Are sunscreen oral pills as effective as creams? Skin experts explain
From chemical sunscreens that absorb damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun and physical sunscreens that reflect them away from your skin, sun protection now has a new concept — sunscreen in pill form. Assumed to offer full body cover, are oral sunscreen capsules safe and effective?
Sun protection of oral sunscreens is equivalent to only about SPF 3–5
Oral sunscreen capsules, explains Dr KM Kapoor, senior plastic surgeon and director, Anticlock Clinic and Medispa Chandigarh, usually contain nicotinamide (vitamin B3) or an antioxidant called polypodium leucotomos fern extract. 'Although emerging as new 'sun protectors', these have been seen to only have modest effects on raising our skin's personal sun alarm. It's the smallest amount of sunlight exposure at which our skin starts to turn pink—like the very first hint of a sunburn. Oral capsules raise this threshold only a little bit. The sun protection factor (SPF) of oral sunscreens is equivalent to only about SPF 3–5, while a minimum of SPF 30 is recommended,' adds Dr Kapoor.
Also while Vitamin B3 supplementation has been proven to be beneficial in adults at high risk of non‑melanoma skin cancer, evidence of other ingredients is not yet conclusive enough. We need to block both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which have a longer wavelength and tan your skin, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which have a shorter wavelength and cause sunburns. 'Pills do not block UVB‑induced DNA damage or UVA‑driven photo-ageing as effectively as well‑applied sunscreen, sun‑protective clothing, shade and avoiding sun exposure,' explains Dr Kapoor.
Oral sunscreen can be used as an add-on therapy, especially in patients who suffer from photo contact eczema, lupus, actinic keratosis and skin cancer. Still one should use these products with caution, as excessive use of these oral supplements can lead to gastrointestinal problems, according to Dr Kalyani Bhola, senior dermatologist, Alchemist Hospital, Panchkula. 'There is still no data which proves the efficacy of pills beyond antioxidant effects,' she says.
What to look for in topical sunscreens?
The ones labelled broad-spectrum protection shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. For natural and gentle skincare, mineral sunscreens provide effective protection without potentially harmful chemicals, while water-resistant formulas offer long-lasting protection, even during water activities or excessive sweating. 'Sunscreens are now available in the form of sprays, sticks and powders, while tinted sunscreens offer not only sun protection but also coverage for imperfections and a more even skin tone,' adds Dr Kapoor.
How should we guard the skin against the sun?
Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two to three hours, says Dr Kapoor. Other than that, use wide‑brimmed hats, UV‑blocking sunglasses, wear full-sleeved clothing and try to be in shade between 10 am and 4 pm.
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