Sunblock is the most obvious way to protect your skin from the sun, and probably the most popular too. But there are more ways to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful ways.
As someone who burns easily – and as someone who is paranoid about getting sunburned – I have done a lot of research about alternative and additional ways to protect your skin, aside from sunscreen. Here are some things I do, especially in the summer, for increased sun protection:
- Wear a hat
- Wear scarves (I just purchased a sarong-type of scarf made out of SPF fabric)
- Avoid being out in the sun mid-day
- Eat foods that help prevent sunburn (more on that later)
I even installed SPF window tint on the driver’s side window of my car. Call me paranoid, but I’m willing to do whatever I can to avoid further sun damage.
Foods That Protect Your Skin From The Sun
These foods are known to offer sun protection:
- Watermelon – Good source of lycopene.
- Strawberries – Good source of anthocyanins.
- Tomatoes – Good source of lycopene. Try to eat one tablespoon of tomato paste per day.
- Other red and orange produce – Many other red and orange fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, beta carotene, and other good stuff that protects the skin.
- Leafy greens – Kale, spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens are full of antioxidants that protect the body from carcinogens.
- Fish – Fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
- Chocolate – Chocolate contains flavanoids, which offer protection for your skin and your body in general.
- Tea – Both green and black tea contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants.
For increased sun protection, add a variety of these foods to your everyday diet. Or mix and match to come up with something delicious, like I did.
About The Recipe
This smoothie is not only good for your skin, it is also refreshing and delicious. Even if you aren’t looking more sun protection, you will love this drink. It’s naturally sweet, and is especially delicious if made with good, ripe watermelon – you know what I mean? And when summertime fruit is in season, this recipe is also quite affordable.
Disclaimer: While this smoothie contains ingredients that offer natural protection from the sun, this is not a substitute for sunblock or your regular method of sun protection. Treat this as a delicious summertime drink that also happens to be good for your skin.
Further Reading
- Wellness Mama - Learn about avoiding sunburn by eating real food.
- Environmental Working Group - Check out their 2014 summer sunscreen guide, which rates common brands of sunscreens based on toxicity.
Sunblock Smoothie
Yield: 1 serving
Total Time: Less than 5 min
If you want a thicker, smoothie-like consistency, skip the liquid. If you prefer more of a juice, add up to 1/2 cup of milk or other liquid.
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon cubes
5 strawberries
Your choice of liquid, if needed (cow's milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut water, green tea, etc.)Directions:
Place watermelon and strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth. Add your choice of liquid, if needed, for a thinner consistency.