by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Are there any alternatives to sunscreen to prevent summer sunburn?
A: The best ways to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun are to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (but SPF-30 is preferable), stay in the shade, and keep covered with appropriate clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and dark sun glasses. There is, though, some interesting evidence that oral antioxidants, specifically carotenoids and vitamin E, can complement?not replace?these other protective measures and help prevent sunburn.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are thought to damage the skin through oxidation?a process that creates substances called free radicals that can damage cells; in the case of photo-oxidation (oxidation from the sun), cellular damage can lead to sunburn, premature aging of the skin and, ultimately over time, skin cancer.
Antioxidants may protect against the development of and damage from free radicals. Normal levels of antioxidants in skin cells decline with sun exposure. So, it has been postulated that taking such supplements might diminish the decline and protect the skin against photo-oxidation.
A study published this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied sunburn in 20 people and compared them when they took no supplements to when they received a carotenoid supplement (25 milligrams/day of a 20% carotenoid mixture in soybean oil) either alone or in combination with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, 500 International Units/day). Taking the carotenoid supplement alone was protective against sunburn and taking the carotenoids together with vitamin E was even more protective.
While this research is intriguing, it doesnt mean that you can take antioxidants and forget about sunscreen. Look for waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go in the water and reapply when you come out. Also look for sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA light.
Q: Are there any alternatives to sunscreen to prevent summer sunburn?
A: The best ways to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun are to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (but SPF-30 is preferable), stay in the shade, and keep covered with appropriate clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and dark sun glasses. There is, though, some interesting evidence that oral antioxidants, specifically carotenoids and vitamin E, can complement?not replace?these other protective measures and help prevent sunburn.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are thought to damage the skin through oxidation?a process that creates substances called free radicals that can damage cells; in the case of photo-oxidation (oxidation from the sun), cellular damage can lead to sunburn, premature aging of the skin and, ultimately over time, skin cancer.
Antioxidants may protect against the development of and damage from free radicals. Normal levels of antioxidants in skin cells decline with sun exposure. So, it has been postulated that taking such supplements might diminish the decline and protect the skin against photo-oxidation.
A study published this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied sunburn in 20 people and compared them when they took no supplements to when they received a carotenoid supplement (25 milligrams/day of a 20% carotenoid mixture in soybean oil) either alone or in combination with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, 500 International Units/day). Taking the carotenoid supplement alone was protective against sunburn and taking the carotenoids together with vitamin E was even more protective.
While this research is intriguing, it doesnt mean that you can take antioxidants and forget about sunscreen. Look for waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go in the water and reapply when you come out. Also look for sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA light.