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The 4 Best Supplements for Sun Protection
Sunblock is still your first defense against UV rays, but a good sun protection supplement can be the perfect enhancement for healthier skin. A daily supplement that provides key nutrients can add an extra preventative layer that helps reduce your risk for sunburns and, consequentially, skin damage. An everyday multivitamin might not be enough. Look for products that feature these key ingredients that may help strengthen and protect skin cells.
The 4 Best Sun Protection Supplement Options
When searching for the best skin supplements, look for products that include one or more of the following ingredients. These nutrients have unique yet powerful properties that are great not just for sun protection, but overall skin health as well. Keep in mind that supplements often contain higher concentrations than what you may normally consume in your everyday diet. Always consult a physician before you start a new supplement routine.
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important nutrient found naturally in many foods, including nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It is often recommended to treat dry, itchy skin but it can also be a powerful form of sun protection. Studies show that vitamin E is very effective at protecting the skin against UVB rays when used in addition to sunblock.
2. Vitamin C
Another skin-loving antioxidant, vitamin C is all the rage in skincare thanks to its ability to:
- brighten skin
- provide a smoother texture
- repair previous sun damage
- fight off free radicals
- encourage new skin cell production
Your go-to sun protection supplement should contain plenty of vitamin C, as this also helps protect the skin against UVA rays. When combined with vitamin E, the two work well together to provide better broad-spectrum sun protection with a high-quality sunblock.
3. Ferulic Acid
Another sun protection supplement to consider is ferulic acid. This antioxidant is particularly effective at combatting inflammatory processes throughout the body. It can also help better protect against UV damage, supporting healthier, smoother, and even more youthful-looking skin. You can get a concentrated topical dose with our Vitamin C-Brightening Serum + Ferulic Acid.
4. Niacinamide
This important nutrient is a type of B-3 vitamin. Niacinamide is an amazing skin-loving ingredient that works to enhance the skin's natural processes for improved protection, health, and appearance. In addition to defending cells against UV damage, it can also help strengthen the natural skin barrier, build essential keratin, and even minimize pores. It's the number one ingredient in our Daily Defense + Vitamins, which are specially formulated with Golden Polypody Herb Extract to help better protect your skin from the sun and its harmful rays.
Enhancing Your Sun Protection Supplement Routine
Remember, supplements are an added layer of defense, not your first line of protection. Be sure to include these other healthy habits to best protect your skin.
Always Start With Daily Sunblock Application
Dermatologists and physicians agree that most people, regardless of age, background, activity level, or geographic location, should apply sunblock every single day. Experts recommend a minimum SPF of 30 for everyday wear. Those who spend more time outdoors should increase that number and reapply every two hours or as needed, whichever comes first. Looking for the best sunblock option for your unique skin? Try this Sunblock Quiz to find your perfect match to pair with a sun protection supplement.
Consider Increasing Your Vitamin D
Sunshine is the best and most effective way to boost your vitamin D levels because your organs convert UV rays into this essential nutrient. However, you can back off on the time you spend in direct sunlight if you find other ways to boost your vitamin D. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are a great choice, as well as egg yolks and cheese. If your vitamin D levels are below normal, a vitamin D supplement can also help boost those numbers quickly. Talk with your doctor about the right choices for your body.
Try Products with Ectoine
Ectoine offers incredible skin benefits, including enhanced sun protection and improved skin barrier protection. However, it's a topical ingredient, so you'll need to get it through skincare products rather than supplements. You can find a healthy dose of ectoine in our Microbiome-Friendly Nourishing Cream.
Get Smart About Sun Exposure
Even with the best all-natural sunblock and supplements to protect your skin, you should still take steps to avoid unnecessary sun exposure. This is especially true during those long summer days. Try to limit errands and outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours. Stay indoors or stick to shady spots closer to noon when the UV index (and the potential for sun damage) rises. Wear accessories and clothing to help shield your skin from the sun as well.
Other Supplements To Consider for Healthier Skin
While a good sun protection supplement is a must-have for youthful and healthy skin, HH Science™ has even more skincare supplements to help you achieve a gorgeous, glowing complexion. Our Beauty Bites Vitamin Gummies are rich with UV-blocking vitamins C and E, plus other key nutrients to give your skin, hair, and nails a boost. To help minimize inflammation and restore healthy skin from within, try our Enhanced Probiotic Vitamin, with over 8 billion CFUs per dose. If you battle acne breakouts, our patented Clear Skin Vitamins contain many of the listed ingredients that boost your skin's natural sun protection while also targeting pimples at the source for a more balanced complexion.