Getting outside under the warm rays of the sun is what summer’s all about. In fact, the sun is actually essential for many chemical processes that happen within our bodies, like supporting vitamin D production, regulating the circadian rhythm, and helping to release serotonin! But too much exposure without proper protection can be dangerous. And the effects can be long-lasting.

Wearing sunscreen is usually one of the first steps we take to protect our skin from the sun. While sunscreen is effective, topical protection tends to wear off over time, whether you sweat it off, it gets washed away or rubbed off on clothing.

So, what do you do to ensure you stay protected? You go above and beyond – protect your skin with nutrients, from the inside out! Let’s dive into some tips on how you can protect your skin from the sun this summer.

Is the sun really that dangerous?

The sun can have harmful effects on our skin, especially when we’re outside for long periods of time. These effects can be seen through chemical changes within our skin and as a result, changes in the physical appearance of our skin. And these can be long lasting, sometimes even irreversible. Which is why it’s so important to keep our skin protected from the sun.

How the sun alters our skin

The sun emits ultraviolet or UV rays, and there are two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays travel deep into the skin, causing cosmetic damage like premature aging, leathering and sagging of skin. UVB rays can lead to sunburns due to their high energy content, resulting in a greater risk of skin cancer.

Both rays react with a pigment in the skin called melanin that changes depending on exposure to sunlight. This reaction is what alters the way our skin looks and feels.

Now that you know why protecting your skin from the sun is important, let’s talk about how exactly you can shield your skin. Apart from sunscreen, that is.

What can we do to protect our skin?

If you’re looking for additional ways to protect your skin from the sun, you’re in the right place. There are certain nutrients that can help strengthen your skin and act as a barrier before the sun has a chance to damage it. And in some cases, even help reverse the effects of sun damage!

Let’s dive in.

Omega-3s and your skin

Our skin is made of three layers, the epidermis (outermost layer), the dermis (middle or inner layer), and the hypodermis (innermost layer). And two types of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are significant parts of the cell membranes within the epidermis. EPA and DHA help our skin retain water and moisture, making our skin look smooth, plump, and glowing. Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to protect skin cells against sun-induced inflammation.

You can get your daily dose of omega-3s from foods like avocados and fatty fish like mackerel and salmon. If you feel you’re still not getting enough omega-3s, you can try taking a supplement. Although fish oil is a popular choice, krill oil is one of the most potent sources of omega-3s. It mimics the structure of our cell membranes, making it easier for the body to absorb than fish oil. Innovite’s Krill Oil contains higher concentrations of EPA and DHA when compared to fish oil and is designed to support skin hydration and elasticity.

Vitamin C and your skin

Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of collagen, a protein that gives our bodies structure. The best thing about this vitamin is that it can help treat already existing UV damage. That’s because it has wound healing properties that help it make more collagen in the body. It’s also known to reduce wrinkles and protect your skin against oxidative damage from the sun’s UV rays.

If you’re looking to load up on some vitamin C, try adding more citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as broccoli to your diet. But if you’re not getting enough vitamin C from diet alone, you can look to a supplement. Pureway-C is known for its superior absorption and is designed to stick around in the body significantly longer so it can fulfill all its duties.

Protecting your skin from UV radiation

Another way you can make sure your skin is protected this summer is by taking a supplement that specifically combats UV radiation. UV Protect features NutroxSun™, a combination of Spanish Mediterranean citrus and rosemary extracts that are rich in antioxidants. This formula protects against daily sun exposure and UV radiation, decreasing individual susceptibility to UVB sunburn and improving the skin’s response to UVA-induced oxidative stress. It’s also known to help reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth and increase skin elasticity.

Our skin covers us from head to toe, so it’s no surprise that caring for our skin is a vital part of our overall health. Shield your skin from the inside out this summer by increasing your intake of collagen, vitamin C, and supplements that target UV radiation.

 

Sources:

Longwave and Shortwave Radiation

Sun Safety

Sun and Skin – The Dark Side of Sun Exposure

Vitamin C and Skin Health

6 Benefits and Uses of Omega-3s for Skin and Hair