UVA Rays is what causes the most damage to our skin. Although blessed to have amazing weather Australia tops the record for having the highest rate of skin cancers in the world. The Australian sun is harsh and we cop our largest dose of UV rays in the summer months.

UV Rays

“UV rays are at their worse between the hours of 9am to 4pm and time spent outside should be minimum in these hours if possible.”

UV Rays damage the skin, increases wrinkles, aging, cause genetic injury and lowers the immune system, putting the skin under stress and risk of developing skin cancers. Once the UV rays hit the skin, oxidation begins and free radicals are released that damage the body's cells.

If you have ever experienced peeling skin, you have experienced the body’s last defence action to sun damage in the body’s attempt to heal. The peeling process is when apoptosis takes place where the body kills off its own cells that have been damaged by the sun and free radical damage.

Increasing Antioxidants

Increasing antioxidants and reducing foods and lifestyle factors that cause free radicals will help protect the cells from damage. Include plenty of fresh fruit and salads to your summer diet for maximum antioxidant protection.

Top 11 Antioxidant Foods that will save your skin!

Berries

Oranges

Prunes

Red Grapes

Cherries

Purple Cabbage

Red Capsicum

Beetroot

Kale / Spinach

Brazil Nuts

Green Tea

Foods and Lifestyle Factors that increase Free Radical Damage!

Fried Foods, alcohol, non-organic produce, air pollutants, smoking, passive smoking, pesticides, cleaning and beauty products that contain chemicals. The cleaner the diet and lifestyle the more protection the body receives.

“Aim to eat fresh Fruit and Salads daily in the warmer months to boost the immune system and antioxidant levels in the body”.

Keep safe this Summer and keep out of the sun in the warmer hours of the day.