Do Antioxidants in Sunscreen Pills Work for the Skin?
Because Paula’s Choice Skincare is fanatic about helping you protect your skin from the damaging, aging rays of the sun and sunburns (our selection of sunscreens for different skin types is one of the most impressive in the world), we would be remiss if we didn’t look at other ways to help you be sun savvy.
One way we can help is by answering the question of whether taking a pill or eating specific foods can help protect your skin from the sun.
The condensed answer: Taking sunscreen pills or eating specific foods as a form of edible sun protection could potentially supplement your sun protection routine. Edible sunscreen is all about eating foods or taking supplements high in antioxidants. Skin is hungry for antioxidants and, whether topically applied or eaten, they reinforce the skin’s reservoir of these natural defenders against environmental assault.
BUT, and we can’t say this strongly enough, this does NOT in any way, shape, or form replace the fundamental basics of sun care, such as never, ever tanning and daily application of a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater. Believing otherwise is dangerous and potentially deadly for your skin!
Research has shown that certain foods, particularly those high in specific antioxidants, could improve many aspects of what skin endures from sun exposure. Examples include foods or supplements high in:
- Beta-carotene or other carotenoids such as astaxanthin (from fish like salmon)
- Lutein and lycopene (tomatoes)
- Elegiac acid (pomegranate)
- Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and forms of Vitamin B
- Omega fatty acids
- Cocoa powder (due to its concentration of flavonoids)
However, some of these studies can be incredibly misleading. For example, they looked at doses of certain vitamins like C and E that exceed safe levels of consumption. These studies were performed in vitro (meaning not on living organisms or on skin), or the study’s sample size was so small that it was relatively meaningless.
Even more suspicious are studies sponsored by the same companies selling sunscreen pills; these studies are overwhelmingly positive but are not corroborated by independent studies.
Our strong warning and tips: Do not rely on your diet or any supplement for sun protection. There is much that your diet can do to help when it comes to skin health. However, to prevent premature skin aging, sunburns, and skin cancer, you should consider food and sunscreen pills merely as an extra boost, not a standalone option.
For your face and skin to benefit from essential vitamins, it is recommended that you use products containing the ingredients themselves.
Shop sun protection skincare such as the Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, or the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 to get started.
Alternatively, refer to Paula’s Choice Singapore’s skincare advice page for further recommendations on products and routines.
References for this information
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2017, pages 33–41
International Journal of Molecular Science, June 2016, page 17; April 2015, page 16
International Journal of Dermatology, March 2015, pages 362–366
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, February 2015, pages 19–23
Journal of Dermatological Science, May 2010, pages 136–142
Journal of Nutrition, June 2006, pages 1565–1569; January 2003, pages 98–101
