As the temperatures rise, it’s important to take care of your skin when spending time outside. Sunburns can be painful and increase your risk of skin cancer, but there are ways to protect yourself beyond just slathering on sunscreen.
Eating a diet rich in certain foods can also help keep your skin safe in the sun. Here are 30 foods to add to your diet this summer:.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect your skin against UV damage.
2. Watermelon
Like tomatoes, watermelon also contains lycopene that can help protect your skin against sunburn.
3. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can help prevent sun damage to the skin.
4. Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are another great source of beta-carotene. They also contain vitamin C, which can help protect the skin against free radical damage.
5. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation caused by UV damage to the skin.
6. Tuna
Tuna is another great source of omega-3s that can help reduce inflammation and prevent sun damage.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with sulforaphane, a compound that can help protect the skin against UV damage and reduce inflammation.
8. Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamins C and E, both of which can help protect the skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
9. Kale
Kale is another leafy green that’s packed with vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene.
10. Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which can help protect the skin against sun damage and reduce inflammation.
11. Walnuts
Walnuts are another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent UV damage to the skin.
12. Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, both of which can help protect your skin from the sun.
13. Guava
Guava is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
14. Mango
Mangoes are also rich in vitamin C, as well as beta-carotene, which can help protect the skin against sun damage.
15. Papaya
Papaya is another fruit that’s rich in vitamins C and E, as well as papain, an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
16. Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
17. Oranges
Oranges are another great source of vitamin C, as well as folate and potassium.
18. Peppers
Peppers are packed with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can help protect against sun damage to the skin.
19. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, antioxidants that can help protect the skin against UV damage.
20. Green tea
Green tea is rich in catechins, antioxidants that can help protect the skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
21. Red wine
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin against UV damage.
22. Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound that can help reduce inflammation and protect against sun damage to the skin.
23. Ginger
Ginger contains gingerols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against sun damage.
24. Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
25. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that can help protect the skin against UV damage.
26. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are packed with punicalagins, antioxidants that can help protect the skin against sun damage and reduce inflammation.
27. Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that can help protect the skin against UV damage and reduce inflammation.
28. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help protect the skin against UV damage and reduce inflammation.
29. Oysters
Oysters are rich in zinc, a mineral that can help protect the skin against UV damage and boost the immune system.
30. Eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamin D, which can help keep the skin healthy and protect against sun damage.
By incorporating these 30 foods into your diet, you can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Keep in mind that while these foods can be helpful, they are not a substitute for sunscreen and other protective measures when spending time outside.