Nutrition RX: Sun Protection and Food?
Wear sunscreen everyday-rain or shine. Spring has begum and summer will soon come along and your skin is at higher risk for damage from the sun. I am a big promoter of pale skin but if you must be tan-use self-tanner. While your body does need the sun to make Vitamin D, you can get enough by only 15 minutes of sun exposure. Too much sun and tanning beds will only prematurely age you and increase your risk of skin cancer. I don't understand spending tons of money on skin care products and to make your skin look better when you are still tanning.
To add to your sunscreen protection, there are some foods that can add an extra boost of protection from the sun's damaging rays. Recent research cites Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene and Lycopene as natural skin enhancers. Of course these foods will not replace sunscreen!
As usual, I advise getting your vitamins from whole foods instead of supplements here is how:
Beta-Carotene: carrots, sweet potatoes, kale , spinach, cantaloupe
Vitamin C: Broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, cauliflower, asparagus
Vitamin E: mustard greens, turnip greens, sunflower seeds and almonds
Lycopene: tomatoes, pink grapefruit,watermelon, and guava