Sunscreen Pills: Fact or Fiction?
I first became aware of "sunscreen pills" in 2022 while living in Costa Rica with my surfer boyfriend. His dermatologist in New York gave him a mysterious little bottle, and he would take one every morning before going surfing, convinced that they worked. I thought he was delusional, and that his derm was a quack, but then I tried one and went on a mid-day beach walk. It was the first time I have ever walked the beach in mid-day in Costa Rica without getting a sunburn—even with broad spectrum SPF 50. I couldn’t believe it. A sunscreen pill? Yes please.
If you’re a regular here, you know that protection against photodamage is one of my passions. With increasing awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the search for effective sun protection has expanded beyond traditional topical sunscreens. If you follow me, you know that in my opinion, American manufactured sunscreens are out… but now, is internal sunscreen quite literally in? One intriguing development in this field is the use of Polypodium leucotomos, a fern native to Central and South America, known for its sun-protective properties. Marketed as "sunscreen pills," Polypodium leucotomos supplements offer a pretty interesting approach to skincare and enhancing your UV protection.
What is Polypodium Leucotomos?
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern species that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly by indigenous people in Honduras and other parts of Central America. Historically, it has been employed for its anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties. Recent scientific research has highlighted its potential as a photoprotective agent, making it an attractive candidate for oral sun protection.
How Does It Work?
The primary mechanism by which Polypodium leucotomos works is through its rich composition of antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure, which can damage skin cells and lead to premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, Polypodium leucotomos helps protect skin cells from UV-induced damage.
Studies have demonstrated that taking Polypodium leucotomos orally can increase the skin's resistance to UV radiation (specifically Heliocare/Fernblock). For instance, research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that participants who took Polypodium leucotomos supplements experienced significantly less sunburn and fewer UV-induced skin changes compared to those who did not take the supplement.
Should you use them?
While Polypodium leucotomos pills are NOT a substitute for traditional sunscreens, they can be a valuable addition to your sun protection regimen. For people who spend a lot of time outdoors or have sensitive skin, these supplements can offer an extra layer of defense. They are especially useful for areas that are hard to cover with sunscreen, like the scalp or behind the ears.
However, it's important to note that sunscreen pills like Heliocare/Fernblock should be used in conjunction with, not in place of, topical sunscreens. The best approach to sun protection is a combination of methods, including wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Why Should You Care?
We are all lucky to grow older—a privilege denied to many. This perspective is not about scaring you about wrinkles but about protecting your skin from serious conditions like skin cancer. Proper protection (and maybe even the addition of something like a sunscreen pill) can help buy you a little more time with the face you're used to looking at today. Sure, it will change, and new lines will form. Every iteration will be beautiful, but if you skimped on sun protection in your teens and 20s, those changes are going to come a lot faster than you realize.
Skin cancer is a real risk with cumulative sun exposure, and while the idea of a few wrinkles might not faze you, the prospect of skin cancer is something to take seriously. I, for one, want to use every tool in my arsenal. Using Polypodium leucotomos supplements as part of your sun protection strategy can help mitigate this risk. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, these pills protect your skin cells from UV-induced damage, lowering your chances of developing skin cancer over time.
Additionally, if you're like many of us who might have neglected sun protection in our younger years, Polypodium leucotomos can help slow down the accelerated aging that comes with excessive sun exposure. Think of it as a way to hold on to the familiar face you see in the mirror just a little longer. Each stage of life brings its own kind of beauty, but there's no harm in wanting to enjoy the skin you're in now for as long as possible.
In essence, caring about sun protection isn't about fearing aging—it's about embracing it healthily and gracefully. By incorporating Polypodium leucotomos into your routine, you can protect yourself from the more severe consequences of sun exposure while celebrating every beautiful phase of your life. So, while we honor the privilege of growing older, let's also take steps to ensure that we do so with healthy, protected skin.