Edible Sun Protection

Edible Sun Protection

As you head out for that picnic, or a long weekend in the sun, remember to pack some extra sunscreen.

Just make sure it’s the right kind.

Recent reports show that chemical-filled commercial sunscreens aren’t as good for us as we might have thought. Synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate, octocrylene and others block ultraviolet rays, but they may also disrupt cellular health, hormone balance and more. These commercial sun care products are particularly risky because they absorb through the skin straight into your circulation. They can also be harmful for marine life and the environment.

According to the Environmental Working Group, better choices for sunscreen are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, since they can provide moderate protection without the same hazards of other chemical sun blockers. However, nano-materials – tiny microscopic particles — in these mineral-based products still make it risky to use them in powdered or spray-on forms, because we can easily inhale the nanoparticles accidently. This is especially important to keep in mind with kids.  Obviously, more research is needed to develop sun care products that are good for us, our children and the environment.

Edible Sunscreen?

There’s another way to increase your skin’s ability to protect against sunburns and damage from harsh UV rays. (Hint: this approach is much more delicious!)  Research shows that eating an abundance of antioxidant and nutrient-rich foods like brightly colored fruits and vegetables, sprouted grains and legumes, healthy fats, and lean protein, can help your skin protect against damage caused by prolonged sun exposure.

It’s equally important to avoid the typical western diet full of inflammatory foods like refined carbohydrates, sugar, trans-fats and other unhealthy ingredients. These “foods” can wreak havoc throughout the body, disrupting cellular signals, damaging DNA, and fueling chronic inflammation. This in turn weakens our skin’s defenses against the damage caused by prolonged UV ray exposure.

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables can be especially helpful for skin health. Choose items like blueberries and other berries, pomegranates, leafy greens, tomatoes, squash, melons, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.  These antioxidant and polyphenol-rich foods can increase your skin’s ability to protect against sun damage and environmental assaults, while supporting overall health at the same time.

Supplements and Botanicals

It’s also a good idea to add botanical based antioxidant supplements, a number of which have been shown to increase our ability to resist UV damage. Lycopene, found in tomatoes can help, as well as vitamins A and E.

Another excellent choice is ecoNugenics HonoPure® 98% pure Honokiol, extracted from magnolia bark. HonoPure offers powerful free radical scavenging abilities 1,000 times more potent than vitamin E. It’s also a powerful yet gentle aid for occasional stress that does not cause dependency or next-day drowsiness.*

Most importantly, HonoPure supports cellular health in numerous organs and tissues, including your skin.*

Click here to learn more about this versatile health supplement today!

Sun Smarts

It’s important to remember that we all need a moderate amount of sun exposure to create vitamin D. However, it’s just as essential to avoid spending long hours in the sun without protection during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) when ultraviolet rays are strongest.

Stay smart and safe as you enjoy your time in the sun!