I asked myself the question, "Is there such a thing as a natural sunscreen? Is there a natural sunscreen for melanated skin?" Short answer to both is a resounding no; but here's why.
There are two kinds of sunscreen: chemical and physical (mineral). A natural sunscreen would be a mineral sunscreen. Personally, I am a user of chemical sunscreens because some don’t leave as much or don't have a white cast at all. All sunscreens are formulated and manufactured using various chemicals and ingredients. However, some sunscreens are marketed as "natural" or "organic" because they contain ingredients derived from natural sources such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These would count as mineral or physical sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens are supposedly the natural option. I don't think they should count as natural because the two ingredients used to protect from the sun’s UV rays are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are naturally occurring metals but are synthetically curated in a lab. These metals create a thin white residue on the skin when applied. As you can assume, this isn’t very flattering on darker skin tones. Through my research on this topic, I have found that you already have a built-in defense against the sun. Melanin!
Your body as you know, already produces this naturally. In order to protect your skin more, you want to produce more. Here are some ways you can produce more, including eating foods rich in vitamin A and C such as:
Leafy green vegetables
kale
Spinach
broccoli
orange/yellow vegetables
Carrots
sweet potatoes
pumpkin
other winter squash
summer squash
Tomatoes
Red bell pepper
Cantaloupe
mango
Beef liver
Fish oils
Milk
Eggs
grains
Other ways of protecting your skin are:
Wear sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims.
Seeking shade during the peak hours of sun exposure, usually from 10 am to 4 pm.
Avoiding tanning beds, which can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate the skin.
Keeping your skin moisturized with a moisturizer or lotion to prevent dryness and irritation.
Avoiding smoking, as it can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Managing stress levels, as stress can have adverse effects on the skin.
Getting sufficient sleep, as lack of sleep can lead to skin problems such as dullness and dark circles.
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamin A? Look no further than our kale salads!
Our kale salads are not only bursting with flavor and textures, but they're also a great source of vitamin A. This essential nutrient helps support healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. With a variety of toppings to choose from, our kale salads are the perfect meal or side dish for anyone looking to boost their vitamin A intake. Including fresh veggies, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins you are guaranteed a healthy meal.
If this is something you're looking for, stop by and pick up one of our delicious kale salads today!
Comments