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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Whether you are hitting the slopes this winter or just clearing snow from your driveway, you should be concerned about protecting yourself from sun damage and skin cancer. During the summer months, most people remember the basics such as sunscreen. Here is something new to try: sun protection from the inside out.
Even in the middle of winter, your risk of getting skin cancer is high. The sun’s UV rays can still damage skin on cold, overcast days. The decrease of antioxidants in the skin and blood that occurs after UV exposure is a year round concern, of which few people are aware.
“Studies have demonstrated that use of antioxidant supplements in conjunction with sunscreen helps lower the risk of sunburns. In particular, there is a growing body of research on the UV-protective benefits of tomato lycopene and a standardized tomato extract,” says Cathleen London, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician.
Researchers are discovering that consuming antioxidant-rich foods (i.e., tomatoes, oranges, apricots, broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, salmon and garlic) may help protect your ‘life-supporting” organs, including the skin, against cancer-causing environmental hazards. Some UV radiation that is not blocked penetrates deep into the skin, generating free radicals and causing skin damage.
“Even in winter, it is nearly impossible to avoid sun exposure. The recent data supporting on UV protection from the inside out gives credence to consider adding a supplement with standardized tomato and rosemary extracts to your dietary regimen, to help protect your skin from sun-induced DNA damage. If you do not get six or seven servings of tomato-based products in your weekly diet, you should be taking a supplement,” says London.
Cover the basics and cover your skin
Protecting your skin from sun damage in the winter involves simple precautions:
Sunscreen. Look for UVA/UVB protection, SPF 15 or higher. “Because the sun’s UV rays and reflect back and forth between the snow and the clouds, it is very important to protect the underside of your chin and your ears. Lips are also very sensitive. Carry an SP 15 lip balm with you on the slopes, and re-apply on the chairlift.”
Hats. “They will help to preserve your body heat as well as protect your scalp from sun damage. Alternatively, wearing a ski mask will leave very little skin exposed to the wind and sun.”
Polarized sunglasses or goggles. “While you are participating in winter sports, your eyes may be subjected to significantly more UV light. Polarized lenses help to reduce the amount of damaging UV light reflected into your eyes.”
Nutritional protection. “Make tomato products part of your daily diet. Or consider adding a supplement with ingredients that have been shown to reduce the incidence of DNA damage and help protect skin from oxidative damage.”
The UV-protective properties of tomatoes are associated with natural lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants found in tomatoes. One nutrient found in tomatoes protects against UVA damage while another provides UVB protection. This is why it is important to choose a dietary supplement, such as NovaHue Skin, that has combined natural lycopene with additional protective carotenoids and carnosic acid to protect and renew skin. “A 12-week study measuring the density, thickness and smoothness of skin found statistically significant improvements with this carotenoid extract,” says London.
“These nutrients take time to build up in your tissues, so you should ideally start supplementing four to 12 weeks before any significant winter sun exposure.”
By adding this ‘secret ingredient’ to a consistent skin protection regimen, you can enjoy the outdoors all year long without having to dodge all of the sun’s harmful rays.
Biography – Dr. Cathleen London
Cathleen London, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician in New York City. Her practice encompasses the entire family, including all ages, both sexes, and any health problems that may arise. Family Medicine is the first specialty that requires board recertification by written exam every 7 years. As a result, many believe that family physicians are best qualified to serve as each patient’s advocate in all health-related matters, including use of consultants, health services and community resources.
Dr. London believes in an integrative, holistic approach to healthcare which utilizes a combination of western, allopathic medicine, diet and lifestyle modification, nutritional supplements and herbal medicines when appropriate.
She earned her medical degree from Yale University and completed her residency in family medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University. Her pre-medical requirements were completed at Stanford University.
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