Shielding skin from tanning: Sunscreen alone isn’t sufficient

Experts list skin-friendly foods to consume to prevent harmful rays of the sun from wreaking havoc

Tan lines are almost unavoidable during scorching summers. In the months April to June, the sun is so harsh that your skin tans very easily. Unfortunately, tanning can even make your skin dry and flaky. While sunscreen is a necessity, more so during this time of the year, there are a few dietary tweaks as well that can help provide protection from the harsh summer sun and therefore, prevent sun tan. Yes, you read that right!

Diet is an often overlooked part when it comes to the external protection of the skin. But, when it comes to skin health, diet plays an important role. “The sun has some harmful effects on the skin. The rising temperature calls for special protection from the sun and only using a sun block is not enough. There are certain foods that can help repair UV damage caused to the skin and offer protection from the sun,” observes Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon,

Foods that are known to prevent sun tan All kinds of citrus fruits:

Vitamin C is a boon for your skin. And when it comes to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, it tops the list, according to Dr Kapoor. Vitamin C can also help manage various skin issues such as loose skin, hyperpigmentation, pimples, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Foods such as oranges, lemon, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi and sweet lemon are rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can fight free radicals and repair the skin to give a healthy glow. So, make sure you stock up on vitamin C! Pomegranate: Pomegranates are our favourite fruits for safeguarding the skin from the sun’s destructive rays. Just as sunscreen protects the skin from the outside, pomegranate can protect the skin from the inside. The tiny red jewels are rich in ellagic acid, anthocyanins and tannins that can keep free radicals away and help in restoring the glow of the skin.

Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are a potent skin damage fighter, for they are rich in starch and beta carotene that reduces the harm of sunburn and sun tanning. Moreover, sweet potato may help protect the skin against premature ageing by helping reduce the signs and symptoms of ageing caused by long sun exposure and damage, such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Cauliflower: The most effective way to safeguard your skin from sun damage is by adding cauliflower to your diet. It is a very powerful defence against oxidative stress and contains histidine that absorbs UV radiation.

Watermelon: This is a fruit largely consumed to stay hydrated. But, according to Dr Kapoor, this fruit can also provide protection from sun tanning and can keep your skin hydrated. Therefore, you get smooth and supple skin in one go. It contains lycopene and vitamin C that will cool down your skin too and can give you soft, glowing skin.

Carrot: Carrots are considered among the healthiest options for a quick snack. They are rich in betacarotene, lycopene and vitamin C, which combine together to form a very strong defence against sun damage, and premature ageing. In fact, it can also add a natural glow to your face.

Nuts and seeds: A solution to many issues, nuts and seeds even protect against sunburn and inflammation. They are also said to help fight skin cancer. They even contain the right amount of roughage that helps with digestion.

So, try incorporating these sun-loving foods for sun protection from the inside and an added glow. But remember, these foods are not alternatives to sunscreen. Make sure that you use sunscreen every time you step out of the house.