Summer is coming... plan ahead
Ultraviolet (UV) rays on unprotected skin can cause first and second degree burns to the skin, commonly referred to as sunburn. Long-term damage from overexposure can include premature aging and…
Protective dietary supplements
Research has identified the benefits of antioxidants to prevent or minimize damage caused by UV radiation. Damage begins when UV radiation stimulates the production of free radicals and lipid peroxidases…
In a study by the University of Munich, 10 subjects received daily vitamin C (2000 mg) and vitamin E (1000 IU) or a placebo. The sunburn response before and after…
Results showed that subjects taking the vitamins required 20% more UV exposure to experience the same level of response compared to subjects taking a placebo(1) . A similar finding came…
Another supplement, beta-carotene, has been studied for its effects as a sunscreen. Data published from a study at the University of Arizona suggest that natural carotenoid supplementation at 90 mg…
Taking these three supplements daily for a week before a beach vacation or during the summer can be a wonderful and safe way to protect yourself from sunburn.
Curative topical therapies
Natural topical therapies have been shown to be helpful for sunburn. A study from the University of Western Ontario showed that applying a cream containing 5% vitamin E immediately after…
A variety of herbs are said to have a calming effect. Applying sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil 3 to 4 times a day has proven to be both a natural…
Beware of plant photosensitizers
Consumers need to be aware of potential complications such as photosensitivity associated with both natural and pharmaceutical products with even moderate exposure to the sun. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)…
One last note
Lack of sun exposure can also lead to significant health problems. Sunlight on the skin converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into previtamin D, which is further processed by the kidneys into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D,…
A very recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that vitamin D is non-toxic at intakes much higher than previously considered unsafe. “This risk assessment was…
Common sense, moderate sun exposure and an awareness of potentially phototoxic herbal remedies will go a long way in promoting your skin's health and making summer fun an enjoyable one…
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(1) Eberlein-König B., Placzek M., Pryzbilla. Protective effect against sunburn by combined systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and D-alpha-tocoperhol (vitamin E). J Am Acad. dermatol. 1998 Jan;38(1):45-8.
(2) Fuchs J, Kern H. Modulation of UV light-induced shinitis by d-alpha-tocoperhol and L-ascorbic acid: a clinical study using sun-simulated radiation. Free Radical Biol Med. 1998 Dec:25(9):1006-12.
(3) LeeJ; Jiang S; Levine N; Watson R.R. A carotenoid supplement reduces erythema in human skin after simulated sun exposure. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 2000 Feb;223(2):170-4.
(4) Trevithick, JR; ia Reduction of sunburn damage to the skin by topical application of vitamin E acetate after exposure to ultraviolet B radiation: effect of delaying application or reducing…
(5) Wang Y, Lu Y, Liu X, et. Al. the protective effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. on hyperlipidemic serum-cultured smooth muscle cells in vitro [article in Chinese]. Chung Kuo Chung…
(6) Gruenwald J, et al. PDR for herbal medicinal products. 1st edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
(7) Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd Edition. New York, NY: Jon Wiley & Sons, 1996.
(8) Ibid.
(9) Upton R., ed. St. John's Wort, Hypercium perforatum: quality control, analytical and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Pharmacopoeia of Herbs; 1997;1-32.
(10) Gulick RM, McAuliffe V, Holden-wiltse J, et al. Phase I trials of hypericin, the active ingredient in St. John's Wort, as an antiretroviral agent in HIV-infected adults. AIDS Clinical…
(11) Blumenthal M, et al. The Complete Monographs of the German Commission E: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicinal Products. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
(12) Brinker F. Herb contraindications and drug interactions. 2nd Edition Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
(13) Utiger, RD. NEJM, 1998: Vol.338(12): 828 editorial.
(14) Hathcock JN, Shao A, Vieth R, Heaney R. Risk Assessment for Vitamin D" American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. January 2007, Volume 85, pages 6-18.
Thanks to Sherri Tenpenny, DO | #Protect #Skin #Summer #Sun #Supplements