Protect Your Skin from the Inside Out

by Leslie Aronson — May 13, 2008

As the summer heats up, the desire to exercise outside increases and with it, our exposure to the sun and its potentially damaging effects. Wearing sunscreen any time you're outside seems like a no-brainer, but it's especially important when you're spending hour after hour on your bike, in the pool, or on the trail. A good, sweat-resistant, non-expired sunscreen is key. If your sunscreen has passed its expiration date, then chuck it - there's no guarantee that it's still effective.

There are other ways you can improve your skin's ability to resist harmful rays from the inside out. As discussed in the May edition of Natural Health, eating colorful foods can help protect your skin. Foods rich in lycopene (a type of carotenoid), such as cooked tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, are helpful in protecting your skin and eyes by reducing your free-radical load. Cold-water fish, such as herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, and salmon, are rich in omega-3's, which can soothe inflammation and help cells defend themselves against free radicals. Dark chocolate (and not milk chocolate) as well as green tea are skin-protecting foods. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, chard, and especially broccoli can also ward off skin damage. Wearing sun-resistant clothing (often available at your local outdoor or running store) can also decrease your exposure. Add more of these foods to your diet and take common sense precautions with your clothing and sunscreen and you'll find less wear and tear on your skin this summer.