HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Long, hot days can take a toll on your skin, but summer fruit provides a natural defense against too much sunshine.
According to board certified dermatologist, Dr. Sherry Ingraham, the most important thing to do is to stay hydrated - this will not only prevent heat stroke, it increases collagen production in your skin. Collagen makes your skin more elastic and can prevent wrinkles from forming. Fruits like watermelons and tomatoes are great for hydrating because they're mostly water. Tomatoes also contain the antioxidant lycopene.
"Goji berries, pomegranates, lycopene in tomatoes have all been shown in studies to actually confer a benefit almost like a sun protection factor," says Dr. Ingraham, "You can actually benefit your skin by preventing sun burn and sun damage."
Eating foods that are high in vitamin C also helps your body produce collagen. Blueberries, sweet potatoes, kiwis, oranges, strawberries and broccoli all contain high levels of the vitamin. For softer skin and a brighter complexion, try eating pineapples. They contain an enzyme which reduces inflammation. In general, produce which is good for your skin is easy to spot.
"You want to look for brightly pigmented foods. The more pigment a fruit or vegetable has the more it is protecting that fruit or vegetable and the more it confers that protection to our skin," says Dr. Ingraham.
One warning is to avoid getting lime or celery juice or other fruit juices on your skin. They can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Washing the juice off can solve this problem.