Visit any drugstore or skin care aisle and you’re bound to face a dizzying array of sun protection products—essentials in a country that receives a generous but brutal amount of sunshine. From creams, lotions, sticks, sprays, and powders with SPF, the choices are seemingly endless for the uninitiated. But there’s a rising player in the sun-care game promising photoprotective benefits: oral sunscreens.
As the name implies, these products are meant to be taken orally. They’re dietary supplements that commonly come in pill or capsule form, claiming to help make your skin more resilient to the sun’s harmful rays.
Traditional sunscreens create a physical or chemical barrier on top of your skin to block UV radiation. In particular, mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV rays. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb UV rays and block them from entering the skin.
How do oral sunscreens work? Unlike such topical sunscreens that you slather or spritz on your skin, oral sunscreens work from within. This is why they’re also referred to as systemic photoprotectors, because they offer systemic protection to sun damage with their unique chemical composition. Their formulation consists of a concoction of different antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory agents that help neutralize free radicals and strengthen the skin against sunburn, redness, and inflammation.
“Think ‘inside-out sunscreen’ with antioxidants doing the heavy lifting in your bloodstream, supposedly helping your skin handle UV stress,” explains Dr. Jennie Francisco-Diaz, Medical Director at Skin 101 Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinics, board-certified dermatologist, and fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society.
Typically, oral sunscreens should be taken once in the morning, 30 minutes before sun exposure, with effects lasting for a few hours. A second dose can also be taken in the afternoon. In contrast, topical sunscreens require frequent application, often every two hours, to maintain their efficacy.
What the Science Actually Says
There’s a mix of scientific opinion when it comes to the usefulness of oral sunscreens. On one hand, some studies posit that they’re not exactly as effective in reducing erythema, a.k.a. skin reddening due to inflammation; also, an indication of sunburn.
Moreover, because their effect can’t be assessed using the SPF (sun protection factor) scale, it’s hard to gauge just how much they’re able to protect your skin from sun damage. To provide the SPF rating, the FDA conducts tests on sun protection products to evaluate how much UVA radiation exposure they can tolerate before sunburn happens.
As such, scientists urge that oral sunscreens be reviewed according to parameters such as their antioxidant activity, anti-mutagenic activity, and photoimmunoprotection. Basically, consumers should be able to have an idea of how much oral sunscreens can neutralize free radicals, prevent or repair skin cell mutations caused by UV rays, and protect the skin’s immune system from UV-induced suppression.
Conversely, other studies point out the capability of certain oral sunscreen ingredients to reduce pigmentation, UVA-induced phototoxicity (skin sensitivity to sunlight), and skin damage.
Take, for instance, polypodium leucotomos extract or PLE (Fernblock®), made from leaves of camellia sinensis, a fern native to Central and South America. Rich in polyphenols, or chemical compounds naturally found in plants, PLE acts like antioxidants, offering protection against skin sensitivity to sunlight (chemo-photoprotection). Studies also show that it reduces pigmentation and signs of skin damage.
“They work and are the real deal, but they complement—and are not a substitute—for topical sunscreen.” — Dr. Jennie Francisco-Diaz, board-certified dermatologist
Other oral sunscreen active ingredients include glutathione and lycopene. Glutathione is a naturally-occurring antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals such as those from UV radiation. It’s also a popular component in skin lightening products as it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a key role in melanin production.
Meanwhile, lycopene also offers similar photoprotective benefits. This powerful antioxidant in tomatoes hunts down reactive oxygen species, which contribute to sun damage. Oral consumption triggers its accumulation in the skin, protecting the entire body from UV radiation. Studies also show that frequent intake of lycopene also ups the skin’s minimal erythema dose (MED), minimizing the risk of sunburn.
Can They Actually Prevent Sun Damage?
The answer is yes, to a certain extent. While studies indicate that potent antioxidants can help toughen the skin against sun damage, they’re not exactly meant to be taken as standalone UV defense tools. As such, they’re best utilized as a supplement to topical sunscreens and physical sun protection such as clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Physical and chemical sunscreens should still remain as a primary shield against UV damage.
“They work and are the real deal, but they complement—and are not a substitute—for topical sunscreen,” Dr. Diaz points out. “Oral ‘sunscreens’ don’t block UV light. They don’t have SPF or UVA/UVB labeling. Any protection would be indirect and not equivalent to actually blocking UV photons.”
Who Should Take Them (and Who Shouldn’t)
While it’s generally safe to take oral sunscreens, it’s best to seek the advice and guidance of your healthcare provider before taking such supplements. For instance, oral sunscreens are not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Meanwhile, others may develop an allergic reaction to specific ingredients or interact with some medications, so it’s best to consult your doctor, says Dr. Via Marquez-Protacio, member of the Philippine Dermatological Society.
Keeping the benefits and convenience of taking oral sunscreens in mind, who, then, are its best candidates?
Dr. Diaz recommends oral sunscreen use for outdoor lovers and individuals with active lifestyles, as their activities often put them under the sun. “Beach lovers, surfers, golfers, hikers, long-haul travelers—anyone who spends big chunks of the day in the sun and struggles with reapplication,” she says.
She also believes oral sunscreens most benefit those who prefer whole-body sun protection, as well as those who have fair skin or get sunburn easily. These include athletes and travelers who are unable to reapply sunscreen as frequently as they should, and individuals who prefer an extra layer of sun protection as a complement to topical sunscreens and shade.
“If you face long, sun-heavy days and reapplication is impossible, or you want a bit of antioxidant backup, then oral sunscreen is for you,” Diaz notes.
In addition, Dr. Marquez-Protacio also specifies people with specific skin ailments who could significantly benefit from oral sunscreen use. “Individuals with photosensitive skin conditions like rosacea, lupus, melasma and those who are prone to develop skin cancers would also benefit from its use,” she adds.
Final Verdict
So, with all the attention oral sunscreens are gaining, are they worth the hype?
“Studies have shown its efficacy, and it would be beneficial for some individuals to take this as an added sun protection,” emphasizes Dr. Marquez-Protacio.
Despite their proven efficacy, it’s nevertheless still important to take extra precautions on top of broad-spectrum and oral sunscreen use. “Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, or use an umbrella to maximize your sun protection,” advises Dr. Marquez-Protacio. “If possible, avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.”
Overall, consistency is key, stresses Dr. Diaz. “Ideally, take it daily, but most especially when you will be out in the sun, like on a beach day. Use them as a supplement, not a replacement. Sunscreen first, then the oral add-on for potential oxidative-stress backup.”
CHASE THE SUN
Now we know: Oral sunscreens may offer an extra boost to your sun protection routine, working from within to help support your skin. Here are a few worth adding to your skincare lineup so you can step into the sun with (extra) confidence. As with any supplement, it’s best to check with your dermatologist or physician first.
Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240
Zap hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and other signs of skin aging with the combination of Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240’s signature Fernblock® and WhiteTech Complex Technology combo. Wake up to a natural, youthful glow as its unique formulation regulates melanin production.
Suitable for: All skin types
Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240
Skin 101
Heliocare 360° Capsules
Best during months of extreme UV radiation, this oral sunscreen packs a punch in the photoprotection department. Powered by its core active ingredient, Fernblock®, it strengthens the skin’s resistance against UV rays, neutralizes free radicals, repairs sun-damaged skin, all while preventing dark spots and other skin disorders.
Suitable for: All skin types
Heliocare 360° Capsules
P2,640, Bella Pelle PH
Heliocare Ultra Capsules
Get healthy, moisturized skin while receiving expert sun protection with Heliocare Ultra. Also powered by Fernblock®, this oral sunscreen taps into the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits of Vitamins C and E for to promote radiant, supple skin.
Suitable for: All skin types
