“Eat your sunscreen” sounds a little strange at first. And to be clear, we are not suggesting that you stop using sunscreen—protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is extremely important. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade are still essential tools for skin health.

But what many people don’t realize is that nutrition also plays a role in how the body supports and repairs skin exposed to sunlight. Certain vitamins, antioxidants, and plant compounds help the body manage oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and support healthy skin from the inside out.

Think of it this way: sunscreen protects the outside of your skin, while nutrition helps support your skin from within.