Some of the latest research in the area of repairing sun damaged skin and protecting it from future damage, takes its cue from the many antioxidants found in vitamins and botanicals. There’s been some debate as to whether taking these antioxidants internally as supplements or through diet is more effective than applying them topically to the skin. There is definite scientific evidence that applying Vitamins C and E topically to the skin is very effective at reversing skin damage, by wiping out the free radicals that inevitably emerge from the combination of UV radiation and some of the chemicals used to manufacture sunscreens.
But now scientists are finding that when antioxidants are added to the skin AND taken orally – they can significantly boost the skin’s natural UV-filtering properties while enhancing its defenses against free radical formation. Here are some quick tips for improving sun safety and repairing sun-damaged skin:
- To clean up skin that’s already damaged use skin care products that are rich in antioxidants like Vitamins C & E and Green Tea extract. Jojoba, coconut, and olive oils are excellent ingredients to look for when seeking antioxidants and other deeply restorative properties.
For ongoing protection, increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants either through diet or supplementation. Be sure to consume carotenoids like Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin, which are found naturally in green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, corn, and eggs. Enhance your body’s ability to properly utilize these nutrients by eliminating trans-fats and reducing consumption of saturated fats. Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) through flaxseed or fish oil supplements, to help balance and regulate excessively oily skin.- Don’t overdo it with the sunscreens because they impede your body’s natural ability to synthesize Vitamin D –a vital nutrient that can protect you from common cancers like prostate or colon cancer. Because SPF ratings are notoriously unreliable don’t depend on sunscreens as your only form of protection. Whenever possible choose sun blocks like zinc and titanium dioxide over chemical sunscreens.
Among all the natural lipids, olive oil has the most similar chemical composition to sebum, which gives it a strong affinity to human skin. Completely safe and easily absorbed, it has exceptional penetrating ability, and is high in well-documented antioxidant properties including tocopherols (vitamin E), beta-carotene (vitamin A), phytosterols, flavonoids (including quercetin and squalene), and phenolic compounds.
