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Slather sunscreen, but also nosh on these 7 foods to avoid tanning this summer

Try these skin friendly foods if you want to prevent sun tan naturally because these foods can provide protection from sun damage.
vitamin c overdose
Citrus fruits are not only healthy but they also help curb anxiety! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 8 Apr 2022, 12:00 pm IST
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You just can’t escape the summer sun and the tanning that comes with it. In the months between April to June, the sun is so harsh that your skin tans very easily. Unfortunately, tanning can even make your skin dry and flaky. Guess who comes for your rescue here? Well, some skin-friendly foods. There are certain foods that are capable of providing skin protection from the harsh summer sun and can therefore prevent sun tan!

Here’s how certain foods can provide skin protection from the sun

Diet is an often overlooked part when it comes to the external protection of the skin but when it comes to skin health, diet plays an important role. When HealthShots spoke to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, she said, “The sun might be very far away, but it has some harmful effects on the skin. The rising temperature calls for special protection from the sun and only using a sun block is not enough. There are certain foods that can help repair the UV damaged skin and offer protection from the sun.”

sun tan
Getting rid of the sun tan can be tough but is is not impossible.. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are certain foods that are known to prevent sun tan:

1. All kinds of citrus fruits

Vitamin c is a boon for your skin. And when it comes to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, it tops the list, according to Dr Kapoor. Not only this, but vitamin C can also manage your various skin issues such as loose skin hyperpigmentation, pimples, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Foods like oranges, lemon, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and sweet lemon are rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants which can fight free radicals and repair the skin to a healthy glow. What’s more? Vitamin c has great benefits across all age groups.

2. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are our favourite fruits for safeguarding the skin from the sun’s destructive rays. Guess why? Wel,l because just as sunscreen protects the skin from the outside, pomegranate can protect the skin from the inside. The tiny red jewels are rich in ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and tannins that all can keep the free radicals away and can help in restoring the glow of the skin.

Sun tan
Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits to include in your diet for healthy skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are a potent skin damage fighter. Wonder why? Well because it is rich in starch, and beta carotene that reduces the harm of sunburn and sun tanning. Moreover, sweet potato may also help protect the skin against premature ageing by helping reduce the signs and symptoms of ageing caused by long sun exposure and damage such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Also, read: My MIL’s special tomato and rice flour de-tan scrub is all you need to de-tan your skin

4. Cauliflower

The easily available food and the most effective way to safeguard your skin from sun damage is by adding cauliflower to your diet. The little cauliflower is a very powerful defense against oxidative stress and contains histidine that absorbs UV radiation. What’s more? It can do wonders from the inside out.

5. Watermelon

Watermelon is the summer fruit that people consume to stay hydrated. But according to Dr Kapoor, this fruit can also provide protection from sun tanning and can keep your skin hydrated. Therefore, you get smooth and supple skin in one go. It contains lycopene and vitamin C that will cool down your skin too and can give you soft but glowing skin.

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The juicy goodness shall keep your skin hydration levels high. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Carrot

Carrots are the healthiest go-to snack. They are rich in beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C which combine together to form a very strong defense against sun damage, and premature ageing. In fact, it can also add a glow to your face.

7. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds protect against sunburn, and inflammation and help fight skin cancer. They are also right in roughage that helps with digestion.

So try incorporating these sun loving foods for sun protection from the inside and an added glow. But remember that these foods are not alternatives to sunscreen. Make sure that you use sunscreen every time you step out of the house.

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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