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Sun protection for summer

Sun protection for summer

Who’s ready for summer?

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Dr.Viv
Aug 09, 2020
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Plateful Health
Plateful Health
Sun protection for summer
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When it comes to sun exposure, balance is everything. The right amount at the right time is beneficial for our health. However, too much can lead to skin damage. In this article we look at ways you can protect yourself from the damaging effect of the sun and my protocol if I get sunburn.

Here’s a little background info...

UV radiation is divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC:

  • UVA penetrates deeper into the skin

  • UVB is most frequently associated with damage to the top layer of skin causing ageing, pigmentation

  • UVC is filtered by the ozone and does not reach the skin.

The reason why we are advised to wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage is that when our skin is exposed to UV radiation, free radicals are generated. These free radicals are unstable particles that can cause damage to our cells and DNA, unless they are neutralized. What neutralizes them? Antioxidants.

This is why, as well as applying non-toxic sunscreen, the antioxidant quality of your diet is an important way to protect yourself from the free radicals and oxidative stress caused by UV light.

If I could give you two takeaways, it’ll be to EAT MORE PLANTS and stay hydrated. Plant polyphenols are a broad class of phytochemicals found in the plant kingdom that have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Plants use these to protect themselves from the harsh environment that they may have to survive, and when we consume plants, we get to benefit. Antioxidants from plants have been credited with their ability to promote the skin’s ability to neutralize the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals created in response to UV radiation So eat the rainbow, eat lots of plants and include tea, herbs and spices in your diet (if you don’t know how to, I have an e-book 'How to Eat More Plants’ to help you here.)1

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Now, let’s talk more specifically about 6 particular nutrients that may have beneficial properties:

  • Resveratrol, found in grapes, wine, and peanuts, has been shown to act as an antioxidant, topical UVB protectant, anti-inflammatory.2 Now, alcohol itself can cause oxidative stress, so don’t go guzzling wine just to get your resveratrol - you can get that from eating grapes. Grape skin also contains proanthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals.

  • Quercetin - you must be sick of hearing about quercetin from me - as well as helping with seasonal allergies, it’s been tested as a topical sunscreen for humans and determined to provide protection from both UVA and UVB radiation - great sources include: green tea, onion, apples, capers, berries and, leafy greens.3

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