Bask in the sun this summer, but know how and when to do it for optimal health. The green beauty gurus of NYC’s CAP Beauty are sharing their top secrets for natural sun protection — including which salad ingredients will super-power that SPF, and which multi-tasking products are the beauty-obsessed’s secret weapons for sexy, shielded summer skin…

At CAP, we believe that true beauty and true health begin within. For us this applies to everything, even our suncare routines. By creating a solid foundation inside, you support a healthy outside. As we like to say for pretty much everything, “begin within.”

A sunburn is just another form of inflammation. By eating anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables you are creating an environment within that is more able to handle the effects of the sun’s rays. Consider it a delicious reason to indulge in those gorgeous and abundant fruits when you’re spending the day at the beach. They support your system and increase your ability to enjoy the sun and all of its power. Some of our favorites are tomatoes, which are high in lycopene (even higher when cooked); matcha, which contains high levels of antioxidants; and leafy greens, which are abundant in beta carotene and folic acid. So pack your picnic with an abundance of vegetables, fruits and iced matcha and hit the road.

For your outsides, we prefer the approach of staying out of the sun during its most intense hours. If you can’t, we suggest wearing a large hat and clothing that covers you up. We also love a physical barrier sunscreen. Look for one that contains zinc oxide as its main ingredient. Some of our favorites are Raw Elements, Kypris Pot of Shade and EiR Surf Mud Pro Stick. We also love In Fiore Soleil Fleur as a pre-sun treatment. This unique and special product is loaded up with antioxidants – it doesn’t act as a sunscreen, but will support your skin pre-beach.

Enjoy your day in the sun and remember that its healing power is profound. Just make sure you’re prepared and you’ll feel amazing.

Raw Elements eco Formula. Developed by an ocean lifeguard captain, this UVA-UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen offers serious sun protection that’s free of all the bad stuff. Safe for kids and water resistant beyond 80 minutes, this performance-driven sunscreen is a top-rated and environmentally friendly way to protect your whole family from the dangers of too much sun. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it continues to protect and nourish the skin long after environmental exposure. TRY HERE

Kypris Pot of Shade: Prime and protect. A translucent veil of zinc oxide guards skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays while probiotics and sweet iris stem cells plump skin for a perfectly primed canvas. Beautiful under makeup, this delicate sunscreen imparts a radiance and glow for skin that appears supernaturally surreal. TRY HERE

EiR Surf Mud Pro: Consider yourself a pro? This highly concentrated stick version of the EiR Surf Mud will keep your skin protected no matter what you throw at it. It’s waterproof and contains higher levels of zinc for increased sun protection. The Pro Stick is perfect for surfers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an extra dose of sun protection. Approximate level of protection is SPF 50. TRY HERE

In Fiore Soleil Fleur: This silky serum is your skin’s shield against the sun’s rays. Red-raspberry seed oil, pomegranate seed oil and wheatgerm oil are all powerful natural sources of SPF. Aloe, jojoba oil and avocado oil lightly moisturize the skin, protecting against dryness resulting from sun exposure. We love to smooth this lightweight treatment over our skin after cleansing. This is the perfect amount of protection as we go about our day in the concrete jungle. Also perfect as a base under a heavier SPF for days at the beach. TRY HERE