We know that they deal with UV radiation by absorbing the energy from sunlight, but according to some researchers, this energy from ultraviolet light may be transferred to the DNA in skin cells, in the form of free radicals. Free radicals are why we don’t smoke and we try to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, not to mention applying antioxidants to our skin to fight their effects.
Natural sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and natural minerals which come from clay and beach sand deposits and work by coating your skin like paint. Just like chemical sunscreens, these must also be tested to strict measures.
Dietary factors
One area of concern, besides the proliferation of chemicals in our daily environment, is an imbalance in omega 6 and omega 3 fats in our diet today. Historically, our diets were perfectly balanced in omega 3 and omega 6. However, a change in the way we feed our animals ’ which are now rarely grass-fed ’ has led to the average person consuming dramatically more omega 6 fats.
Omega 3 is found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil and oily fish. So we can increase our intake of omega 3 rich oils, taking a fish oil supplement, and choosing organic, grass-fed animal products such as meat, milk, cheese, yoghurt and eggs.
Since UVA rays do their damage by creating free radicals to ravage our DNA, clearly a diet high in antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals, is another good way to protect our skin health. Many studies also show that green tea is a powerful antioxidant and that the polyphenols it contains are powerfully protective. Similarly, lycopene in tomatoes are also high in antioxidants
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries; garlic, broccoli, citrus fruits, carrots and wholegrains are also good sources of antioxidants.
