This sunblock smoothie won’t take the place of your SPF, but it can give a natural boost to your body’s own ability to protect the skin.

Sunblock is the most obvious way to protect your skin from the sun, and probably the most popular too. But there are more ways to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful ways.

As someone who burns easily – and as someone who is paranoid about getting sunburned – I have done a lot of research about alternative and additional ways to protect your skin, aside from sunscreen. Here are some things I do, especially in the summer, for increased sun protection:

• Wear a hat
• Wear scarves (I just purchased a sarong-type of scarf made out of SPF fabric)
• Avoid being out in the sun mid-day
• Eat foods that help prevent sunburn (more on that later)
• Take Astaxanthin which is great for the eyes as well as the skin (my prescription went from -4.25 to -3.5 in both eyes after taking astaxanthin for three months… the only change I made was taking this supplement!)
• Install a SPF window tint on the driver’s side window of my car. Check out: Car Sun Shade for Side and Rear Window

My goal is to get a healthy amount of sunshine – which can be challenging both in the heat of the summer and in the middle of winter in a northern climate. I supplement with Vitamin D in the winter months.

Foods That Protect Your Skin From The Sun

These foods are known to offer sun protection:

• Watermelon – Good source of lycopene.
• Strawberries – Good source of anthocyanins.
• Tomatoes – Good source of lycopene. Try to eat one tablespoon of tomato paste per day.
• Other red and orange produce – Many other red and orange fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, beta carotene, and other good stuff that protects the skin.
• Leafy greens – Kale, spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens are full of antioxidants that protect the body from carcinogens.
• Fish – Fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
• Chocolate – Chocolate contains flavonoids, which offer protection for your skin and your body in general.
• Tea – Both green and black tea contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants.

For increased sun protection, add a variety of these foods to your everyday diet. Or mix and match to come up with something delicious, like I did.

Note: This isn’t my replacement for sunscreen. I like using a good hydrating sunscreen in the late spring, summer, and early fall.

About The Recipe: Sunblock Smoothie

This smoothie is not only good for your skin, it is also refreshing and delicious.

Even if you aren’t looking more sun protection, you will love this drink. It’s naturally sweet, and is especially delicious if made with good, ripe watermelon – you know what I mean?

And when summertime fruit is in season, this recipe is also quite affordable.

Disclaimer: While this smoothie contains ingredients that offer natural protection from the sun, this is not a substitute for sunblock or your regular method of sun protection. Treat this as a delicious summertime drink that also happens to be good for your skin.

Read More About Sun Exposure & Safe Sunscreens

• Wellness Mama – Learn about avoiding sunburn by eating real food.
• Environmental Working Group – Check out their summer sunscreen guide, which rates common brands of sunscreens based on toxicity.