With rates of skin cancer rising around the world, it’s never been more important to adopt habits that help protect our skin.
Only by developing these good habits young, and following them faithfully for the rest of our lives, can we protect our body’s largest organ.
Some of these habits are well-known. Like using sunscreen with SPF and staying away from tanning beds. However, did you know that there are also foods that help protect our skin from sun damage?
Today, we’re going to explore ways that you can change your diet to incorporate some of these sun damage-fighting foods. Also, we’ll look at how you can repair sun damaged skin if you’re already seeing premature signs of aging.
Incorporate Foods that Help Prevent Sun Damage
Why is sunlight is so dangerous for our skin? Sunlight generates free radicals: unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cell function. Once this damage to our skin cells is done, it can cause mutations that may lead to skin cancer.
Fortunately, there are some foods that can protect against free radicals, and prevent them from damaging our skin. The details are still being investigated and studied, but many doctors are now advocating for patients to increase their consumption of these types of foods:
Avocado
Avocados are extremely nutrient-dense fruits, and they taste amazing on toast, cubed on top of chili or tacos, or even tossed into a smoothie. Avocados contain lots of beneficial fats, which support our skin health by enhancing our absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals like Vitamins E and C.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, whether mashed, baked, or fried, have plenty of beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A once digested. In addition to helping fight against free radicals from sun damage, it can also reduce sun sensitivity in people who are extremely photosensitive.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains large amounts of sulforaphane, a phytochemical that helps to protect our cells against DNA damage. Cells that have had their DNA damaged are more likely to mutate into cancer cells, so protecting them is extremely important.
Broccoli also contains carotenoids like beta carotene that turns into vitamin A, a well-known fighter against free radicals. It has also been touted by the National Cancer Institute as a food that’s incredibly useful in the fight against various forms of cancer.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain anti-inflammatory beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene. All of which help to limit skin cell damage. Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, which can help stimulate collagen production, leading to greater skin elasticity. When our body doesn’t produce as much collagen, wrinkles and fine lines are more visible.
Soy
Soy can be found in many different foods, including tofu, tempeh, and soymilk. You can also eat plain soybeans, which are usually sold in North America as edamame.
Soy contains plenty of natural plant proteins and can help protect our skin when eaten and applied topically. Soy also contains lots of antioxidants that help prevent sun damage. As well, soy can improve the overall condition of the skin by supporting collagen production.
Green Tea
Recent studies have confirmed that green tea is full of compounds that fight against free radical damage, and help to limit inflammation. This antioxidant-rich tea can be ingested or applied directly to the skin. This helps to protect against photoaging, as well as skin cancers and melanomas. Green tea can also help to clear up oily skin, which often leads to acne as excess sebum clogs our pores.
How to Repair Sun Damaged Skin
In addition to increasing your risk for skin cancer, excessive sun exposure can also damage the appearance, tone, and texture of your skin. When this happens, there are several steps you can take to repair sun damaged skin.
BBL – Forever Young
BBL stands for Broad Band Light. This is a category of skin treatment that uses pulsed light therapy to target areas of the face that are discoloured, scarred, or inflamed. It’s fantastic for reversing sun damage and boosting collagen production. This means skin looks smoother and more radiant.
Doctors recommend 1-3 BBL Forever Young treatments per year, which maintains your skin’s health and provides ongoing support for aging skin.
Micro Laser Peel
A micro laser peel is a great way to completely restore skin. It also removes the upper layer of skin that’s been most affected by sun damage.
This one-time procedure involves a technician using a laser to target the damaged upper layers of skin. Topical freezing ensures that you don’t feel any discomfort. Recovery time is minimal and most people are able to socialize within 3-5 days of treatment.
Halo
Another popular skin treatment option is the Halo hybrid fractional laser, which is used to target various skin concerns including dullness, wrinkles, and discoloration. Since it’s a hybrid laser, it can target both the surface of the skin, and penetrate into the lower layers. This allows the technician to improve visible imperfections on the top layer of skin. As well as stimulate the growth of new collagen underneath.
Finding the Right Newmarket Skin Clinic to Repair Damaged Skin
There are so many ways you can protect against sun damage, but too many people wait until it’s too late. Fortunately, there are many options you can take to improve the health and appearance of your skin long-term.
Speaking to a reputable plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Skin Clinic of Newmarket will give you a sense of your options.
Our doctors can help you formulate a treatment plan that’s right for your needs, and your budget.
Contact us today to book your initial consultation.