Other Ways To Strengthen Sun Protection

Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is not the only way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Antioxidants both topically and internally can help strengthen defense against UVA and UVB rays as well.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E (tocopherol) and Ferulic Acid are three antioxidants that can help strengthen your sunscreen as well as protect against photo damage on their own. Here is an excerpt from a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology:

"We were surprised to find that in addition to improving stability, adding 0.5% ferulic acid to the solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1% tocopherol doubled photoprotection when applied topically to skin from 4- to 8-fold."

Obviously stabilized versions (in valid carriers/vehicles) of Vitamin C were used. Using oxidized L-ascorbic acid can actually attract free radicals which age the skin and trigger melanin response.

The addition of Ferulic acid doubled the efficacy of the Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is a wonderful antioxidant product that can offer these results.

"The combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% tocopherol, 0.5% ferulic acid provided approximately 8-fold protection and was statistically different than ferulic acid alone or the combination of vitamins C and E."

Sun protection from the inside out has been always been an interesting topic. A lot of products have come out cater to this market and are suprisingly effective. They work very similarily to topical sunscreens and antioxidants.

There is a product called Heliocare which is basically a potent antioxidant supplement that has beta-carotene, green tea and a natural fern extract.

There are several studies floating around about how vitamin c orally at 500 - 1000 mg a day can reduce photo damage and prevent wrinkles. Green tea, tomatoes and many antioxidant berries have been shown to increase the skin's natural defense as well.

I think supplements like Heliocare are pretty good. It's a fact most people do not consume enough antioxidants. On average, most of our vitamin C levels internally are lower than the recommended amount. Using an all-in-one antioxidant surge like Heliocare or any similar supplementation on days where you will be exposed to a lot of sun can be ideal. It's one extra way to protect your skin and preserve your skin lightening results.

I think most dermatologists would agree that having a healthy diet really does play a role in the skin's resistance to sun damage.

Link to article from Journal of Investigative Dermatology:

http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v125/n4/full/5603565a.html