Why you should use Sunblock to protect your skin

Sunblock or sunscreens are essential when you are looking to have fun in summer. We all crave the warm sunshine on our skin. But overexposure can bring on wrinkles and sizzling sunburns that can lead to skin cancer. In fact, the National Cancer Institute estimates that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once, and overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause. Fortunately, taking a few precautions before you head outdoors can reduce your risk. And it’s never too early or too late to start. There are typically 3 options to keep you covered and they consist of diet, lifestyle elements and supplements.


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A diet that neutralizes free radicals formed by UV exposure can help counteract the sun’s damaging effects. While most fruits and veggies offer some antioxidant protection, when it comes to sun protection, pomegranate is a real superstar.

According to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, drinking pomegranate juice or taking a pomegranate extract effectively protects skin from UVB rays thanks to its high level of polyphenols and anthocyanidins.

Brazil nuts, tuna, and other foods with selenium can also guard against sun-induced skin damage. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that is associated with a reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Reducing the amount of total fat in your diet is another way to neutralize free radicals and help prevent precancerous skin conditions. According to a study conducted by the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, people who eat a diet consisting of 36 to 40 percent fat are nearly five times more likely to develop premalignant skin lesions than those who keep their fat intake to 20 percent or less.

As far as supplements go, an alternative that is most enjoyed by consumers and is easy to access is green tea.Green tea is packed with polyphenols that neutralize free radicals. According to researchers at the Birmingham Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, green tea enhances DNA repair in skin cells that have been exposed to harmful UV rays. Typical dosage: 500 mg per day of a supplement standardized to provide 97 percent polyphenols content. This is equivalent to drinking four cups of green tea. Many of these standardized products are decaffeinated.

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