Protect your skin with Carotenoids

With summer around the corner, I’m always on the lookout for the best ways to protect my skin—while still getting a healthy, sun-kissed glow. Like many of you, I love catching a bit of color, but not at the expense of premature aging, sun spots, or serious skin damage.

My Year-Round Skin Protection Routine

I never leave the house without applying a good face lotion with SPF—at least SPF 20 in the winter and SPF 30 or higher in the summer, even when I’m just strolling around town. (If I’m heading to the beach, you better believe I go much higher!)

But sun protection isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about what you put in your body. That’s why I incorporate carotenoids into my daily diet and supplement routine, especially as the days get longer and I spend more time outdoors.

What Are Carotenoids and Why Do They Matter for Skin?

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants found naturally in colorful fruits and vegetables. They help fight free radicals that cause cellular damage and are especially effective at protecting the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress. Two of the most beneficial carotenoids for skin health are beta carotene and lycopene.

Pink grapefruit, tomatoes and carrots are foods rich in carotenoids.

What’s the difference between beta carotene and lycopene?

Lycopene: The Red-Hot Skin Defender

Lycopene is a plant-based nutrient that gives red and pink fruits their vibrant color. It’s most concentrated in tomatoes and tomato-based products (especially sun-dried tomatoes), but it’s also found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, and papaya.

Lycopene is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there. It not only helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, but it's also been shown to fight visible signs of aging. As we age, the levels of lycopene in the outer layer of our skin naturally decrease—making it even more important to get it through diet or supplements.

In fact, one study found that participants who took up to 16 mg of lycopene daily for four weeks experienced 40–50% less skin damage from UV exposure. That’s a serious benefit!

Beta Carotene: Glow from Within

Beta carotene is another skin-loving carotenoid, giving foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and red bell peppers their rich orange-red hue. While it may be slightly less potent than lycopene in antioxidant power, it has a unique edge: beta carotene is a provitamin A, meaning your body can convert it into vitamin A—a well-known anti-aging nutrient that boosts cell turnover and promotes skin regeneration.

Carotenoids are very effective in protecting against harmful sun rays.

Supplements vs. Food: What's Better?

While it's easy to get carotenoids from your diet—thanks to their wide availability year-round—sometimes I like to give my skin a little extra support with supplements. I alternate between lycopene and beta carotene capsules, depending on the season and my sun exposure.

Lycopene excels at protecting the skin from sun-induced oxidative stress, while beta carotene supports skin renewal through vitamin A production. Both are excellent allies in maintaining youthful, resilient skin. I personally like to alternate between the two—and it works beautifully.

Just remember: supplements are not a substitute for sunscreen! Whether it’s summer or winter, always apply SPF daily and wear a hat if you're spending extended time outside.

And don’t forget—UV rays can be even stronger in winter, especially when reflected off snow during ski trips. So keep your guard up year-round.

Final Tips for Glowing, Protected Skin

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin needs water to stay plump and healthy.

• Add electrolytes. I love using Cure organic electrolytes in my water for an extra hydration boost.

• Be consistent. Skin protection is a 365-day commitment, not just a summer thing.

Try incorporating carotenoids into your routine and let me know how your skin feels. I think you’ll love the results!

Lastly, whether is summer or winter, always keep hydrated and, why not, add Cure organic electrolytes to your water.