You are probably a sunscreen expert by now and might even own a few pieces of sun protective clothing with UPF, but have you ever wondered what else is out there to help protect you from the sun? There are several other products that you can consider adding into your sun protection regimen that you never knew existed. Just to be clear–there isn’t a real sunscreen pill but the concept is appealing isn’t it? Just remembering to reapply sunscreen is daunting and the failure to reapply is one of the reasons people still burn so easily. Maybe one day research will lead us there but not just yet.
Now there are dietary supplements that may help protect the skin from photoaging and skin cancer. One key ingredient is polypodium leucotomos (PL) extract. PL is a fern native to Central and South America and contains many phenolic compounds, such as ferulic, caffeic, coumaric and vanillic acid, which are responsible for its antioxidant power. Antioxidants are known to help reverse the free radical damage caused by the sun’s rays. It’s those pesky free radicals that lead to premature aging and the development of skin cancer. PL also can reduce the number of sunburn cells in the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Polypodium has also shown a potential benefit for eczema, melasma and vitiligo.
Another supplement that has some research to back it up is nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3. A study showed that for patients at high risk for skin cancer, taking nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily cut the rate of new squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers by 23% compared with placebo. Taking nicotinamide may also reduce the risk of developing actinic keratoses, which are precancerous lesions that form in the skin and can lead to the development of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
Other supplements that might prevent skin cancer include vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). Studies have shown that when taken together, as little as 1 mg ascorbic acid and 500 IU of vitamin E taken twice daily can improve the amount of UV exposure needed to cause a sunburn by 41% after only 3 months. Carotenoids such as astaxanthin, which is found in seafood like salmon, shrimp and lobster, and lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, red carrots and watermelons, may also be helpful. Astaxanthin has been shown to increase the skin’s MED or minimal erythema dose. The MED is the amount of sun exposure needed to cause a sunburn. Lycopene has been associated with reduced inflammatory chemicals seen with ultraviolet light exposure.
While these supplements may be appealing, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, as a dietary supplement, these products are not subject to the strict regulations and testing that prescription medications undergo with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Second, supplements can also have side effects and drug interactions that you need to be aware of. Most importantly, supplements are not meant to replace sunscreen and other sun protective measures. Overall, they might be a good option to enhance your sun protection practices.
Trotter’s Take: Supplements for sun protection are just that—a supplement to your sun protection routine and they don’t replace sunscreen. Talk with your doctor before taking a supplement to make sure it is a safe choice for you.
Do you want to know more about polypodium? Then check out my podcast with Dr. Noreen Galaria as we break down the benefits of this fascinating plant.
