Summer sun beckons, but so do worries about sunburn and sun damage. While sunscreen is an essential defense, you might have come across the concept of “oral sunscreens” – pills or supplements promising sun protection from within. But do these live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the science behind oral sunscreens and see if they deserve a spot in your sun protection routine.
The Allure of Oral Sunscreens:
The idea of an effortless way to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is certainly appealing. Oral sunscreens often contain antioxidants like polypodium leucotomos extract, which might offer some internal defense against sun damage. However, there’s a crucial distinction to understand.
The Limits of Oral Sunscreens:
Not a Replacement:
Unlike topical sunscreen, oral sunscreens don’t block UV rays directly. They may provide some antioxidant benefits, but these benefits are limited and haven’t been shown to significantly improve sun protection.
No SPF Rating:
Oral sunscreens lack the standardized Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating system used for topical sunscreens. This makes it difficult to gauge their actual effectiveness in protecting against sunburn.
Uneven Protection:
Even if oral sunscreens offered significant sun protection, they wouldn’t provide even coverage throughout your body. Areas not directly exposed to sunlight, like your back and neck, would remain vulnerable.
The Importance of Topical Sunscreen:
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and other health organizations strongly recommend topical sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and SPF 30 or higher as the primary defense against sun damage. Sunscreen, when applied correctly and reapplied every two hours, remains the most effective way to shield your skin from the sun.
Complementary Strategies for Sun Safety:
While oral sunscreens don’t replace topical sunscreen, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can contribute to overall skin health. Here are some additional sun safety tips:
Seek Shade:
Especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm), find shade whenever possible.
Sun-Protective Clothing:
Cover up with long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats for added protection.
Sunglasses:
Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
The Final Word:
Oral sunscreens might offer some internal antioxidant benefits, but they are not a substitute for topical sunscreen. For optimal sun protection, prioritize broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, seek shade, and wear sun-protective clothing. Remember, sun safety is a multi-layered approach, and by combining these strategies, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin healthy.
Image credits : Image by jcomp on Freepik
Other Articles
No Comment! Be the first one.