How To Avoid Getting Burned This Summer

Everyone needs Vitamin D from the sun. However during these hot summer months, we often fall victim to a little too much.  Now, there’s an alternative to lathering yourself in sun lotion every time you step outside. Supplementation of astaxanthin, resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids can protect your skin internally from the sun.

Sunburn occurs when UV rays from the sun burn skin tissue, causing the skin cells to die. This often causes noticeable discomfort, and skin to turn a reddish color. This is a hint that it’s actually a type of inflammation, and sunburn can be a very serious condition. The greatest danger is that sunburn is the leading cause of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Becoming sunburned on a routine basis causes an individuals risk for melanoma to increase dramatically, potentially even doubling after four or more serious sunburns.

Effectively reducing your risk of  harmful sunburn can actually start with the nutrients that enter your body. Research suggests that taking these nutrients can help stop sunburn before it strikes.

1)      Astaxanthin
The super-antioxidant astaxanthin is naturally found in algae and animals that eat the algae. In concentrated form, it can also be found in various supplements. As an antioxidant it has been primarily been used to promote a healthy cardiovascular system. However,  recent research has suggested that astaxanthin helps protect the skin from UV rays, helping to potentially prevent sunburn.

2)      Resveratrol
Recently resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes, has received a lot of publicity for supporting healthy hearts as well as alleviating certain symptoms related to cancer. This study also suggests that when resveratrol is absorbed into skin cells, it helps them block UV rays.

3)      Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to combat the inflammatory response of skin after it’s been exposed to the sun for too long. This can limit the harmful effects of sunburn as well as reduce the risk of melanoma. Omega-3 acid is found naturally in fish, but supplementation may be suggested, to ensure that both proper quantity and quality is received.

These nutrients have all shown to be effective in combatting UV rays. Try out these suggestions and let us know if you’ve noticed a decrease in sunburn frequency and intensity.