Staying hydrated is key during the summer heat and humidity. Drink 1 glass of filtered/bottled water every hour! Also make sure you have adequate potassium and magnesium levels by eating at least 3 servings of fresh fruits and 3 servings of dark green leafy vegetables daily.
Here are my suggestions for healthy skin:
Green Tea Extract: A full day’s serving of green tea extract (2 capsules/day) not only helps to keep wrinkles away, it offers a strong defense against the fastest growing cancer of our time, namely skin cancer. Green tea should be at least a 90% polyphenol extract to provide optimal benefits. Green tea Polyphenols (extract) have the ability to kill viruses i.e. Herpes I and II almost on contact right in the mouth and the G.I. tract. Green tea can also prevent plaque build-up in the teeth and maintain healthy gums. Green tea can also help prevent other types of cancer. Green tea is toxic to cancer cells thereby killing these cells.
Dosage: 1 capsule 2 times a day, preferably at mealtimes.
Omega-3 Oils: Researchers have found that lifestyle plays an important role in setting the stage for many cancers including skin cancer. One such change is the lack of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. Fish is an unreliable source, so supplementation is essential.
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause unhealthy triglycerides, blood vessel problems, blood pressure, and other skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. Omega-3 fats are also important for brain health and can help minimize depression.
Dosage: 1200 to 1500 mg EPA/day and 800- 1200mg DHA/day
It is important that the fish oil is not from salmon as most salmon nowadays are farm-raised.
Antioxidants:
CoQ10: If you are planning to spend time in the sun, you might want to pack CoQ10 along with your sunscreen. This enzyme is shown to be a valuable therapy for many types of cancer including skin cancer related to UV light exposure. C0Q10 is also helpful in reducing wrinkles. Other benefits of CoQ1O include heart health, improved circulation and aids in fat metabolism.
Dosage: 100- 200mg a day with food.
Selenium: Ultraviolet radiation creates free radicals (oxidized oxygen molecules) that accelerate skin aging. When taken orally selenium has been shown to protect the skin from damaging sun rays. Selenomethionine is the most effective form to take. Selenium combined with vitamin E has been found to be also helpful in prostate cancer prevention.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is depleted when the skin is exposed to the sun, pollution, or smoking. Minimal ultraviolet exposure can decrease vitamin C levels in the skin by 30%. Ozone exposure from city pollution decreases vitamin C by 55%.
Dosage: 1000mg- 2000mg a day with food. The powder is better absorbed than Tablets.
Vitamin E: Taking at least 400 lU. of vitamin E combined with mixed tocopherols can reduce basal cell carcinoma by 70%. Vitamin E at this dosage can also reduce photo-damage, wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
Sunscreen For optimal protection, you want to avoid PABA as well as other toxic cosmetic chemicals that are potentially carcinogenic.
