tan? complexion question.

[joy_landlocked]

so, question... since i stopped eating dairy and almost completely stopped eating eggs about 15 months ago, my complexion has really changed. i didn't eat meat before that, but i did eat eggs and dairy. now it seems that not only has my skin been clearer, i've also found it easier to tan...

which is weird, because i'm getting closer to vegan and there's the whole "pale" stereotype. i used to sunburn terribly when i was outside, but this summer, i've been working outside and i went camping and sat outside, and i haven't burned once. just got a tan, which i've never had in my life. i've used almost no sunscreen.

the only thing that has changed, i think, is my diet... anyone have any experience with this, or have some reasearch they can share? i'm puzzled. not acutely troubled. but i'd like some insight.

[karyanca]

That's strange. I never made the connection, but this is the first summer that I haven't burned and have actually tanned. I normally avoid the sun, but this summer I've been out a lot walking my dogs and haven't been nearly as careful with regard to sunscreen (just bought my first vegan bottle) or wearing a hat.

[yoginisarah]

Hmmm, that's weird. Me too. I wasn't sure why I could tan this summer but have always burned before. Maybe there is a connection.

[KomatsuQueen75]

I've always tanned well. I'm part American indian. I'm also part Irish, so I do burn the first time out. So, I didn't make any connection with my tan and my diet. But I do have to say my tan is looking good this year (I've been vegan for 2 years). Last year, I didn't spend much time in the sun.

[joy_landlocked]

interesting! i wonder if any real research has been done on this...

[RoboMonkey]

I'm not sure about this, but I have heard that certain compounds in blueberries boost your skin's natural sunscreen ability and help prevent damage from UV rays. Maybe there are other foods that you are eating more of now that have this same effect.

[Willowriver]

Antioxidants. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies, as you likely are, and you'll automatically up your antioxidant intake. High antioxidant intake has been directly linked to less sunburn. Try google scholar. It's actually scientifically studied and proven, numerous times. And well, it makes sense too. UV radiation causes oxidation which causes the burn. Antioxidants stop the oxidation. :) Yay! More perks to eating your fruits and veggies!

[TerrapinTurtle]

That is so weird, I couldn't figure out for the life of me why I was actually getting tan this summer! I was vegan last summer too, but didn't go in the sun much.

[Guinevere]

That is weird but interesting :)
I'm vegan and I burn horribly in the sun :(

[Tyness]

I'm not sure about this, but I have heard that certain compounds in blueberries boost your skin's natural sunscreen ability and help prevent damage from UV rays. Maybe there are other foods that you are eating more of now that have this same effect.

I actually just heard a doctor talking about this on television. Blueberries and tomatoes help prevent sunburning. Often when you are getting healthy sun exposure without burning, then you tan!

[Willowriver]

I actually just heard a doctor talking about this on television. Blueberries and tomatoes help prevent sunburning. Often when you are getting healthy sun exposure without burning, then you tan!

:yes: But it's not just tomatoes and blueberries. They were probably pointing those out as common, concentrated sources. As a rule, go for brightly colored fruits and vegetables. They'll usually be packed with antioxidants, though processing (overcooking, as well as industrial processing) will usually deplete them somewhat. I've also heard a lot about broccoli having one of the highest antioxidant concentrations around.
So it's not just that veg*ans eat a ton of blueberries - it's that we often get a variety of fruits and veggies! :bobo: