Do Oral Sunscreens Work? Here’s What You Should Know
Level up your protection this summer with a sun-shielding pill.
You’ve heard it time and time again from dermatologists and beauty experts alike: Sun protection is crucial in maintaining healthy skin, hence the need to slap on some SPF before heading outside (and even if you’re just indoors!). These days, it’s become easier than ever to stay protected from harmful ultraviolet rays, too, thanks to a relatively new innovation, a.k.a. the oral sunscreen. But we know what you’re thinking: Is it safe to ingest my SPF and does it actually work?
Oral vs. Topical Sunscreens
First things first: An oral sunscreen is basically an antioxidant supplement that helps the body fight against the free radicals primarily caused by UV radiation. That said, studies have shown that they have the capacity to reduce sunburn, redness, and damage.
Meanwhile, topical sunscreens, as we all know, go on top of the skin and basically act as blockers to deflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays from the sun, as well as shield against Infrared-A and blue light from artificial light and heat sources (You can read more about sunscreens and how they work here.)
But here’s the thing: While both protect against UV damage, you can’t exactly use oral sunscreen as a substitute for your topical product; instead, it’s taken to complement your sunscreen lotion or spray. Containing strong antioxidants that we may not get enough of in our day-to-day diet, oral sunblock pills provide uniform protection for the entire body (including often overlooked areas, like the scalp, eyes, and ears) yet the level of protection is uncertain since an SPF value can’t exactly be assigned to oral products. So it’s still best to take them in tandem with a topical product for a more definite protection time range, as specified in the SPF level.
Derma-Approved Capsules To Try
When it comes to sun-shielding pills, two brands worth checking out—ones that are dermatologist-tested, too—are Heliocare, one of the pioneers in oral sunscreen products, and Yllume. Check out our picks below:
Each capsule contains Fernblock, a uniquely prepared extract from the clinically-proven fern Polypodium Leucotomos that helps to protect the skin from within, providing powerful antioxidant activity against free radicals. (This ingredient is found in all Heliocare oral photoprotection products.) Effective from the very first capsule, it also boosts damage repair, slows down aging by inhibiting collagen depletion, and prevents hyperpigmentation. The complete formula also features vitamins D, C, E, lutein, and lycopene.
These capsules from the 360˚ line—which offers the best broad-spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, visible light and Infrared hazards—feature Fernblock combined with cysteine, vitamins and prebiotics to increase skin’s resistance against the sun right from the first pill.
Aside from being powered by the brand’s unique Fernblock technology, it’s also formulated with a WhiteTech Complex featuring niacinamide, cysteine, pomegranate extract, and vitamin C to protect against hyperpigmentation, even out the skin tone, lighten the complexion, and deliver anti-aging properties.
This natural oral sunscreen is powered by carotenoids from white tomato, which are known for absorbing ultraviolet light and thus protecting you from within—preventing damage and protecting from the signs of aging. The carotenoids also work to increase the body’s level of glutathione, lightening the complexion for a noticeably brighter skin tone.
The bottom line: Yes, it’s generally safe to take oral sunscreens* as they’ve been proven to provide antioxidant action, but the real danger lies in relying on oral sunscreens alone. If you’re keen about adding a sun-shielding capsule to your routine, just make sure you don’t forgo your regular sunscreen application. On the other hand, if you’re diligent about slathering on your SPF daily, then it’s not totally necessary to add an oral supplement—unless you’re extra photo-sensitive or prefer maximum protection at all times.
*For best results and for proper guidance especially if you have existing health or skin conditions, it’s recommended to consult with a doctor or dermatologist prior to adding supplements to your routine. You can easily book a virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, Bella Pelle Philippines’ resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here.
Why stop at sunscreen? Discover the best skincare routine for your skin type, and learn more about the finest skincare products thoughtfully selected for you by Bella Pelle Philippines here.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Biologique Recherche UV Protection SPF 50 |
 Heliocare 360 Water Gel, P1,800 |
 Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid, P1,800 |
 Mesoestetic Melan 130+ Pigment Control, P3,000 |
RELATED READS:
- Here’s Your Complete (And Easy) Guide To Sun Protection
- The 5 Best Sunscreens to Use Indoors
- Here’s Why You Should Consider Using Tinted Sunscreens Instead
