Spent A Lot Of Time Outdoors This Summer? You May Need This Supplement*

Amidst such trying times, a summer in the sun is and was more than deserved. Of course, we’ll be the first to stand on the soap box about smart sun care (a routine that goes beyond just SPF, thank you very much) — but we’re also ones to relish in the joys of a full day spent outdoors: Being outside and taking in the good weather can make us feel better mentally and physically.

But as part of a robust and holistic skin care approach, we also are fierce about being supportive from the inside out. See, certain nutrients and phytonutrients you consume have science-backed photoprotective qualities, meaning they support the skin proactively and in real-time UV exposure.* Additionally, you can also look for bioactives that have regenerative properties that help support the skin after exposure, and can help with some of the common, unwanted signs of exposure (you know: dark spots, fine lines, and so on).*

Don’t know where to start? We have a few that can help.

Listen: Our time in the sun is certainly not over. And the most important step you can take now is to be proactive about skin health. Certain botanical antioxidants are shown to have major photoprotective qualities, such as astaxanthin and pomegranate whole fruit extract.* 

Let’s start with the former. One scholarly review of the antioxidant explained that numerous comparative studies of astaxanthin and other antioxidants showed it was the superior antioxidant in promoting dermal fibroblasts (or, what helps make skin cells, elastin, and collagen).* To give you an idea of just how powerful, the free-radical-fighting actions of astaxanthin are up to 1,000 times higher than that of many of its fellow antioxidants.* 

Pomegranate whole fruit extract is another. Clinical studies have shown that this targeted phytonutrient-rich botanical has the ability to enhance photoprotection in the skin, meaning your skin cells are better equipped to deal with UV rays and their subsequent effects.* For example, one randomized controlled trial found that the pomegranate extract increased skin’s resilience against UVB rays, as well as changes to the skin microbiome.* Another—this one, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial—found that taking pomegranate extract orally could help with common sun-induced pigmentation.*

But what about post sun? Well, antioxidants can help here too.* Namely by enhancing skin health and reducing many of the telltale signs of skin aging and sun exposure, such as dark spots, fine lines, and dryness.*

For example, astaxanthin has loads of clinicals highlighting its skin supporting benefits. In one study, astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved skin elasticity, smoothness, and hydration in just 12 weeks.* Another clinical investigation found astaxanthin improved skin wrinkles, age spot size, and skin texture.* And in a recent double-blind clinical trial, subjects reported significant improvement in moisture levels (especially around the eyes), overall improved elasticity, and appearance of tone.* Another recent double-blind clinical study found that it can even help skin’s water-retention capacity and suppress barrier damage.* After all, the skin is a barrier organ of supreme importance.

Additionally, pomegranate whole fruit extract can help buffer oxidative stress—which can happen after prolonged UV exposure due to increased free radicals.* To keep your body’s oxidative stress defenses up, your cells need functioning detoxification pathways—antioxidants help this process.* Pomegranate extract attenuates oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant responses and increasing antioxidant capacity in the body.* In fact, pomegranate extract has been clinically shown via research studies to reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress.*