Radiant Summer Skin – a Functional Approach by Svetlana Kogan, M.D.

Summer is all about sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures. But let’s be real—while we love soaking up the sun, our skin might not always feel the same way. Sun exposure, heat, and environmental stressors can take a toll, leading to dryness, premature aging, and even sun damage.

The good news? There’s so much more to sun protection than just slathering on sunscreen. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to skin health, focusing on internal nourishment, smart lifestyle choices, and natural remedies. Let’s dive into how you can protect and heal your skin from the inside out this summer.

Beyond Sunscreen: The Functional Medicine Approach to Sun Protection: Sunscreen is essential, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Functional medicine looks at skin health from a whole-body perspective, emphasizing prevention, nourishment, and repair. Here are some extra ways to shield your skin from UV damage naturally:

Load Up on Antioxidants: Antioxidants act like an internal sunscreen, helping to neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can strengthen your skin’s defense system:

Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries) helps boost collagen production and reduce sunburn severity.

Vitamin E (in nuts, seeds, and avocados) supports skin healing and prevents oxidative stress.
Astaxanthin, a powerhouse antioxidant found in wild salmon and algae, has been shown to enhance skin resilience against UV damage.

Hydrate Like a Pro: Sun exposure and heat can dehydrate your skin, making it more prone to damage. Prioritize water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens while also drinking plenty of pure water.

“Eat Your SPF”: Certain foods have natural sun-protective properties. Tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene, which has been shown to reduce skin sensitivity to UV rays. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that help combat sun-induced inflammation.

Support Your Skin with Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) help keep your skin hydrated and resilient. They also play a role in reducing inflammation caused by UV exposure.

Nutrients for Healthy Summer Skin: Want that glowing, radiant summer skin? The key lies in your diet. What you put on your plate directly affects your skin’s ability to protect and heal itself. Here are some of the best nutrients to focus on:

Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and helps fade sunspots.

Vitamin E: Acts as a powerful skin barrier protector.

Astaxanthin: This carotenoid is a gamechanger for sun defense and skin hydration.

Beta-Carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, this nutrient helps reduce sunburn risk.

Zinc: Plays a crucial role in skin repair and acts as a mild natural sunscreen.

Polyphenols: Found in green tea, dark chocolate, and berries, these compounds help fight oxidative stress from UV exposure. Making these nutrients a regular part of your diet can provide a natural layer of protection and enhance your skin’s ability to repair itself.

Healing Sun Damage Naturally: Even with the best prevention strategies, sometimes sunburns and skin damage happen. Here are some useful natural healing remedies to keep on hand for that:

Aloe Vera: The Ultimate Soother Aloe vera is nature’s cooling remedy for sunburn. It hydrates, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing. Use fresh aloe gel or a high-quality, organic aloe vera gel for the best results.

Green Tea Compress Green tea is packed with polyphenols that reduce redness and inflammation. Brew some green tea, let it cool, soak a cloth in it, and apply it to sunburned skin for instant relief.

Coconut Oil for Deep Moisturization While coconut oil isn’t a sunburn cure, it does help restore moisture and prevent peeling. Apply it after initial redness subsides to help nourish damaged skin.

Hydration and Antioxidant Support. After too much sun exposure, support your skin from the inside by drinking plenty of water and eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.

DIY Oatmeal and Yogurt Mask. For cooling relief, mix oatmeal with plain yogurt and apply it to sunburned skin. Oatmeal calms irritation, while yogurt’s probiotics support skin healing.

Final Thoughts:
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the elements, and summer can be especially tough on it. By taking a functional medicine approach—nourishing from within, using natural remedies, and being mindful of your sun exposure—you can keep your skin radiant and healthy all season long.

As you enjoy those sunny days, remember:
Eat your antioxidants, stay hydrated, protect wisely, and if your skin does get a little too much love from the sun, nature has your back with gentle, effective healing solutions. Here’s to glowing, resilient summer skin!

The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, M.D. is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine,
Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience.
Her website is CustomLongevity.com Office Phone: 239-676-6883