Vitamin D is an important nutrient responsible for the good functioning of many systems in the body, like the brain, immune system, heart, bones and absorption of minerals. The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, the sun is also responsible for premature wrinkles, age spots and loss of collagen, The good news is that you can prevent age spots and wrinkles, while still getting enough sun for vitamin D.
Step 1
Add important antioxidant foods to your diet. Foods like green tea, broccoli, tomatoes, pomegranate blueberries, grapes and dark chocolate have compounds that have been proven to reduce the effects of UV ray damage on the skin, states the Sunflower Farmer's Market magazine.
Step 2
Expose your skin to the sun during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are the most damaging.
Step 3
Apply sunblock to the areas of your body that are not going to be covered by clothing. Remember to also wear sunglasses and hats. Hats are coming back in style and will make you look more glamorous. You can also wear SPF clothing that will help prevent age spots on your body's skin. This won't interfere with your body's production of vitamin D because even when you wear sunscreen, some UV rays reach your skin, points out the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Step 4
Eat foods rich in or fortified with vitamin D. Natural sources of vitamin D are fish, egg yolks, liver, beef, cheese and some mushrooms.
Step 5
Take a supplement to make sure you get enough vitamin D. Doctors and Harvard University and Boston University Medical School recommend a minimum of 1,000 I.U. for infants, children and adults, points out Sunflower Farmer's Market magazine.
Things You'll Need
- Antioxidants foods, see step 1
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- SPF clothing (optional)
- Foods rich in vitamin D, see step 4
- Vitamin D supplement
References
- SkinCancer.org: The D Dilemma
- "Sunflower Farmer's Market"; Preventing Osteoporosis; Martha Rodden; May 2010
- "Sunflower Farmer's Market"; Sun Care From Within; Angela Pirisi; July 2010
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