Vitamins A, C, E and D are crucial to protect the skin from the aging effects of UV exposure
Journalist | July 12, 2011
Antioxidants can help protect our skin by ingesting the key potent antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and D. This does not preclude the need to use sunscreens however, which will not only provide antioxidant protection, but also guards against sunburn and inflammation.
Several studies have demonstrated that antioxidant dense foods may increase the skin’s tolerance to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A 2006 Journal Of Nutrition study concluded that a high antioxidant flavonoid rich cocoa drink increased the body’s ability to tolerate UV rays and improved overall skin health.
Other studies have shown the role antioxidants in sun protection internally, one in The Journal of Carcinogenesis, showed that an omega-3 fatty acid – EPA reduced the risk of developing skin cancer by prolonging the time in getting sun burnt during UV ray exposure. Another study showed that supplementing with beta-carotene supplements for 10 weeks provided protection against sunburn.
The British Society of Investigative Dermatology has reported that eating a tomato paste-rich diet assisted the body in the fight against free radicals and helped the skin to protect itself from the sun by about 33 per cent. It was found that that lycopene, an antioxidant abundant in cooked tomatoes, was responsible for the internal skin protection assistance.
Rick Hay, Nutritionist and Naturopath for Fushi Wellbeing, supports this theory. “Vitamins A, C, E and D are crucial to protect the skin from the aging effects of UV exposure. More and more clinical evidence is indicating that antioxidant-rich foods, superfoods and supplements may have a role in protecting the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and may help prevent premature skin aging.”
“Ideally, you should be able eat your way through a varied diet to get your essential antioxidants. By adding the superfoods that include berries, tomatoes preferably cooked, dark green veggies – al of which are diet must haves for sun protection. It is also important to top up on GLA and linoleic acid – omega 3.6.9.s. which help the skin’s moisture levels and are anti-inflammatory. And, then there is vitamin B, which has a role to play in keep the skin moisturised, but also helps against hyper-pigmentation.”
Rick continues, “In recent years, there has been more research into the role of supplements in protecting against sun damage. What you need to look for are those that have a strong high ORAC level, which measures the strength of antioxidants, such as acai and Goji or any of the superfood supplements.’
The problem is, however, that, for a variety of reasons, we do not get our optimum level of nutrients purely from food, which is why supplements have a role to play.
And, additionally, the higher the quality of supplement, the better the benefits over a longer term. It’s like tightening the strings in a tennis racket, the benefits go far beyond of sun protection into realm of anti-aging. Think natural face lift.”
The Pick of Fushi’s Sun Essentials to protect the skin in summer:
Fushi’s Total Sun Complex 24.58
Specially formulated to protect the skin and body’s main organs from uv and free radical damage at a cellular level. It contains powerful antioxidant vitamins, beta carotene, citrus bioflavonoids and other phytonutrients which have collectively been found to increase the power of external sunscreens by as much as 25%.
Key sun care ingredients:
Vitamin C – as well as its powerful antioxidant properties, it has been shown to reduce the inflammation associated with sunburn;
Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that when combined with C have shown impressive results increasing the efficacy of each other;
Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants in their own right;
Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, also helps minimise free radical damage;
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce uv damage;
Selenium – thought to help protect DNA at a cellular level; and
Evening primrose oil, which keeps the skin moisturised and reduces inflammation.
Fushi Organic Acai Berry Powder (25.48)
Acai Berry is a powerful “super food” that is rich in nutritional elements such as antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins B, C, E, iron, calcium, amino acids and fibre.
Youth Totale (9.95)
A potent certified organic phytonutrient powder containing 10 powerful superfoods. The unique blend includes spirulina, alfalfa, kelp, turmeric, carrot root, apple and bilberry. Simply, add to your favourite juice or smoothie.
Green Tea & Bilberry Herbal Health Drink (19.36)
An antioxidant rich natural herbal formulation is packed with all-important powerful and protective antioxidants, it is formulated with renowned antioxidant rich green tea and bilberry, rosemary and red clover. A fruity tasting cordial, it can be taken as a chilled refreshing drink in summer.
Fushi Omega Totale 3.6.9 Health and Beauty Oil (16.28)
A total blend that includes organic flaxseed oil, evening primrose, avocado and olive oil that provides the full complement of omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids.
Finally, make sure you sun bathe sensibly and protect your skin and don’t overdo it.
Fushi’s Supplements are free from fillers, gluten, wheat, lactose, preservatives, artificial colouring, and yeast. Fushi’s body care products are free from Parabens, Petrochemicals, SLS, PEGs and synthetics. Fushi’s products are suitable for vegetarians, with selected products also available for vegans.
Fushi is available from Waitrose, Ocado, Daylesford Organic and The Nutricentre.
Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com
