Sunscreen tablets are an area that is still to be thoroughly explored by scientific bodies, but what are sunscreen tablets? Well, they are pills containing one or more of compounds like polypodium leucotomos (PL), beta carotene, lycopene, red orange extracts, vitamin C & E, green tea, nicotinamide, PABA, etc. which have robust sunprotective properties. Thus one can ‘eat their sunscreen’. The most powerful amongst these controlled agents is the aqueous extract of fern leaves fern (PL) which provide a consistent phenolic content. The level of protection is not equivalent with that of a topical sunscreen, hence these are solid boosters to topical sunscreen, not a substitute.

Their USP (unique selling point) is their convenience of use, it’s just like taking a supplement so there is no need for repeated applications, like topical sunscreen. There is also a more uniform coverage of the total body surface area with a deeper sun protection, regardless of factors like potency of creams, amount applied, sweating, or bathing and a broader protection against the negative effects of the sun; from prevention of sunburn to anti-skin cancer effects to anti-ageing benefits.

But why should someone choose oral sunscreens over topical ones? Oral protection can help make up for the limitations of topical sunscreen, with potentially a greater compliance of consumers due to ease of use. Those who suffer from rosacea, pigmentation disorders (like melasma and vitiligo), genetic disorders (like xeroderm pigmentosum, porphyrias which require strict sun protection), and sun related allergies all stand to benefit from oral sunscreens. In addition, oral sunscreens can also be an advantage to those allergic to topical sunscreen ingredients, get acne due to topical sunscreens, and sports players or people on the go who cannot reapply sunscreen frequently.

How are they beneficial? Reliable studies have shown that these oral tablets provide protection against ultraviolet light, visible and infrared radiation as well as being excellent antioxidants as they reduce free radicals by up to 50%. They also prevent pigmentation caused by UV rays and protect the entire skin’s surface, increasing the skin’s resistance against sunburn and redness by up to 300%. Additonal benefits include slowing down skin aging, repairing sun-damaged DNA in skin cells (thus protecting against cancer transformation), and protecting against sun allergies, premature graying of hair, while improving vitiligo, melasma & psoriasis.

So how do oral sunscreens compare to the regular topical sunscreens? Topical sunscreens often have high SPF levels and are easily spreadible, with a non-oily feel and can be resistant to water and sweat. However, oral sunscreens require no such applications, and are therefore easier to utilize. With topical sunscreens, there is a need to reapply a new layer every 2 to 3 hours, especially after swimming or with excessive sweating, with the sunscreen only protecting the areas where it has been applied. Whereas the oral tablet only needs to be taken once or twice a day to be effective, while giving full coveraging to the full body and hair. In addition, allergic reactions to topical sunscreens are fairly common and there are concerns for genotxicity with nanoparticle physical sunscreen and endocrinologic side effects of chemical sunscreens, while no such effects have been reported for oral sunscreens. Althoug, it is important to note that there are no published studies to date that directly compare efficacy of oral to topical sunscreens.

The dosage is equal to that of many vitmanin suppliments. Consume 2 capsules 30 minutes before sun exposure, then take 1 capsule in midday again if you have prolonged sun exposure. The capsules should be taken daily (indefinitely) to provide continuous adjuvant sun protection. If someone wants to take a sunscreen pill, they should also continue protecting their skin by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. More research needs to be done to know the optimal way of using these pills and their long-term safety.