I just returned from the first full-out beautiful pre-summer weekend in Montauk and I am not afraid to tell you, I am psyched for summer! If you live in the NYC area then you know that the weekend of May 19th was glorious indeed and gave us all the first glimpses of the days that lay ahead. It was sunny and breezy and although I needed a sweatshirt to hang out on the beach, I managed to get myself a fairly nice tan (and I can just hear my facialist Elsa groan at the mention of it. Sorry Elsa, but I swear I wore sunscreen).
But the sun is potent… It IS the sun after all, responsible for life on earth as we know it, so a little sunscreen is really no challenge for the mighty rays of the sun. Because of this, I take extra precaution every summer to make sure that the damage is minimal not only to protect my skin from aging and sun spots but of course, to make sure it stays healthy throughout the days of my life.
In addition to eating a ton of vegetables through daily green drinks and salads, which provide unparalleled nutrition loaded in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, I take certain supplements that I have found to help my skin stay healthy, vibrant, hydrated and as line free as one can hope as the years pass. These are particularly useful if you venture outside a lot during the summer months.
Protecting Your Beautiful Face in the Summer Sun
1. Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
One habit I’ve maintained since my early 20’s has been to get a daily dose of flax seed oil. One tablespoon in the morning with my other supplements and I am good to go. I also make sure I include ground flax into my diet through raw granola or added to oatmeal. Additionally, if I go out in the sun, I make sure to take two Omega 3 fish oil capsules for added anti-inflammatory benefits. For Vegans, 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax oil before going out in the summer sun should provide similar protection.
2. MSM powder
Methyl sulfonyl methane is one of the best supplements I know of for healthy, thick and strong hair but it has the added benefit of helping to improve the quality of your skin. In addition, it has been shown to help reduce inflammation associated with joint and muscle pain. Start with 1000mg daily.
3. Astaxanthin
One of the best antioxidants for your skin is Astaxanthin, the carotenoid antioxidant that gives salmon and shrimp their bright orange color. Synthesized by plants and algae, Astaxanthin has been shown to improve the health of your skin and slow the signs of aging and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, Astaxanthin has been shown to protect cardiac health and prevent muscle damage, thereby improving endurance. You can start with 2 to 4 mg daily in supplement form as a daily skin supplement and to further protect your skin from sun damage, take some before venturing out in the summer sun.
4. Vitamin C, especially from Rose Hips
Vitamin C is another excellent antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage and reduces inflammation in the body, hence, allowing for healthier skin. Additionally, vitamin C, particularly from Rose Hips has been shown to participate in the production of collagen, which allows for less sagging. You can either drink rose hips tea or take in supplement form, about 1000mg daily.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and when taken with vitamin C can help protect from the sun’s damaging rays. Nuts, seeds and flax are decent sources of vitamin E, but if you’re going to be spending your days on the beach, then you may want to take 400 IU of a mixed tocopherol vitamin E.
Do take good care of your skin… it is your first line of defense from the outside elements and it says a lot about what lurks within. Let your face show the world the many ways in which you care for your body~
Have a great summer!
B