Sunscreen Protection from a Pill?

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Many of us love to spend time in the sun, but everyone knows that too much UV light exposure increases our risk of skin cancer. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just take a pill in the morning and get decent sunscreen protection throughout the day? There are a few pills that have been marketed as sunscreen protectors, but are they effective?

Sunscreen pills can be purchased without a prescription to provide additional sunscreen protection. It is important to note that none of the products are intended to be a replacement for topical use of sunscreen but as an adjunct. The pills, which are sold at varying prices, supposedly boost the skin’s resistance to sun damage.

● Heliocare and Sunpill both contain polypodium leucotomos, which is derived from natural fern, and contains antioxidants. There was a small study of nine people that found a decrease in the redness of the skin with people who took polypodium leucotomos and under the microscope their skin showed less sunburn cells. Heliocare costs $35 for 60 pills on Amazon while Sunpill was $14 for 30 pills. Sunpill also contains pomegranate extract, another sun protector supplement, as well as green tea and other antioxidants.

● Murad Pomphenol Sunguard contains large amounts of pomegranate extract in the form of ellagic acid to provide sun protection. It costs $25 for 60 tablets. Ellagic acid is an antioxidant found in many fruits, nuts and pomegranates and is believed to have anti-cancer properties. A small study of 13 women found that ellagic acid inhibited the hyperpigmentation that comes from UV exposure.

● Astaxanthin is a carotenoid and antioxidant, found in marine life and plants, that thought to be more potent that vitamin E or A. It is supposed to help repair damage from free radicals which are thought to damage cells making them more susceptible to skin cancer. According to sciencedaily.com, astaxanthin can also reduce the pain and inflammation of a sunburn and can help those who already have developed skin cancer.

Many people have posted at sites selling sunscreen pills that they find that they can stay out longer in the sun or that their skin quality has improved. However, there have not been larger double blind studies performed to support this.

Some things to keep in mind are mentioned by beautybrains.com. There is no designated amount of time a pill provides sun coverage for so it is difficult to know how much protection you are actually getting. Additionally, sunscreen pills are not regulated by the FDA so there is no way to be sure you are getting the dose or supplement indicated on the label.

Sunscreen pills may be worth a try, but don’t get lazy about replacing your sunscreen during the day. People tend to not reapply sunscreen often enough anyway and these products could create a false sense of sun safety.

source:
http://thebeautybrains.com/2010/03/15/do-sunscreen-pills-work/
www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/1108-sunscreen_in_a_pill.htm
www.futurederm.com/2008/03/14/do-sunscreen-pills-really-work/
http://www.dermnet.org.nz/treatments/polypodium.html

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.