Although the start of autumn has passed, indicating that summer is gradually fading away, the sun still shines scorchingly on the earth, and our skin is inevitably exposed to ultraviolet rays. It is well-known that ultraviolet rays can destroy collagen, which is essential for skin metabolism, and lead to the formation of melanin, causing dark spots. Therefore, many beauty-conscious individuals are dedicated to post-sun repair and finding ways to combat UV rays. Recently, a Japanese online media outlet selected four sun-protective foods to fight against UV rays.
1. Eat bananas with the fibrous strings
Bananas are rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B2 and vitamin B6, known as "beauty vitamins." Moreover, bananas can remove active oxygen produced by UV rays and have antioxidant effects. In particular, the fibrous strings attached to ripe bananas are rich in polyphenols and can be eaten with the banana itself. It is recommended to eat 2-3 bananas daily after getting sunburned.
2. Vitamins C and E revitalize the skin
Vitamin C can inhibit melanin production and reduce freckles. Vitamin E can enhance the effects of vitamin C and speed up the repair of sun-damaged skin. Therefore, after sun exposure, one should consume more foods rich in vitamins C and E. Examples include kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, West Indian cherry, broccoli, eel, avocado, olive oil, and almonds.
3. Coffee prevents freckles
Chlorogenic acid, abundant in coffee, is a type of polyphenol that has anti-obesity, blood pressure-lowering, bad-breath-preventing, and melanin-inhibiting effects. Because coffee can inhibit melanin production, surveys have shown that people who drink coffee frequently have fewer dark spots on their faces than those who don't. More surprisingly, the polyphenol content in one cup of coffee is twice that of green tea. However, polyphenols disappear from the body within 2-4 hours, so it is advisable to drink coffee 2-3 times a day.
4. Eat tomatoes at night
After UV exposure, active oxygen is produced, and removing it requires not only antioxidant enzymes but also carotenoids from food. Among carotenoids, lycopene, which is abundant in tomatoes, has very strong antioxidant power. If you feel tanned, you might as well eat more tomatoes. Furthermore, for people who are often outdoors during the day, eating tomatoes at night is most appropriate. Because lycopene is absorbed from the small intestine, circulates throughout the body, and reaches skin cells the next morning after 6-8 hours. Eating tomatoes at night can fully leverage their sun-protective effects.