With Britain enjoying the hottest summer in decades, the temptation to spend every moment soaking up the sun’s rays is hard to resist.
Recent research has revealed Brits aren’t applying sun cream properly – exposing ourselves to permanent skin damage as a result.
Luckily, there are ways to help safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays, when used along with your normal sun protection.
Nutritionist Naomi Beinart told FEMAIL the five foods and herbs that are scientifically proven to protect your skin and help you glow this summer.
GREEN TEA
Green tea helps reduce redness in response to radiation, with a recent study showing those who drank it for 12 weeks improved their elasticity
With a proven reputation for anti-ageing benefits, it should come as no surprise that drinking green tea can help protect your skin in the sun.
In one study, women who drank polyphenol-rich green tea for 12 weeks had reduced skin redness in response to UV radiation (simulating sunlight), as well as better skin elasticity and less roughness, scaling and water loss.
Beinhart said: ‘Sip on a few cups a day to keep your skin happy. I personally drink and recommend drinking organic mint matcha twice a day. It’s not bitter and is low in caffeine.’
CARROTS
Carrots are rich in super-rich in antioxidant carotenoids, which help protect against UV damage
The humble carrot is super-rich in antioxidant carotenoids, which have been found to accumulate in the skin and help protect it against UV damage.
Although raw carrots can be great in a fresh summer salad, you’ll actually absorb the carotenoids better if they’re cooked, Beinhart says.
Roast sliced carrots in olive or coconut oil and eat them warm or cold as a side to a meal, or enjoy as a snack dipped in hummus or nut butter.
TURMERIC
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which is seriously good for the skin
The trendiest of all the spices thanks to its superfood reputation, turmeric can also help protect against the sun.
It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and curcumin in turmeric may help protect our skin.
Beinhart recommends sipping on Pukka Organic Turmeric Latte (£4.99 for 90g, Tesco).
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera gel (pictured) helps ease the pain of sunburn, but can also help prevent sun damage when drunk or taken as a supplement, Beinhart reveals
The red arils inside the pomegranate (pictured) are rich in a natural compound called ellagic acid, which reduces wrinkling, Beinhart says
You probably already know that applying aloe vera gel can soothe the pain sunburn.
But taking aloe as a drink or supplement could also have anti-ageing properties.
One study on 30 women found improvements in wrinkling and skin elasticity – signs of aging in response to sunlight – after 90 days of taking an aloe vera supplement.
POMEGRANATES
The red arils inside the pomegranate are rich in a natural compound called ellagic acid.
Studies in mice have found that consuming ellagic acid could help reduce skin wrinkling in response to UV radiation.