6 Foods to Safeguard Your Skin Against Sun Damage

All of us want well-hydrated skin but the sun sucks away all the moisture once we step out. The nutritionist Alice Mackintosh believes that not only do we need to apply something on our skin before we step out but also take care of what we eat.

You need to strengthen your skin cells against the UV rays and the damage. No doubt the SPF of your sunscreen helps but you need to improve your internal health as well to keep that glow permanent. So, here are some foods requirements that should be added for maintaining good skin against the sun damage. They basically improve the photo-sensitivity of the cells.

Here are 6 best food items that will protect your skin against the damage caused by the sun:

1. Zinc

What: It is a trace element. If you see the back of the cosmetic creams you will find it amongst the ingredients. It slows down the oxidation of the skin cells and prevents them from aging. It is also present in your everyday food. If you are taking the required amounts in food, your skin will be youthful and plump.

Where you can find it?

You can find it in the Pumpkin seeds, garlic, sesame seeds, and dark chocolate.

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2. Vitamin C

What: You all know this vitamin and realize its significance. Just as a reminder, I would tell you that it has great potential for anti-oxidation and also protects the skin from the damage done by the sun. It prevents the darkening of the skin due to excess melanin production due to exposure to sunlight. Also, it prevents the skin from discoloration, moles and skin cancers.

Where can you find it?

You can find it in Oranges, kale, strawberries, and red peppers.

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3. Vitamin A

What: It acts pretty much the same way as Vitamin C does.

Increasing its intake can improve the blood flow and reduce the damage of skin surface due to exposure to daylight. Also, it slows down the radical damage of skin cells.

Where can you find it?

You can find Vitamin A in Carrots, kale, sweet potatoes and spinach.

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4. Lycopene

What: Lycopene is often called a phytonutrient.

When consumed through the oral route, it enhances the production of collagen and melatonin in the skin cells. This eventually leads to repair of worn out skin cells.

Where can you find it?

It is present in Sun-dried tomatoes, papayas, grapefruit, watermelons, goji berries, and ketchup

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5. Omega 3

What: Omega-3 fats are so good for the entire body.

The mono and polyunsaturation of the fats make them healthier for the body as well as the skin. They reduce the chances of aging and maintain the moisture levels of the skin and prevent it from drying out and become patchy.

Where can you find it?

It is found in Mackerel, flax seeds, salmon fish and walnuts.

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6. Resveratrol

What: It is a plant product. It is produced when the plant is under some attack of pests like bacteria or fungi.

It improves the collagen production of the skin and detoxifies it. Also, it helps in the neutralization of the radical reactions.

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So, not only do you need to have a good skin care routine but also need to watch what goes into the stomach.