[Read: Effective Tips for Fair Skin]

Supplements to Safeguard your Skin from UV Rays

1. Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a very beneficial algae-based antioxidant. The antioxidants come directly from the algae and provide protection from the harsh UV rays. It’s been known to combat all the symptoms of skin damage from the sun, including fine lines, brown spots, wrinkles, sun burns and skin cancer. Researchers are now examining astaxanthin as a sunscreen as it contains ultraviolet-light-absorbing properties. Studies have shown that consuming six milligrams of astaxanthin everyday for 6 to 8 weeks can actually reduce size of the age spots and crow’s feet while improving skin texture and elasticity.

2. Lycopene

Lycopene is a phytonutrient present in red vegetables and fruits including grapefruit, tomatoes and watermelon. The pigment works as an antioxidant which provides protection against free radicals. Studies have depicted that lycopene has innumerous health benefits and keeps the sun protected from damage. A study presented at the British Society of Investigative Dermatology including twenty people found that people who ate tomato paste had thirty three percent greater protection against sunburn than people who did not consume the tomato paste. According to the researches, tomatoes are very beneficial as they contain lycopene which neutralizes free radicals. Include tomatoes in your diet for preventing your skin from becoming red.

3. Vitamin D

The sun is the biggest source of vitamin D and basking in the morning sun will provide your body all the vitamin D it needs. But the afternoon sun is extremely harsh and instead of nourishing you, it damages your skin. You can try various foods which contain Vitamin D like cod liver and salmon liver oil, shiitake mushrooms, eggs and cow’s milk. Most of the people face vitamin D deficiency and including these foods in your everyday diet will increase the vitamin D in your body. Almost all the cells in your body contain vitamin D receptors which play a very important role boosting your immune system.

[Read: Sunscreen Lotions and How to Use it]

4. Proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins are a group of compounds containing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. They are known to have anti-skin-cancer effects. Proanthocyanidins present in grape seed extract stimulates tissue elasticity. It replenishes cells with oxygen and also strengthens the blood vessels. Grape seed proanthocyanidins can stop the squamous skin cells from entering the healthy noncancerous cells.

5. Selenium

Selenium is a vital mineral that works as an antioxidant, specially when vitamin D is mixed it. Various studies have proven that selenium plays an important role in preventing skin cancer. It is also related to skin elasticity and can protect you from skin damage caused by free radicals. It is advised to intake fifty to hundred micrograms of selenium daily. Various sources of selenium include shellfish, mushrooms, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.