Did you know that what we eat can have an effect on how our skin reacts to the sun? Some things we put in our bodies can make us more sensitive to sunlight, like saccharin and ibuprofen. While some foods can actually help better protect us from the sun’s rays.
This doesn’t mean I’d recommend skipping sunscreen. As someone with a family history of melanoma and multiple skin biopsies myself, I’m a stickler for the stuff. Since I’ve become pregnant, I’ve stuck with natural, mineral sunscreen, like Alba Botanica.
However, I also try to include sun-protecting foods in my diet, especially during these hot months, to further aid the sunscreen in protecting my more sensitive skin.
- Tomatoes : Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene (organic tomatoes contain more lycopene than conventional, and tomato paste or cooked tomatoes contain even more), which has many benefits, including protecting skin from sun damage. Studies have shown that 16 mg of lycopene each day (the amount you would get from 3 oz of tomato sauce) can increase sun protection by 30%!
- Carrots : Carrots, and other foods rich in beta-carotene, such as pumpkin, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, etc, have been linked to reduced reactions to sunburns.
- Spinach : Is there anything spinach can’t do? Along with other dark, leafy greens like kale, collards and broccoli, spinach is rich in carotenoids as well as antioxidants lutein and quercetin, which help protect your skin from sun damage, certain skin diseases, rashes and dry skin.
- Black, White and Green Teas : Tea contains epigallocatechins (10 points to whoever can actually pronounce that word!), also known as EGCGs. EGCGs have been shown to block DNA damage in human skin cells from UV light. Tea is also packed with polyphenols and one study showed that people who drank 1 cup a day had a lower incidence of melanoma.
So enjoy the sun this weekend- lather on your SPF and eat a spinach salad with your iced tea and know you’re playing it safe!
What’s your favorite sun-protecting accessory?
I love the big, floppy ‘honeymoon’ hats- I think they’re so cute!
Sam says
Cool! I remember reading somewhere something about lemons or citrus fruit having the opposite effect…I think…but I never knew there were good protector ones! Awesome 🙂
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I had no idea that there were foods that protect your skin like that — makes sense though!
I burn easily, so I put on sunscreen almost every day (especially if I’m going to be outside for a period of time) — but I’d say my favorite accessory are my sunglasses!
blackhuff says
I did not even know one get food types which can protect agains sun burn – coo post!
Fav sun protection accessory: My big rugby hat 🙂
Rachel says
Mango’s do it as well 🙂
Anastasia says
Spinach is insane. It’s amazing how many things can be packed into one food!
I use that same sunscreen and love it. I use Yes To Carrots SPF15 daily face moisturizer and it’s awesome.
Shannon says
This is such a great post!! I loved your wrap up, I was thinking the exact same thing. Next girls beach weekend I’m making everyone eat spinach and tomato salads with iced tea! I also love my big floppy hat, and also GIANT super dark sunglasses 🙂
Lauren says
Perfect, as I’m on my way over to the pool later this morning! I had no idea food had an impact on how our skin absorbed sun. My favorite sun accesory is probably my towel, which I’ve been known to wear over my entire face to protect me from the sun.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I always wear a hat but I wish it were a floppy hat!
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
I had no idea there were foods that helped protect your skin…I eat all of this regularly so I guess I am one step ahead of myself!
Michele says
What a great post! I didnt know foods could protect us from the sun! I was happy to learn that all the foods you listed I enjoy each and every day (either juiced or in a smoothie) 🙂 My favorite sun protecting accessory are my sunglasses! I recently learned how important it is to shield your eyes from the sun – and they look good too 🙂
Jen says
I love all of these foods and slather on the spf 70 every couple of hours. Yet, I still get burned. I blame my Irish heritage. My best sun-protection accessory is the shade 🙂
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
I eat and drink all of that! Woo hoo! I also make sure I get out in the sun without sunscreen for a few minutes to get my vitamin D which can also help protect your skin.
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
Had no clue that certain foods could help with sun protection! Luckily I eat all of these things pretty regularly 🙂
Hats are my favorite form of sun protection too – I especially like baseball hats and big “beach hats”!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
This is a great post! Luckily, I eat a TON of all of those foods! I’ve been looking for an all-natural sunscreen, so I’ll try the Alba. Being that I have Lupus, I really need to protect myself from the sun, and I definitely love sporting the floppy hats!
Katie H says
Great post! I can definitely use this info- my father/grandfather had melanoma and I’ve had some sketchy moles removed. I have been shying away from sunscreen bc of the pregnancy so I’m glad you posted what sunscreen you use!
I don’t know if this is considered an accessory but we always take a big umbrella to the beach! I love the beach but I really love the shade 🙂
Lauren B says
I LOVE Alba products! I have recently “detoxed” my beauty products, and Alba is now a go-to. Have you tried their sunless tanner? It works well, but the best part: it is the ONLY sunless tanner I’ve found that actually smells yummy! WIN!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
Loving this series, Brittany! So informational! I love Alba products–great stuff.
Sarah for Real says
I drink a TON of green tea at work. It’s no wonder I am pasty and pale!
Megan says
So interesting! I have to admit I’m a lover of the floppy hats too!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
Seriously, there IS nothing spinach can’t do. Good thing I love it. 🙂
Sunscreen is a must.