Could certain foods help prevent sunburn?
As seen in Metro
Metro online last week asked asked UK mole expert and skin cancer reconstruction doctor, Dr Ross Perry, to provide his expert advice for its feature on whether dietary choices could help protect the skin from the sun in its feature entitled
“Experts say these foods could help prevent sunburn and offer protection from the sun”
The article opened by stressing the importance of SPF protection, which experts say should be used every day of the year, never mind in summer.
However, new research has suggested that carotenoids, an antioxidant we can intake through diet, can also play a role. A number of studies have supported the idea that carotenoids could delay the process of sunburn and thereby add a form of natural sun protection.
Carotenoids are also known as lycopene, lutein and beta carotene and give pigment to orange and red fruit and veg. Foods high in carotenoids include sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, butternut squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, red peppers, tomatoes, carrots, apricots, broccoli.
A number of studies have supported the idea that carotenoids could delay the process of sunburn and thereby add a form of natural sun protection.
Metro asked Dr Ross Perry to give his medical opinion. He explained:
“Lycopene does contain rich antioxidant properties, which are substances that can prevent or slow down environmental aggressors.
“It’s the pigment in these lycopene-rich foods, such as ripe tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava and red peppers, which contain the most amount of lycopene.
“Small studies conducted suggest that those who consumed lycopene had around 33% more protection from sunburn than those who hadn’t.
“The theory behind this was the lycopene content may neutralise the effects of UV light.”
However, Ross and other experts were keen to emphasise that eating more of certain foods is no replacement for sunscreen.
Ross added:
“No amount of fruit and vegetables is going to protect you against UVA and UVA damage from the sun if you’re not wearing a high SPF.
“Fruits and vegetables containing lycopene can be consumed in addition to wearing SPF – but should in no way be used as an alternative.”
Read in full
Experts say these foods could help prevent sunburn | Metro News
Mole Checks By Experienced Doctors & Surgeons
Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer a top to toe mole check, which assesses every part of the skin to identify any potential issues. This is carried out by trained and experienced doctors or surgeons. Most moles do turn out to be ‘cosmetic’ issues rather than a ‘medical’ concern. However, when a mole is found to be suspicious, early treatment tends to lead to the best results.
Alternatively, patients can book a standard consultation appointment, which is designed for assessment of specific moles.
At Cosmedics Skin Clinics, consultations and mole removal surgery are carried out by experienced doctors and surgeons who can remove moles same day using local anaesthetic to make the treatment completely pain-free. The team use the latest methods designed for minimal-scarring results after healing. All moles are sent for independent lab testing as a precaution and the results are sent to the client within a few days.
Dr Ross Perry
Ross qualified in 1994 at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School, London. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.
He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is renowned for natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic and anti-ageing injections and is especially well known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags).
Dr Ross Perry is frequently called upon by the media for his expert insights and comments on skin and beauty-related issues.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003. Over the last 19 years, it has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments.
The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers. In addition, there is a range of medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics has 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol. Treatments are carried out by GMC Registered Doctors and Surgeons.
Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.
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