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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Can sunscreen pills replace your cream? Here's what dermatologists say
Marketed as an easy way to protect skin from within, oral sunscreen pills are emerging as an alternative for busy office-goers, for whom applying sunscreen often slips down the to-do list or is completely forgotten. Social media and brands are pitching them as the next big thing in sun protection. But while these supplements promise convenience, can they offer the same level of defense as SPF creams? According to Dr Sarita Sanke, head of Cosmetology and Dermatology at Yashoda Cosmetic Boutique, Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital, Kaushambi, the answer lies in understanding how they work. What are oral sunscreen pills, and how they work? Oral or 'systemic' photoprotection means taking substances internally that help your body fight sun-induced skin damage from the inside out. 'These pills often contain vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and astaxanthin. Of these, lycopene is the most efficient regarding antioxidant activity. Carotenoids decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic metabolism. Carotenoids can suppress UVA and UVB-mediated ROS formation, thereby preventing photoinactivation of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and induction of DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Lycopene, a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon (C40H56), is endowed with a very high antioxidant capacity, quenching singlet oxygen,' explained Dr Sanke. 'They can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune damage triggered by UV rays. However, they do not act like a physical shield against sunlight.' 'These supplements have low toxicity, and since many are nutrients, they rarely cause side effects,' she further explained. But allergies and health conditions should always be considered before starting them, she cautioned. Can these pills replace your sunscreen cream? 'No. They should only be used as an adjunct, never a replacement,' said Dr Sanke. While oral sunscreens can boost antioxidant protection against UVA and UVB damage, they can't match the direct UV-blocking power of a topical sunscreen. If you have skin conditions worsened by sunlight, like melasma, vitiligo, photoaging, actinic keratosis, or chronic photosensitivity disorders, oral photoprotectors may help reduce flare-ups. They are also useful for those prone to rashes after even mild sun exposure. When and how should you take them? Dr Sanke advised taking them daily after breakfast for better absorption. If you have a big sunny event, like a beach holiday, start at least a week to 10 days in advance. Consistency is key, and they work best alongside a proper SPF routine. Overall, they are low-risk. 'But always check for allergies and avoid self-prescribing if you are on medication or have health conditions,' warned Dr Sanke. Can we measure their SPF like creams? According to Dr Sanke, oral sunscreens do not significantly reduce redness (erythema) the way creams do, so SPF ratings do not apply. Instead, scientists measure their effects by antioxidant activity and immune protection. What would be the best routine? Here's Dr Sanke's sun-safety checklist for those with high sun exposure: Take oral sunscreens daily. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher cream every three hours between 9 am and 3 pm. Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight cotton clothing. Use umbrellas or shaded walkways whenever possible. According to Dr Sanke, medical bodies like American Academy of Dermatology and the Indian Association of Dermatologists support oral sunscreen pills, but only as an add-on to topical sunscreen, never a substitute. So, if you're hoping for a pill that replaces your SPF, it's not here yet. But if you want an extra layer of defense against sun damage, especially if you have sensitive skin or high exposure, these supplements can be a valuable ally.
India Today
10-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Sunscreens and hormone health: What you should know before you apply
As the summer continues to blaze and skin protection becomes a daily essential, growing questions around sunscreen ingredients and their potential long-term health impacts are starting to studies and international safety reviews have highlighted concerns about certain chemical ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, particularly their ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream and act as hormone disruptors.A hormone disruptor is a chemical that has the ability to cross cell membranes and interfere with the body's natural hormone But dermatologists stress that this does not mean sunscreens are unsafe or should be avoided it's a reminder to be more informed about what we apply on our skin every day."The concern for safety and effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients has been heightened after recent evidence of their measurable systemic absorption following topical application," Dr. Sarita Sanke, dermatologist at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, told the ingredients drawing attention are oxybenzone and octinoxate, two UV filters widely used for their ability to absorb harmful UVB and UVA rays of the both have also been found in blood, urine, breast milk, and even amniotic fluid, raising questions about their possible impact on hormonal balance and foetal these ingredients are not banned and continue to be approved for use in many countries, including India, doctors say more research is US FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) has highlighted the importance of further evaluating all sunscreen ingredients with systemic absorption levels over 0.5 ng/mL, Dr. Sanke SUNSCREEN DISRUPT HOMONES?Some studies have pointed to possible associations with thyroid changes, pubertal development, kidney function, and immune health, though these findings remain ingredients under scrutiny include homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, all commonly found in many commercial sunscreen formulations and approved by the US the research is far from definitive.'Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also present in plastic packaging, water, air, and cosmetics. While detected in body fluids, their systemic exposure hasn't been proven harmful in humans,' said Bengaluru-based dermatologist Dr. Divya added that sunscreen safety is still under active investigation globally, but no regulatory agency has so far called for discontinuing their SHOULD CONSUMERS DO?Both Dr. Sanke and Dr. Sharma suggest that mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, could be a safer alternative for those ingredients physically block UV rays rather than absorbing them, and while they too can penetrate the skin in small amounts, the current data do not indicate fact, many sunscreen formulations available in India have already phased out older ingredients like PABA and triethanolamine, which were previously linked to safety some studies have raised concerns about sunscreen chemicals affecting fish microbiota and aquatic systems, no evidence yet links these effects to human advise that sunscreens are a critical defence against skin cancer and premature ageing, especially in a country like India where UV indices frequently sunscreen entirely out of fear would be misguided, doctors the advice is to choose wisely, look at ingredient labels, and opt for mineral-based products where possible, particularly for children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin.
