Foods that Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen remains the most effective method of preventing the dreaded skin cancer that seems to strike even at young ages. However, using sunscreen is not the only way to protect ourselves from the potential dangers. Turns out that the foods we eat can have an important sun protecting properties as well. Learn what foods to included in your diet to enjoy extra sun protection.
The main rules for preventing sun cancer seem simple enough: wear sunscreen, reapply it often, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m and 4 p.m and wear protective accessories whenever possible. In reality however, things are a little more complicated. With the uncertainty of the amount of time sunscreen offers the best protection, how much SPF is really need for adequate protection, whether or not makeup with SPF is really enough to protect our skin, we could all use some tips on how to apply sunscreen effectively.
But whether you apply sunscreen religiously or you are less diligent than you probably should be, finding additional ways to protect yourself from the potential dangers is always a good idea. If you are trying to improve your dietary habits, you'll probably be excited to know that your efforts can help you in more than one area. Certain foods can help you prevent sunburns thanks to a variety of protective compounds. Here are a few foods you might want to include in your diet:

Birth Control Pills For Acne

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may improve acne in women. Birth control pills for acne are typically considered when acne doesn't respond to other treatments, such as prescription medication. Three estrogen-progestin combination birth control pills are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne in women:
  * Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen)
  * Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep)
  * Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz)
Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells build up in the hair follicle and form together as a soft plug. As the plug grows, the follicle wall can rupture, allowing more oil and skin cells to accumulate. Bacteria then trigger additional inflammation and infection.
Birth control pills for acne work by reducing the amount of sebum. Because the pills target only one cause of acne — excess sebum — it's best to use them with other acne treatments, such as medicated creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You may need to take birth control pills for several months before noticing any results, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.
Though typically safe and effective, birth control pills aren't for everyone. Side effects and possible complications include:
  * Headaches
  * Change in menstrual flow
  * Potential fetal problems, if taken when pregnant
  * Breast tenderness
  * Nausea and vomiting
  * Decreased sex drive (libido)
  * Depression
  * Slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high potassium (hyperkalemia) and blood clots
Talk to your doctor about how your health history and age may affect your risks with birth control pills for acne. Don't take combination estrogen-progestin pills if you:
  * Are age 35 or older and currently smoke
  * Have a history of cardiovascular disease
  * Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
  * Have a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs

Foods For Healthy Skin & Protect From Tanning

Research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited. Still, antioxidant-rich foods seem to have a protective effect for the skin. Consider these skin-friendly foods:
  * Carrots, apricots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
  * Blueberries
  * Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
  * Tomatoes
  * Beans, peas and lentils
  * Fish, especially salmon
  * Nuts
On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage. For example, some research suggests that a diet high in fat and carbohydrates promotes skin aging.
Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Drink plenty of water. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Trade red meat for fish. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you're making healthy choices.

 Protection From Tanning
Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin, whether the exposure comes from tanning beds or natural sunlight. This damage increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, most tanning beds emit mainly UVA rays — which may increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
If you'd like the golden glow of a tan without exposure to damaging UV radiation, consider using a sunless tanning product. Avoid tanning beds, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you're outdoors.