Our skin protects our Folate levels!

folate skincare sun
Our skin protects our Folate levels!

When exposed to the sun, our body produces melanin, which is a pigment that protects us from UV radiation. The more melanin we make, the darker our skin gets.

UV radiation degrades Folate, which is an important vitamin for fertility and pregnancy. Folate is required for many things including egg quality, methylation, and preventing neural tube defects, among many other things.

So when we’re stepping into sunlight, that melanin is not just protecting sun damage, it’s protecting the very delicate Folate inside our bodies. This is one of the reasons why pregnant women also produce more melanin and tend to have skin darkening during pregnancy.

*We need sunlight of course - it helps regulate our hormones, which is critical for maintaining our fertility and getting pregnant. But we can also practice safe sun exposure:

🌞Cover up before you start getting pink

🌞Utilize UV-protective hats and clothing

🌞Don’t overuse sunglasses

🌞Utilize non-nano mineral sunscreen if necessary

🌞Consume protective nutrients like Vitamin E and A, and saturated fats

❔Did you know about the connection between Folate and sunlight? How do you practice safe sun exposure?

Learn more on episode 8 of The Innate Wisdom Podcast with Jim Stephenson, Vitamin D researcher. And learn more about Folate and light in regards to pregnancy in my pregnancy prep eCourse, Conscious Conception, relaunching spring/summer. Get on the waitlist here to not miss any updates!

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Not medical advice.


References:

Borradale, D.C. Kimlin, M.G. (2012). Folate degradation due to ultraviolet radiation: possible implications for human health and nutrition. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22747844/.

O’Neill, D. (2013). Skin Color Adaptation. Retrieved from: https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/adapt/adapt_4.htm.

Valencia-Vera, E. Aguilera, J. Cobos, A. Bernabó, J. Pérez-Valero, V. Herrera-Ceballos, E. (2019). Association between seasonal serum folate levels and ultraviolet radiation. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30502586/.

Zhang, M. Goyert, G. Lim, H.W. (2017). Folate and phototherapy: What should we inform our patients?. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29029903/.

TTC? Get empowered with Conscious Conception, the ultimate fertility blueprint created to help you optimize your fertility and enter pregnancy empowered.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.