Tips on how to protect your skin from the sun

With the arrival of spring and good weather you spend more time being exposed to the sun, which means you need to increase your protection against UV rays that damage your skin and cause premature ageing.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, both inside and out, is to use topical UV protection products and antioxidant-rich sunscreen pills. The combination of both will help to prevent skin cancer and premature skin ageing.

Topical UV protection

UV protection product acts as sunscreens that protect the skin by absorbing or reflecting part of the sun’s radiation. This is why it is important to choose the right one:

– Choose a sunscreen that provides protection against the different types of radiation (UVA, UVB, IR and visible light).

– It should have a high SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above, especially the first few times you are exposed to the sun.

– It should be water-resistant and, if you are going to do exercise, sweat-resistant.

– Avoid ones that contain perfumes and alcohol as they can be photosensitising.

Once you have the right UV protection for your skin type, it is important to use it properly:

– It should be applied at least every two hours and whenever you get out of the water and after sweating or towelling.

– Apply it liberally and evenly.

– Take special care to apply it to delicate areas such as the face, ears, bridges of the feet and shoulders.

Additionally, you can always supplement this topical sun protection with sunscreen capsules, which usually contain the necessary antioxidants to prevent and protect against oxidative damage from free radicals.

Sun protection in antioxidant capsules

In addition to topical sunscreens (creams, sprays, oils, etc.), you can optimise your skin’s protection from within by consuming antioxidants.

These are normally consumed in food,but at times when you are overexposed to the sun it is advisable to take a food supplement that acts as an oral sunscreen. These are usually natural and contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds thatneutralise free radicals which damage the skin, protecting against degenerative diseases andageing of the skin.

[p] Keriba Forte is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants because it is obtained from the extract of whole fresh pomegranates, which are high in punicalagins, polyphenolic compounds that protect against UV radiation, promoting the regeneration of cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. It also prevents hyperpigmentation and, therefore, the appearance of blemishes, and it stimulates collagen and elastin production, so it tightens the skin and prevents the formation of wrinkles.

However, in addition to taking this natural food supplement, the body’s need for antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can also be met through diet.

Sources of antioxidants

• Vitamin E, present in nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, etc.), vegetables (spinach, avocado, chard, etc.), olive oil, etc..
• Vitamin C is contained in citrus fruits, strawberries, berries, kiwis, etc. and in vegetables like broccoli, spinach and peppers.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotene. These can be found in fruits and vegetables: cherries, melons, carrots, papaya, pumpkin, tomatoes, broccoli, etc.
• Coenzyme Q10 can be consumed through oily fish, animal offal, or nuts, peanuts and soybeans.
• Selenium: oats, brewer’s yeast, wheat bran, mushrooms, asparagus, garlic, lobster, langoustine, crayfish, lobster, and eggs.
• Zinc: walnuts, lentils, chickpeas, beans, beef, pork and lamb.
• Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables (apples, berries, citrus fruits, onion, beetroot, broccoli, etc.) and in green tea.
• Isoflavones from soybeans and soya products.
• Lycopene from tomatoes, watermelons and grapefruit.
• L-cysteine found in pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, broccoli, onions and garlic.
• Vitamin B6 from meat, fish (cod, salmon and tuna), and nuts (cashew nuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds).
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and food supplements.

Tips on protecting yourself against the sun

As we have remarked, there are food supplements that act as a sunscreen in capsules which, when combined with topical UV protection, provide sun protection on the inside and out.

As well as using this protection, you should take certain precautions, such as:

• Use fabrics that protect you from the sun’s rays.
• Limit your exposure time.
• Avoid the sun between midday and 4pm.
• Replenish your fluids frequently, to prevent dehydration.