Prevent Sunburn by Eating Well Step 1 - Eat Carotenoid Rich Food
Carotenoids are the pigments that give fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potato, and kale their vibrant orange, yellow, and green colours. Beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are all different varieties of carotenoids. They all act as antioxidants.
Step 2 - Why do we care?
Because Dr Elizabeth Plourde, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) who specialised in cancer and DNA research, was recently asked how people who spend a lot of time in the sun should protect themselves, she said: Antioxidants are the exact answer. [They] act exactly the same as the sunscreens,
Our skin is so well-designed that when the solar rays hit it the antioxidants that are in the body actually move up and form a protective shield and act just like sunscreen.
What to Put On Your Skin
Oats - Oatmeal has the ability to soothe severe sunburn. Cook oatmeal as directed on the package. Add a little more water than indicated to make a runnier consistency. Allow the oatmeal to cool completely. Apply liberally to damaged skin, careful not to 'rub in' the oatmeal. Leave oatmeal on the skin until cool and rinse off with cool water. Reapply as often as needed, do not reuse the oats.
Cucumbers - The antioxidant and pain-relieving compounds in a cucumber, as well as the vitamin C, help reduce inflammation and skin damage after a burn. Blend chilled cucumbers into a paste and apply to affected areas for quick and natural soothing.
Calendula - Medicinally, calendula has been used since the 16th century. Today, the herb is often used in ointments and creams as a skin remedy. The essential oil contains carotenoids, which are thought to help regenerate skin cells. But do not use on burns.
What to Eat
Pomegranate - The small red kernels of a pomegranate are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenolics, and ellagic acid. A study from Texas A&M University showed that they protect cells from damage and death after UV exposure. Enjoy in a compote or pop some fresh into your mouth to enjoy the sunburn fighting benefits.
Green Tea - According to a new study in the British Journal of Nutrition, supplementing with green tea catechins the active antioxidant compound in green tea can help make your more resistant to ultraviolet radiation and therefore premature skin ageing. Green tea contains between 30 and 40% of water-extractable antioxidant polyphenols. Herbs,
Green Leaves & Lettuce - If it's green and leaf-like, chances are it's also good for sun protection. Fresh herbs, particularly specifically parsley, basil, sage, and rosemary, are packed with antioxidants. Dark leafy greens such as spinach and swiss chard are all full of antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids, which may also naturally protect the skin from sun damage
Dark chocolate - Flavanoids found in dark chocolate may improve the skin's ability protect against some types of skin damage, including UV-induced issues like sun burns Plus, the flavonoids can help keep skin hydrated, increase oxygen saturation, and boost blood flow.
Carrots, Tomato & Watermelon on carotenoid, Lycopene (found in tomatoes and red watermelon) can be particularly effective because of the high antioxidant value. In one study participants ate tomato paste or carrot juice daily for 12 weeks. Once exposed to UV light they had nearly 50% less reddening than those that didn't.
Recipes
Watermelon and Mint Smoothie
Take a quarter watermelon, add 1 cup crushed ice, 1 sprig basil, 1 sprig mint and blend. Serve immediately.
Green Tea & Chocolate bedtime drink
Warm some non-dairy oat milk, add a green tea bag to infuse for a minute and when removed, grate in 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate. Sweeten to taste.
Pomegranate Salad
Peel and dice two cucumbers 1 cup pomegranaten1 tablespoon coriandern1 spring onion finely slicedn1 lime juicednSea salt to tastenDash of olive oil
