A must-see in summer! Is it better to eat more "this food" after sunburn? Experts teach "4 steps" to improve skin peeling
Outdoor activities in summer increase the risk of sunburn! Study: Eat “5 foods” to help relieve symptoms
Summer is here. When engaging in outdoor activities or working, if you are exposed to the sun for too long, it is inevitable that your skin may get sunburned. In addition to seeking treatment from a dermatologist as soon as possible, what foods can also speed up skin repair? Multiple studies have confirmed that the following 5 foods can help repair epidermal tissue and heal sunburn faster:
Carrot. Research in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” shows that the carotenoid in carrots, “beta-carotene”, can accumulate in the outer layer of the skin, forming a protective barrier and resisting skin damage caused by the environment, such as ultraviolet radiation. Research shows that getting enough beta-carotene in your diet can help protect your skin from UV rays. Beta-carotene is also found in sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach and other plants.
Yogurt/yoghurt. Yogurt or yogurt is rich in probiotics. In addition to promoting gastrointestinal health, the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) points out that milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria can enhance DNA repair mechanisms and improve skin health after exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVB). Its repair power can also improve its immunity.
Orange. Oranges contain vitamin C, vitamin D and powerful antioxidants “polyphenols”, making them one of the most nutritious foods. Research published in “Scientific Reports” shows that vitamin D can help quickly relieve inflammation caused by sunburn; while polyphenols can reduce the damaging effects of UVA and UVB on the skin.
Tomatoes. Research published in the “British Journal of Dermatology” shows that tomatoes are rich in “lycopene”, which can protect the human body from light damage. In the study, subjects who consumed 55 grams of natural tomato paste every day developed skin erythema and skin allergies caused by sunburn after 12 weeks, which showed a downward trend compared with those who did not consume it.
Pomegranate. A study also published in “Scientific Reports” pointed out that pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and can also help relieve sunburn. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice and its extract have a certain degree of alleviation effect on skin erythema caused by overexposure to UVB. It is speculated that pomegranate plays a role in protecting cell damage.
If you have sunburn and peeling skin, don’t peel off the old skin first! The American Skin Association calls for “4 steps”
As for the peeling phenomenon caused by excessive sunburn, how to relieve it? According to guidelines issued by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), if your skin peels after sunburn, remember not to touch the peeling area as the first step. Peeling off the damaged skin will not relieve the discomfort, but will make the skin more fragile and cause more damage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends taking the following steps to help your skin heal:
Shower and pat dry. You should avoid taking hot baths after a sunburn, as hot water will wash away the oil on the skin surface, making the sunburn more difficult to heal. Shower with warm or cold water and use a moisturizing shower gel. Pat your skin dry after bathing and avoid vigorous rubbing with a towel, which may make skin peeling worse.
Replenish water. Sunburn means severely dehydrated skin. People with sunburn should drink more water than usual, which can help keep the skin moist and reduce peeling.
Apply moisturizer. After taking a shower and leaving the bathroom, the water on the skin will begin to evaporate. If the air conditioner is turned on in the room, the skin’s moisture is more likely to lose quickly. So apply moisturizer immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing mild, fragrance-free skin care products to avoid skin irritation.
Use a humidifier. A humidifier can increase moisture in the air and help relieve minor skin peeling. Avoid choosing humidifiers that contain chemical fragrances, which may cause skin allergies and irritation. Especially in the peeling state, lack of skin protection may lead to more serious injuries.
Source:
Oral Vitamin D Rapidly Attenuates Inflammation from Sunburn: An Interventional Study
β-Carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight
Further reading: