Today we’ll see the tips, verified on the basis of scientific results, to prepare the skin to the sun exposure. It is spring indeed now and it is important to sunbathe with attention. In any case, sun rays are beneficial to our health because they stimulate, in the body, the synthesis of vitamin D with an anti cancer and bone protective action (Wacker et al, Dermatoendocrinol, Jan 2013).
Exfoliating action
Exfoliating is a very important step because, according to the American Academy of dermatology, it removes the dead cells by making the skin softer and luminous. Moreover, the scrub is able to stimulate the production of collagen, allows the creams and lotions to deep penetrate into the skin by acting more effectively and it is considered helpful to counteract the skin aging, skin spots and scars (Grajqevci-Kotori et al, Med Arch, Dec 2015). Also tan will result more homogeneous. Twice a week, for about 2 weeks before sunbathing, when you are having a shower, you can massage a scrub on body and face, this will also improve the microcirculation, then rinse. You can prepare amazing scrubs with sea salt, for what concerns the body because the coarse grains help smooth better the skin, and with sugar, suitable instead for the face because the grains are smaller and show a more delicate action. Finally, sugar contains glycolic acid and has proved to be a powerful ingredient in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and skin aging (Soleymani et al, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol., Aug 2018). Mix the sea salt or the scrub to a plant based oil, for example sweet almond oil or sunflower oil for the body and jojoba oil for the face and here you go, the scrub is ready!
Vitamins
To protect the skin from the damages induced by sun rays that may cause sunburns, wrinkles and even more dangerous illnesses such as tumors, very helpful may be the vitamins that we introduce in our body through diet. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Skin normally contains a high amount of vitamin C that stimulates the production of collagen and the skin elasticity and protects the skin from UV rays (Pullar et al, Nutrients, Aug 2017). Don’t forget the vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant, and other substances able to counteract free radicals such as beta-carotene and lycopene, that, according to scientific studies, are able in the long term to increase the natural defenses of skin against UV rays (Stahl et al, Am J Clin Nutr, Nov 2012). For this reason, it is very important to eat cooked tomatoes seasoned with extra virgin olive oil in order to guarantee a high source of lycopene, but also avocado, almonds and extra virgin olive oil, sources of vitamin E, carrots, leafy greens and peppers for the beta-carotene, oranges, parsley, chili pepper, kiwi fruit, strawberries and lemons for a high intake of vitamin C.
