The 7 Best Supplements for Summer (What You Need to Take!)

Summer is right around the corner. With it comes long beach days with plenty of fun in the sun—and your chance to rock that body you’ve been so intentionally carving over the last few months. It’s also your chance to work on that summertime glow (with proper skin and eye protection, of course).

But sun and heat can take its toll on your body if you aren’t careful. And while you may let some responsibilities slide as you run out the door to catch some rays, don’t let good nutrition fall to the wayside. Proper nutrition is a daily endeavor, and a balanced supplement regimen is key to supporting your health and your body.

Because our bodies change to adapt to every season, there are certain supplements you should include as the days get warmer and longer. If you want to feel and look good this summer, here are some of the top supplements you should add to your diet—if you haven’t already.

Here are the 7 best supplements for summer

Vitamin A

An article in the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that Vitamin A may be beneficial for protecting against, and treating, sun damage.  Vitamin A can be found in foods like cod liver oil, egg yolks, and animal livers and kidneys. But if you’re not a fan of liver, then you can supplement, too. Just be aware that Vitamin A supplements could have adverse effects on certain medications. So if you take prescription drugs, check with your doctor before supplementing with Vitamin A.

Vitamin E

There may not be a tone of data that proves Vitamin E’s ability to improve damaged skin, but its antioxidant properties lend themselves to damage prevention. Studies have shown that, when paired with Vitamin C, Vitamin E can be beneficial for protecting against sun damage. Before you go overboard, you should know this: research has also shown that too much Vitamin E could actually be detrimental to your health. So always follow prescribed doses.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a vital role in skin health. It can help protect the skin against sun damage and stimulate collagen synthesis to keep skin more supple, youthful and healthy. Vitamin C is often used in topical skin treatments. Studies found that individuals with low levels of Vitamin C in their skin were more likely to suffer from things like skin inflammation, dry skin and slow wound healing. These studies suggest that supplementation is vital for good skin health.

Collagen

Studies on hydrolyzed collagen supplements have shown positive effects against skin aging. Daily supplementation with collagen reduced dryness and wrinkles, and increased skin firmness and elasticity.

Chocolate

We know what you’re thinking: How in the world is chocolate a supplement? But with today’s focus on edible supplement cosmetics, chocolate is definitely trending and worth at least a mention here. Could it be that edible chocolate cosmetics are the key to sun-damage protection? We wouldn’t go that far. Still, studies have shown that chocolate could play a role in good skin health. By cutting inflammation and stress, and boosting your skin with flavonoids, this is one supplement you’ll want to keep on hand all summer long. Plus, you can get it in a chocolate protein powder form, too. That’s a double win.

Protein powder

Protein powder is vital to helping you achieve your fitness goals year round, especially if they involve increasing muscle strength and mass for athletic performance. Researchers found that whey protein can keep you feeling less stressed and improve your immunity so that you can enjoy more time outdoors with less fatigue. So whether you’re hitting trails or the sand this summer, a protein shake could be just the supplement you’re looking for. But because protein powders are notorious for using fillers, make sure to buy only professionally-reviewed powders.

Fat burner

If you’re looking to stay in shape this summer, a fat burner could help you get or maintain your shape. Fat burners can boost your weight loss potential by breaking down, blocking or torching fat away. There are a number of varieties on the market that work by suppressing appetite; preventing fat or carbs from digesting; blocking the stress hormone, cortisol; or regulating your thyroid (and your metabolism). Check out these top-rated weight-loss supplements for an extra boost this summer.

Summertime should be stress-free. By keeping your health and body in peak condition, you can keep the fun going all summer long. Supplements are a great way to do just that. Want more reviews on some of the top-rated supplements? Check them out here.