6 foods that help prevent sunburn and protect the skin

Sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish high in omega-3, dark chocolate, cucumbers and watermelon are foods that help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

According to Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao, Department of Dermatology - Skin Aesthetics, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm the skin, especially thin skin areas around the eyes. Sunburn caused by UV rays can even increase the risk of skin cancer.

The best way to protect yourself against sun damage is to limit sun exposure. You should avoid going out during intense sunlight (10-4pm) or apply adequate sunscreen. In addition, some foods can help limit skin damage caused by sunlight. However, these foods cannot completely replace the use of sunscreen and other skin protection measures.

Below are 6 foods that protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, according to Dr. Thao:

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that acts as a shield to protect the skin from UV rays. After entering the body, beta-carotene will be converted into vitamin A, which can reduce sunburn.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables such as watercress, spinach... contain many carotenoids and antioxidants, which help protect the skin from the effects of sunlight.

Nuts

Chia seeds, sunflower seeds... contain lots of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from the effects of UV rays.

Fishes are rich in omega-3

Salmon, mackerel... are rich sources of omega-3, which help reduce sunburn when exposed to sunlight.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate can provide polyphenol antioxidants, which help protect the skin from the effects of UV rays.

Cucumber (cucumber)

Cucumbers are high in vitamin K, which helps heal the skin, so they're great for soothing sunburns. In addition, cucumbers are 96% water, so they have an extremely high ability to moisturize the skin.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a fruit that contains the antioxidant lycopene and amino acid arginine. Both help protect the skin from the effects of sunlight.