5 Nutrients that Protect Your Skin

Summer is in full swing and it's important to protect your skin when outside. Your skin has the ability to activate its own defense system against UVB radiation. It does this by utilizing antioxidants within the skin, so making sure you have enough in store is essential! Here are five helpful antioxidants for healthy skin!

1. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant that supports healthy eyesight, skin health, muscle function, brain health, and immunity. Studies performed in which individuals were given 6 mg of oral astaxanthin for eight weeks demonstrated its ability to reduce skin wrinkles, while improving elasticity and moisture content.*

2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is highly concentrated in the skin and is important for collagen production and healthy skin cells. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetable with vitamin C, such as blackcurrants, citrus fruits, berries, kiwifruit, tomatoes, and broccoli.*

3. Tocotrienol Vitamin E
The tocotrienol form of vitamin E is shown to reduce UVB radiation damage. It does this by regulating gene signals when accumulated in cell membranes of skin. Furthermore, the tocotrienols protect fibroblasts, the carpenters of connective tissue, and turn on gene signals that enhance collagen production, thus preventing wrinkles. But, be sure to supplement with tocotrienols, not synthetic dl alpha tocopherol.*

4. Green Tea Extract
Individuals supplementing with green tea catechins for 12 weeks were found to have UV defending metabolites of the green tea built up in their skin and less UV radiation damage. Green tea extract is also shown to improve skin moisture, elasticity, density, and smoothness.*

5. Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is an antioxidant naturally found in red-orange and dark green foods like carrots and kale. It has  been shown to help protect the skin from sunburn. This antioxidant builds up in the skin and deactivates free radicals generated by the sun’s radiation. This effect is only seen with natural sources of beta carotene.*

It’s best to seek a balance of sensible sun exposure to facilitate vitamin D production, yet still protect the skin from overexposure so you don’t burn. Applying unrefined coconut oil to the skin provides hydration and some protection. Non-nano zinc oxide is a good non-toxic sunscreen option. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and supplementing with skin-loving antioxidants can certainly help your skin health!