By Cecilia Linares
During the past 6 weeks we have been enjoying beautiful weather in the UK. It has made us all very happy during lockdown. Staying at home has contributed to decreased stress levels in some aspects. We are eating slowly, homemade food and sun tanning some more. All good news for healthy skin!
However, as the Summer approaches, the UV rays become stronger. I am sure you have noticed already in your skin! How should we prevent sun damage and protect our skin now?
Using a physical barrier such as a SPF 30 cream to filter the UV rays is very important to protect us from skin cancer.
From within our body, good nutrition is key!
Eating fruits and vegetables will provide important antioxidants to create skin protection and decrease the inflammation sun rays could cause.
In particular, foods high in polyphenols are very protective: oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, grapefruit juice, cherries, blueberries, pomegranate juice, raspberries, cranberries, black elderberries, blackcurrants, plums, blackberries, strawberries, apricots. Foods high in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach, romaine lettuce, squash, cantaloupe, red and yellow peppers and apricots.
Preparing juices, salads, cold soups, cooked and raw salads, desserts without adding extra sugar will help us eat more of these foods. Increasing the fiber content in our diet in this way will certainly benefit our gut transit and help adding a glow to our skin.
Essential oils are also important to eat. Most sun kissed countries also have nuts in their cuisines. Nature always provides us with what we need, it is such a blessing! Eating almonds, pistachios, seeds, other nuts, will give us omega 3s, vitamin E and fiber, and will protect our skin against oxidation and inflammation.
Hydration will certainly be necessary. A plump healthy skin requires enough water! 7-8 glasses of water should be enough during the summer, but please add more if your exercise routine is intense.
Finally, remember to sun tan during non-pick hours of UV damage. Avoid sun rays between noon and 4pm when the sun is most damaging. If you have to be under the sun during that time, apply more sunscreen and do so more often.
Protecting your skin is important. It is the largest organ in your body. Love it!