The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, also called UV rays, that can lead to skin damage and disease after prolonged exposure to sunlight. These rays penetrate into the layers of cells within your skin, causing the inflammation and cell damage colloquially referred to as a sunburn. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to premature aging and skin wrinkling, as well as serious diseases such as skin cancer. Consuming vitamins may help prevent or repair some of the damage caused by the sun's rays, and improve the health of sun-damaged skin.
Vitamin C
One vitamin that proves useful in treating sun-damaged skin is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Upon exposure to the sun's UV rays, cells within the outer layers of your skin begin to form harmful chemicals, free radicals. Left alone, these chemicals damage your skin on a cellular level, leading to sun-damaged skin. Vitamin C helps prevent cellular and molecular damage from free radicals by neutralizing these chemicals within your cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. As a result, vitamin C may help prevent skin damage after sun exposure.
Vitamin E
Another vitamin that may help sun-damaged skin is vitamin E. Like vitamin C, it helps to neutralize free radicals, and therefore may help prevent skin damage that can occur due to sun exposure. In addition, vitamin E may help reverse the long-term effects of sun damage, such as wrinkles. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that the length and depth of facial lines and wrinkles improve following the topical application of vitamin E. Select after-sun products containing vitamin E to help prevent or treat sun-damaged skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, or retinol, may also help improve sun-damaged skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, topical application of retinol can improve the appearance of liver spots and skin roughness -- both long-term effects of prolonged sun exposure. In addition, vitamin A within your body further helps neutralize free radicals, preventing the cellular damage that occurs after sun exposure to prevent sun-damaged skin.
Considerations
While some vitamins may help control or treat sun-damaged skin, the use of vitamin supplements cannot replace proper sun safety as a preventative measure against skin damage. Oklahoma State University explains that you avoid spending long periods of time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. You should also apply sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15, and re-apply sunscreen every two hours during sun exposure. If you plan to use vitamin supplements to help ease sun-damaged skin, always consult with a physician to determine a safe and appropriate vitamin dose to meet your needs.
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