Beyond Sunscreen: The Plant Power Protecting Your Largest Organ
It turns out that what you put on your plate might be just as important as what you put on your skin when it comes to sun protection. In the latest episode of "Listen to Your Skin," Dr. Jen Haley chats with Julie Gibson-Clark, a self-proclaimed "budget biohacker and kitchen queen," about how a nutrient-rich diet could be the secret to healthier, sun-resistant skin.
Julie’s story is pretty surprising. As a competitive swimmer in Southern California and Texas, she spent 3–5 hours a day in outdoor pools — without sunscreen — yet her skin remains in amazing shape decades later. Dr. Haley, a board-certified dermatologist, was puzzled since most people with that level of sun exposure show serious signs of sun damage.
So, what’s Julie’s secret? Plants. Julie has been eating loads of vegetables since childhood, and it turns out that plants produce protective compounds to shield themselves from UV rays. When we eat those same plants, their protective benefits could transfer to our skin, helping to prevent sun damage.
This ties into the concept of hormesis — the idea that a little bit of stress (like sunlight or plant-based nutrients) can actually strengthen the body. Julie and Dr. Haley also discuss polypodium leucotomus, a fern extract that’s been shown to boost the skin’s natural SPF to around 7 — a pretty solid level of protection without relying on chemical sunscreens.
If adding more veggies to your diet sounds overwhelming, Julie shares easy tips to get started. Try adding greens to your morning routine with a “greens latte” and gradually work up to eating about a pound of vegetables a day. The key is to explore different vegetables and listen to how your body responds — no pressure, just progress.
The conversation also touches on fasting and how it might support detox and overall health. Julie talks about her experience with intermittent fasting, highlighting the importance of paying attention to your body’s signals — knowing when to push through discomfort and when to take a break. The goal is to improve your health, not create stress around eating.
At the heart of it all is balance. Julie and Dr. Haley agree that diversity and moderation in your diet are key. It’s not about perfection — it’s about eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including quality animal products, and ditching the stress of rigid food rules. The takeaway? Work with nature, not against it, and let your diet support your skin from the inside out.
