- madeline alfiero
Will Strawberries Protect Our Skin From UV Radiation?
Defining the no-sunscreen fad:
Generation Z is back-at-it again with another frivolous made up “scientific fact” taking the nutrition and wellness industry by storm.
Influencers are telling their followers that if they eat certain foods like strawberries, blackberries and kiwis, their skin will not burn in the sun.
Yes, these influencers are saying that strawberries are stronger than 3.86 x 10^26 watts of energy the sun projects out every second. Who knew that gen z is smarter than all scientists?
Should we be rubbing strawberries on our faces and eating kiwis every second of the day?
There is nothing wrong with eating foods rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body.
However, there is no scientific evidence stating that if you eat berries everyday you will not walk away with a first, second or even a third degree burn. Unless, we are considering TikTok influencers as credible scientific sources for information pertaining to our health?
Perhaps this fad could be “true” for someone with Sicilian descent but, not everyone is born with an olive skin tone.
This trend is incredibly dangerous and could lead to skin cancer.
The importance of SPF:
The number one reason individuals should prioritize wearing sunscreen is that it helps to protect ourselves from developing skin cancer.
Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent and lower the risk of melanoma by 50 percent.
Unfortunately eating strawberries, kiwis and blackberries will not prevent burns, sagging, wrinkles and aging from the sun without SPF.
The powerful combination of Vitamin C and SPF:
Combining a vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects well against UVA rays have been shown to be more effective at neutralizing free radical damage from the sun than using sunscreen alone.
While you eat your strawberries at the beach, feel free to lather your skin in a vitamin C serum and sunscreen.
Final Thoughts:
It seems as if every week there is a new health and wellness trend. Although trends are tempting to follow, it is always best to confirm your curiosity with a medical professional, not a Tik-Tok influencer.
A healthy diet is always beneficial for all aspects of our well-being but don't forget, the sun is much stronger than any fruit.
Resources:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/news/a44030/food-ways-help-prevent-sunburn-sun-protection/#:~:text=Strawberries&text=%22The%20vitamin%20C%20and%20the,from%20burning%2C%22%20she%20explains.
