Eat Your Way Out of a Sunburn
Did you know that vitamins C and E are particularly effective in preventing and repairing ultraviolet damage to the skin? Eating foods rich in these nutrients has actually been show to help prevent or lessen the extent of a sunburn!
That's not to say you can eat certain foods and then skip the sunscreen. Rather, these foods will add an additional layer of protection in addition to your favorite SPF-70 product.
So what's the catch? It's this: These vitamins are much more effective together than either is by itself, but there aren't many single foods that are high in both vitamins C and E. Good vitamin C foods include bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips and broccoli. Vitamin E is abundant in wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oil, almonds and avocados.
To give your skin the maximum protection, you'll need to combine foods from both groups. Guacamole with fresh red and green pepper strips would make a delicious, skin-loving snack! Or how about a crisp broccoli salad topped with slivered almonds?
These foods help nourish and protect your skin, but remember to wear your sunscreen if you'll be out in the sun. Sunscreen is far more powerful than the properties found in fruits and vegetables. Consider these an extra boost, not a replacement!
Published 08/12/09
