Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the nation, and we love to play outside. So what can we do for our skin, our largest organ? We know that sunscreen can work, and wearing a hat, etc. Possibly one of the most important things I learned about ultraviolet rays came from my son’s first grade science fair. One of the experiments involved using beads that would change color when exposed to ultraviolet rays. We found out that light colors such as blond hair, white, yellow and pink did not block ultraviolet rays. Darker colors, such as black, green and brown were effective colors to block UV rays, regardless of the material (hair, cotton and man made materials). When given a choice of hat and umbrella colors, darker colors offer more effective protection.
 

When our best efforts to properly cover our skin while we’re playing outside doesn’t work, and we all know it doesn’t, there are a few other options. Before talking about antioxidants, let’s first consider oxidation. We’ve seen it in nature, metals turn different colors and become weaker, a cut apple turns brown, mushy and less nutritious. Overall, the original nature of things change. Over exposure to sun causes oxidative stress to the human system. Oxidation also causes inflammation, which is the primary cause of dis-ease and pain. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. There are many beneficial antioxidants, the following two vitamins in particular are antioxidants that help reduce skin damage from sun burn:
 

Vitamin A : Occurs naturally in the skin and plays a role in cell growth and turnover. Overexposure to sunlight can deplete Vitamin A, and therefore the skin will be more prone to oxidative damage from UV radiation. Vitamin A must be replenished daily, the best sources are from fish oil, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, milk and leafy green vegetables.
 

Vitamin C : Reduces initial inflammation from UV radiation and therefore will expedite the healing process. Vitamin C also helps to make and secrete collagen, which is the structural protein found in the deep layers of the skin. Collagen is damaged by excessive exposure to sunlight. As collagen is damaged, elasticity is lost, so taking in more Vitamin C will help reduce wrinkles and other signs of sun damaged skin. Vitamin C needs to be replenished daily. Some of the best sources are citrus, kiwi, broccoli and strawberries.

 
The sun offers life to everything on earth, we just need to be smart about exposure. By using darker colors to cover our skin and eating the right foods to help cell regeneration, it is possible to minimize and possibly avoid sun damaged skin, from smaller things like wrinkles to more devastating health concerns.