Don't rub it- Sip these drinks to help protect your skin

It’s hard not to love a sunny day, but we all know the risks associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

As temperatures increase, summer sun can leave your skin dry,  tight, and more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.

Drinking something makes sun sense. Certain drinks can help protect against sun damage due to their antioxidant content, which can help combat the effects of UV radiation. Drinking 250 millilitre  a day can reduce UV damage by more than 26 per cent.

Staying hydrated during the hot summer months prevents heat-related illnesses like hyperthermia. The skin contains 64 per cent water, and it plays a crucial role in its natural UV protection capabilities.

Hydration goes a long way to help support your skin’s ability to heal and protect itself. Avoid drinks with a high sugar or caffeine content – these may counteract your hydration efforts.

Taking a combination of these nutrient-rich drinks  on a regular basis can provide you with an extra layer of security that may help avoid a sunburn

Berry Smoothies

Berries,  the favourite summer fruits, can offer some protection against UV damage due to their high antioxidant content, which can help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.

Blueberries are rich in powerful antioxidants that fight off free radicals that can damage skin due to sun exposure and stress. Blueberries are even more powerful if they’re a wild variety.

Some studies suggest that certain antioxidants, like those found in berries, can help protect against UV damage.

Specifically, berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are known for their antioxidant properties, which may help protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Try drinking this sun protection smoothie before spending time out in the sun.  It is full of antioxidants, healthy fats, omega-3s, and other important nutrients your skin needs to protect itself from sun damage.

Take a glass bowl and put 40 gm Frozen Mulberry , 40 gm Frozen Raspberry , 40 gm Frozen Blueberry ,  100  gm  Frozen Banana , 40 ml Oat Milk ,   30 gm Yoghurt, a few fresh berries for garnishing,  Banana slices for garnishing,  Mixed Seeds,  Toasted Almonds,  Chia Seeds and  Granola for garnish. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth. Make sure all the berries and banana are frozen to get a nice, thick smoothie. Pour the content in a bowl and garnish with slices of bananas and some fresh berries on top. Sprinkle some chia seeds, granola, and toasted almonds for the crunch and some nutty flavour.

While these nutrient-rich, whole foods may support the health of your skin when exposed to UV light, keep in mind that they’re not a substitute for sunscreen.

Aloe Vera Juice

Did you know that aloe vera is sometimes referred to as the ‘burn plant’ due to its tendency to treat burns? It has been used for thousands of years in treating burns and easing sunburn symptoms.Aloe vera juice contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to calm skin conditions from UV rays.Aloe vera  is the most effective component for hydrating the skin dried due to sun exposureAloe Vera stimulates skin restoration after sunburn and hydrates and moisturises the skin. It also relieves rashes and irritations on the skin. It also stimulates collagen production to improve elasticity and dryness within the skin.

Aloe vera can be found as a juice or a gel. The juice can be thought of as the sap, as it comes from the leafy part of the aloe plant. The gel, on the other hand, is a thick substance that comes from the inner parts of the plant.Generally, aloe vera juice can be consumed as a drink, while the gel is often applied topically.Select pure, unsweetened aloe vera juice and drink moderately.If you choose to ingest aloe vera, make sure to wash the gel or skin thoroughly to remove all traces of latex. The latex has an unpleasant bitter taste and may cause harmful side effects.Don’t eat aloe vera lotions and gels sold as skin care products. They aren’t meant to be ingested and may contain other ingredients that aren’t safe to eat.

 Watermelon

Watermelons can act as a natural sunscreen and skin repair. They contain an antioxidant called  Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant commonly found in red-coloured fruits and which can help act as a natural sunscreen.Lycopene can eventually act as a natural sunblock, which absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation.If you consume watermelon regularly for a few weeks. It also helps as an anti-ageing ingredient. Lycopene helps to protect skin cells from harmful sun rays.It replenishes these cells and helps your skin act as a natural filter while allowing enough sunlight through for vitamin D production. Lycopene can help prevent wrinkles, strengthening the elasticity of skin tissues.When eating watermelon, try to serve it with some oil, such as salad dressing or olive oil, because this increases lycopene absorption.

Cucumber and Mint Infused Water

Both cucumber and mint contain antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to sun damage. I like to drink this first thing in the morning to kick-start my day.Cucumber and mint-infused water can offer some benefits for sun protection, primarily through hydration and antioxidant support. Cucumbers possess cooling and hydrating qualities, while mint provides a refreshing flavour and antioxidants, resulting in mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Take 8 cups filtered water, 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber, 2 small lemons, rind removed and discarded, sliced and  ½ cup packed fresh mint leaves, torn.

Stir water, cucumber, lemons and mint together in a large pitcher. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours to blend flavours. Strain out solids, if desired.Take 1 litre of water, a small handful of mint leaves, 1 piece of ginger, a handful of slices of cucumber and a few slices of lime. Add a few slices of lime to a 1-litre bottle. Take a 1 piece of ginger, slice and press down a bit.  Add a small handful of mint leaves.

Keep refilling the bottle the whole day and drinking with this infusion. This will help you increase your water intake and also drink it 30 minutes before and after each meal.