Sun Protection From The Inside

June 04, 2018

How To Protect Yourself From UV Radiation?

In addition to taking proper sun precautions, we can also nourish our skin from the inside to help us naturally reduce damage from sun exposure. Eating an antioxidant- rich diet along with foods that also reduce inflammation can give the body a bit of natural, internal sun protection. Free radicals generated from UV light exposure contribute to cell damage, aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Antioxidants work to quench free radicals and stop their harmful effects. Some antioxidants you may recognize include vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, beta carotene, and lycopene. There are literally thousands of compounds in plant-based foods that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, many of which we have yet to discover. These compounds provide the plant protection from excess UV light and when consumed by us as food, end up in our tissues providing a similar benefit.

 

A study published in the Sept 2007 issue of Molecular Biotechnology found that after about 3 months on a flavonoid and carotenoid-rich diet, volunteers showed a decrease in sun sensitivity. Carotenoid-rich food sources include carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale, and other dark leafy greens. Flavonoids are also found in these foods and other vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and seeds. Over 4000 flavonoids have been identified and many provide antioxidant and anti inflammatory health benefits. These various phytochemicals contribute to the plant’s specific color, so fruits and vegetables with deep or vibrant colors usually contain the most flavonoids. Some examples include anthocyanidins which can be found in blue, purple and red berries, catechins found in almonds, tea, chocolate, and grapes and quercetin is found in apples and onions.


Black, green, and white tea are a rich source of flavonoids and catechins with the main catechin being the antioxidant EGCG. A 2007 study of 400 foods by the USDA found that green tea contains the most catechins. Emerging research suggests that consumption and topical application of EGCG can help protect the skin from UV damage and skin cancer. A study published in 2011 in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who consumed a beverage containing green tea polyphenols (1402mg catechins) over a 12 week period were able to protect skin from UV damage and improved overall skin quality. Keep in mind regular brewed green tea will contain more catechins than decaffeinated, bottled, or instant tea which typically contain much less.

 

Pomegranate contains potent antioxidant flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds. Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and equol are all found in pomegranate. Research published in 2006 in Photochemistry and Photobiology found human skin cells treated with pomegranate extract helped prevent pre cancerous changes that occur after exposure to ultra violet light. In a 2010 study, mice that consumed pomegranate fruit extract had much greater protection against UV induced skin inflammation and pre-cancerous changes. (Photochem Photobiol. 2010 Nov-Dec; 86(6):1318-26)


Natural raw cacao contains very high amounts of flavonoids, but processing can greatly lower the amount. Look for good quality dark chocolate that contains at least 65% cacao (I prefer raw chocolate bars from Sacred Chocolate) or 100% raw, unsweetened cacao powder to mix in shakes, foods, or beverages. A study published in the June 2006 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that women who consumed a concentrated cacao beverage-rich in antioxidant flavonoids, had a reduced amount of skin roughess and scaling after exposure to UV light. Women in a low-flavonoid cacao group showed more skin damage. The higher amount of antioxidant flavonoids in the concentrated beverage provided more UV protection.

Cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, anchovies, and sardines are rich in the anti- inflammatory omega 3 fats EPA and DHA. They are important to skin health in general and are a component of skin cell membranes. While they don’t block UV rays, their potent anti-inflammatory properties do help protect the skin. Studies conducted in the 90s and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that those who consumed omega-3 rich supplements were able to increase the amount of time it took for their skin to burn. And, according to researchers, there is strong evidence to support the role of omega 3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. (Cancer Detect Prev. 2006;30(3):224-32)


Astaxanthin is a pigment carotenoid antioxidant abundant in algae and responsible for the pink color in salmon, krill, flamingos and crustaceans. This pigment antioxidant has been shown to have multiply health benefits for the heart, joints, anti-aging and particularly the skin. Consuming wild salmon a few times a week and taking a krill oil supplement will provide these benefits. Since astaxanthin gets concentrated in the skin, it protects the skin from sun damage.

Anticipating extended sun exposure? Consider a few basic skin protection supplements like desiccated liver for the zinc, copper and Vitamin A, a whole food Vitamin C powder and the best sun protection supplement, astaxanthin. Although we need sensible sun exposure to assure proper Vitamin D levels, precaution should be taken with extended exposure. Use a chemical free sunscreen with zinc oxide, wear a big hat and seek shade before damage occurs.