from the outside in.
However, beautiful, healthy skin is an inside job, too. Your skin, hair and nails all contain
proteins, including collagen, keratin, and elastin, which respond to key nutrients. Vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, zinc, and the B-complex family collectively promote healthy collagen
production, tissue rebuilding, protection against free-radical damage, and adrenal support,
minimizing the toll stress can take on your skin.
A recent study illustrates the important role nutrition plays in overall skin health. It explains that
although UV rays blaze through skin and blood antioxidants and damage skin cells, vitamins,
minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and omega-3 fatty acids offer lifelong, internal sun
protection, complementing external efforts like sun screen.1
Another study looked at both internal (nutritional) and external (solar radiation) influences on
how skin appears and functions, exploring how certain vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty
acids protect us from sun damage─partly by boosting cellular immunity. Consuming fish oil daily
was especially helpful in combating inflammatory skin problems, among the many other benefits
it offers.2
When it comes to radiant, healthy skin, smart nutrition will benefit you from the inside out, and
the outside in.
REFERENCES
1 Nutr Rev. 2010 Feb;68(2):75-86.
2 Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 May;73(5):853-64.
