5 fruits help protect skin from ultraviolet rays

On hot days, the ultraviolet (UV) index is always high. According to pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa, Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, when in direct contact with the skin, UV rays promote oxidation, increase free radicals, break down collagen structure, cause skin to lose elasticity, and stimulate melanin production leading to dark spots and melasma.

Applying shielding measures, direct sun protection, scientific nutrition, and adequate vitamin C supplementation… can help reduce the impact of UV rays on the skin. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, neutralizes free radicals, contributes to slowing down the skin aging process, and prevents the formation of melanin pigment that causes dark spots. At the same time, vitamin C participates in the production of collagen, helping to maintain the structure and elasticity of the skin.

Below are some fruits rich in vitamin C that can supplement your daily diet.

Guava

100 g of guava provides 228 mg of vitamin C. Guava can be eaten directly or used as juice to add vitamin C to your daily diet.

Papaya

100 g of ripe papaya contains about 88 mg of vitamin C and many natural enzymes that help improve dull skin. Ripe papaya also contains beta-carotene, which participates in the production of collagen and protects skin cells from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Papaya has yellow, orange or red flesh, so you should choose naturally ripe fruit of clear origin and eat about 100-200 g per day.

Strawberry

Each 100 g of strawberries provides about 97 mg of vitamin C and many strong antioxidants, helping to limit melanin formation, treat acne, beautify the skin, and slow down the aging process. Strawberries can be eaten directly, mixed into yogurt, made into smoothies, squeezed into drinks or combined with other foods to add flavor.

Tomato

100 g of tomatoes contain 40 mg of vitamin C along with lots of beta-carotene, lycopene, and strong antioxidants. Eat tomatoes raw, make smoothies, make juice or use in salads to absorb the highest amount of vitamin C.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as polyphenols, punicalagin…, which help reduce the harmful effects of UV rays, prevent the activity of melanocytes, reduce melanin production that causes dark spots, promote collagen production under the skin, improve brightness and fade brown spots and dark scars. You should eat pomegranates whole or combine them with unsweetened yogurt, other vegetables…

Adding pomegranate extract combined with cherry blossoms, lemons, mulberry leaves, grape seeds and ferns can help protect the skin, lighten dark spots, fight aging, and make skin brighter and healthier.

Pharmacist Hoa noted that vitamin C does not replace sunscreen but only plays a supporting role in protecting the skin from the inside. In addition to adding foods rich in vitamin C to your daily diet, you need to combine direct skin protection by applying sunscreen, covering up carefully when going out, and limiting exposure to sunlight during peak hours.