Can Supplements Support Sun Protection?

Wearing sunscreen every single day is the best way to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging by filtering out intense UV radiation. New scientific research shows that you can help your skin during sun exposure not only by what you put on your skin, but what you take in. 

The sun is responsible for a whopping 80 percent of the skin’s aging. For this reason, many dermatologists say the best wrinkle cream you can buy is sunscreen. UV rays cause a chemical reaction in the epidermis of the skin that increases inflammatory markers. These inflammatory materials break down the components of skin associated with a youthful appearance– collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It only takes a few brief moments of sun for the skin to suffer damage. Studies have shown this breakdown process of the skin begins with less than 5 minutes of sun exposure. Of course, our skin has its own internal defense systems. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, provides a small amount of sun protection. The darker your skin, the higher the melanin content and intrinsic sun protection. No matter how much melanin content you have in your skin, sunscreen should be worn regularly. Along with your sunscreen application, these supplements may help your skin to stand up to the onslaught of the sun’s radiation.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular skin care ingredients due to its water-binding abilities. During youth, hyaluronic acid is abundant throughout the skin, giving a plump and supple appearance. Hyaluronic acid production gradually decreases each year after your thirtieth birthday. Sunlight speeds up the breakdown of hyaluronic acid by activating inflammatory particles. Recent studies show there is evidence that supplementing with hyaluronic acid may possibly slow the breakdown of existing hyaluronic acid in our skin.* Between the sun and normal aging, hyaluronic acid is depleted faster than the body can make it. However, taking hyaluronic acid supplements is a great way to support the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid.* To reap the benefits of this ingredient you can find it in Nature’s Lab Gold Turmeric + Joint Complex and our customer favorite, Nature's Lab Hyaluronic Acid with BioCell Collagen & MSM. Both formulas contain 100 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving.

Collagen, the most abundant protein in our body, is the subject of much research involving skin rejuvenation and repair. Collagen applied topically does not have much effect on the skin’s appearance, but internal collagen supplementation can support not only the skin’s health but also the health of cartilage and other joint structures that are composed of various types of collagen. One particular study showed that collagen supplements provided an increase in skin hydration and skin thickness.* Numerous other scientific trials have shown collagen supports the skin’s fibroblasts.* This is key to collagen's potential as a photoprotective agent. Fibroblasts maintain the skin and are also involved in wound healing. They create collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. With what we know about how sunlight damages these essential building blocks of the skin, collagen supplementation’s stimulation of fibroblasts may help support the skin during and after sun exposure.* Nature’s Lab Gold Turmeric + Joint Complex and Nature's Lab Hyaluronic Acid with BioCell Collagen & MSM both contain hydrolyzed collagen. The smaller particles of collagen in these formulas make it easier for your body to absorb and utilize it efficiently.* Get the in-depth details on collagen’s whole body benefits on our blog All About Collagen.

Astaxanthin is a red pigment that is involved in the natural photoprotection of certain plants and animals, especially marine life such as krill, lobsters and algae. It has shown impressive benefits for immune function, joint mobility and skin health due to its unparalleled antioxidant power.* Astaxanthin possesses nearly 6,000 times the antioxidant potency of vitamin C.* One study showed that a group of women that took a minimum of 6 mg of astaxanthin for sixteen weeks showed significantly less signs of sun-related skin damage than a placebo group. Nature’s Lab AstaREAL Astaxanthin contains 6mg of this antioxidant in one softgel capsule. Astaxanthin improves oiliness and excessive redness in the skin and can also be a useful resource in combating oxidative stress from UV exposure.*

It’s important to remember that these supplements do not replace sunscreen. Always apply an SPF 15 or higher daily for optimal protection. If you want to give your skin more support against the sun and the elements, supplements containing hyaluronic acid, collagen and astaxanthin are a great place to start. Check out this blog on radiant healthy skin to learn more ways you can get a beautiful glow.