HOLIDAY HEALTH

SURPRISING health risks of holidays. This week: Skin

AS WELL as suncream, tweaks to your diet before you go on holiday can help to protect the skin against the ageing and carcinogenic effects of the sun’s rays, says Dr Iaisha Ali, a consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Clinic.

It’s important to eat plant foods that are dark in colour — such as blueberries, aubergines and plums — as they contain high levels of naturally occurring chemicals called anthocyanins.

These antioxidants reduce UV damage to the skin by slowing down a process called oxidation, a chemical reaction that degrades healthy cells.

‘I encourage patients to tuck in to such foods at least several weeks before a holiday,’ says Dr Ali. ‘And in summer, I take an anthocyanin supplement to boost my skin’s protection.’