"David, is there anything that you do to protect your skin form the sun?"
Glad you asked.
Yes. My body makes a substance called Melanin. Melanin has an interesting shape because it is composed of multiple conjugated benzene and pyrrole rings, often linked to long, complex chains and constructions.
These are able to trap (UV) photons and turn them into an electric current which my body can use. At the same time the absorption of the photons protects my DNA from damage.
Truly incredible invention.
I gradually increased the amount of melanin in my skin by gradually increasing my sun exposure over time.
But there's even more that I do:
1. I avoid seed oils wherever I can. Seed oils consist large amounts of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which have a high propensity to oxidise. Since spending a lot of time in the sun can cause the formation of free radicals in the skin, present PUFAs will likely be oxidised and thus cause inflammation (i.e. sunburn)
2. I consume Astaxanthin.
Contained in larger amounts in salmon or shrimps, it can help protect the skin against damage from excess sun exposure.
3. I use a novel invention called the shade like any animal on the planet does when I notice that I've gotten enough sun for the moment.
4. I ensure that my nights are pitch black. Because regeneration of the skin and melanogenesis requires good circadian oscillations to build the foundation of future exposure.
5. (Very important) I go outside during sunrise to prepare my skin for sun exposure during the day. And I go outside during sunset again to calm my skin down with regenerative Near Infrared wavelengths.
