Researchers have shown that d-alpha-tocopherol, natural vitamin E oil, can prevent inflammation and skin damage if applied before sun exposure.

Vitamin E oil can be bought over the counter in drugstores, as can vita­min E-fortified creams. Research has shown that if the cream or oil contains at least 5 percent vitamin E, it can also be effective in reducing post—sun damage.

You can also reap some of vitamin E’s sun-protective properties by taking supplements, suggest by dermatological surgeon and

dermatologist in private practice in New York City. “It’s highly effective as an anti-inflammatory agent, and it reduces sun damage to the skin,” says professional beautician recommends that people take 400 IU of vitamin E daily in the natural form of d-alpha-tocopherol.

Sun Burn Skin

Good dietary sources of vitamin E include polyunsaturated vegetable oil, wheat germ, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Try Up Selenium Sun Protection

You might want to boost your dietary intake of the antioxidant mineral sele­nium as well. Selenium can prevent solar damage, pigmentation, and dark spots, but because the selenium content of water varies across the country, not every­one is getting enough to be beneficial, citing the Southeast in particular as an area deficient in selenium.

To quench the free radicals caused by sun exposure and to prevent skin damage, doctor recommends daily supplements of 50 to 200 micrograms of selenium in the form of 1-selenomethionine. Your dosage depends on where you live and whether you have a family history of cancer.

Sun Burn Problem

Selenium can be toxic in very high doses, so if you’d like to try this therapy to protect your skin, you should discuss it with your doctor before taking any more than 400 micrograms a day. Children should not take extra selenium until they have their adult teeth.

To get more selenium in your diet, try tuna; a 3-ounce can serves up a full 99 micrograms. Or treat yourself to an ounce of baked tortilla chips for a whopping 284 micrograms.