Stay sun-smart, everyone! Sun protection is nonnegotiable, and oral sunscreen is a new way to stay safe. You might think all sunscreen comes in a bottle, but these oral sunscreen shake things up. They provide an additional layer of protection from harmful rays.
You should understand how these oral options compare to traditional lotions and sprays. Research shows promise, but how dependable are they? We get into the facts, get through the noise, and give you the lowdown.
The skincare scene evolves, and the science backs these oral products. Wondering what’s new in sun protection? Read on for these new trends, and keep your skin smiling.
Education is your number one defense against sun damage.
What is Oral Sunscreen?
Okay, so what exactly is oral sunscreen? It’s not your run-of-the-mill sunscreen you rub on your skin. Rather, it’s a nutritional supplement that’s meant to help protect your skin from the inside out. Think of it like a vitamin but for sun protection.
These supplements contain ingredients to support your skin’s natural defenses against harmful UV rays.
Definition of Oral Sunscreen
First, it’s very important to know that oral sunscreen is not a topical lotion. It’s an oral dietary supplement that you take by mouth.
Excessive UV exposure generates free radicals that accelerate skin aging, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. To counter this:
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as phytoene and phytofluene from colorless carotenoids found in Tomesoral-White Tomato, are effective. Clinical studies show these compounds:
- Reduce UV-induced erythema.
- Offer strong protection against oxidative damage.
- Support a clearer and more radiant complexion.
Introducing Eclairer EX by GREENS, featuring TRIPLE patented clinically proven ingredients:
- TOMESORAL™ White Tomato from UK
- HITHION™ Torula Yeast Extract from Japan
- KOMECERA™ Rice Ceramide from Japan
How Oral Sunscreen Works?
How does this work? When you take an oral sunscreen, it augments the ability of your skin to react to UV light.
This isn’t a replacement for that sunscreen bottle, though. It’s more like Batman’s sidekick. You still need to put sunscreen on your skin, especially if you’re out during those key sun hours.
The antioxidants in oral sunscreens are key here. They make your skin more able to withstand sun exposure. Research has found that supplements can increase the minimum erythema dose (MED) threshold. This means your skin can take a bit more sun before it starts to burn.
Importance of Sun Protection
We all know keeping our skin healthy is key, and sun protection is a big part of that. When our skin gets too much sun, it gets burned. This can lead to sunburns or, worse, skin cancer. This is why protecting yourself with sun protection is so important.
It’s not just about avoiding a sunburn; it’s about keeping your skin in tip-top shape and looking great. Sun protection also prevents you from aging your skin. The sun helps make your skin look older by forming wrinkles and spots.
By protecting your skin, you can keep it smoother and younger-looking longer. It’s like giving your skin a little bit of a bulletproof shield against the ravages of time.
A solid sun protection strategy uses a combination of oral and topical methods. Oral sunscreens can be a great add-on. They also tend to be rich in antioxidants, which combat sun damage.
These can work in tandem with lotions and creams to give your skin the best defense.
UV Radiation and Skin Health
UV rays are sneaky, too. They can wreak havoc on your skin health. Two main types of UV light are UVA and UVB, in addition to those factors that protect against them.
UVA rays age your skin, while UVB rays burn it. Both can cause skin cancer. Knowing how they operate can help you safeguard your skin. Ultimately, knowing when and how much you’re exposed to UV rays is the key.
Risks of Sun Exposure
Too much sun is dangerous. You’ll get sunburned, which is not fun. Even worse, it can cause skin cancer. Prolonged exposure also damages your skin, making it look older than its years.
Understanding how your skin responds to the sun allows you to protect it more effectively.
Effectiveness of Oral Sunscreen
Oral sunscreens are key to sun protection. They give you a backup first line of defense by working from the inside out. These supplements use ingredients like antioxidants to support the skin’s defense against nasty UV rays.
However, relying exclusively on oral sunscreen might not offer enough protection. Topical sunscreens, applied directly to the skin, create a physical barrier that oral supplements can’t match. This shows how important it is to use a combination approach to guarantee full spectrum sun protection.
Scientific Evidence and Studies
New studies help to explain the promise of oral sunscreens. There’s increasing curiosity about how these products could work alongside traditional forms of sun protection. Clinical trials are important in this regard, as they determine both the safety and efficacy of these supplements.
Comparing Oral and Topical Sunscreens
First, when comparing oral and topical sunscreens, it helps to understand how they work. Topical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and block or absorb UV rays. Oral sunscreens are taken internally and work by strengthening the body’s defenses.
Each has its pros and cons too. Topicals work quickly but can easily be washed off. Orals provide steady protection but take a long time to build up in the system. Using both makes sure you are double-dipping in UV protection.
Sunscreen Type |
Action |
Pros |
Cons |
Oral |
Internal |
Consistent protection |
Slow buildup |
Topical |
Surface |
Immediate effect |
Can wash off |
Combining Oral and Topical Sunscreens
Advantages of Combined Use
When you combine both oral and topical sunscreens together, you’re reaping the benefits of each. Oral sunscreens are effective in decreasing the development of UV-induced cutaneous erythema. Meanwhile, topical sunscreens provide immediate protection directly on the skin’s surface.
Together they cover more ground. Oral options actually boost your skin’s ability to protect itself from sun damage. This means your skin can tolerate more sun before it begins to burn.
Best Practices for Application
To get the most out of these sunscreens, you need to know how to use them correctly. Start with your oral sunscreen, keeping in mind to take 1 – 2 sachets per day, before or after a meal. Consume directly from the sachet of Greens Eclairer Ex Mixed Berries.
Some of the key ingredients in the sachet:
- Mixed Berries Powder (Blackberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Elderberry)
- Lemon Powder
- Dextrose
- TOMESORAL™ White Heirloom Tomato
- HITHION™ Torula Yeast
- KOMECERA™ Rice Ceramide
- Citric Acid and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
The skin barrier, primarily located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, is essential for maintaining hydration and shielding against environmental stressors like UV radiation. Ceramides, natural lipid molecules, are vital for skin structure and function. They:
- Prevent moisture loss.
- Protect against environmental damage.
- Decline with age, which makes supplementation through skincare products critical for maintaining skin health.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): A power antioxidant that can help with:
- Skin Protection: Protects skin from sun damage and free radicals
- Skin tone: Brightens skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation
- Collagen: Increases collagen production and protects existing collagen
- Wound healing: Help wounds heal and minimizes scarring.
- Skin barrier: Supports the skin barrier by increasing the production of barrier lipids
- Cellular turnover: Speeds up cellular turnover by sloughing off dead skin cells
Citric acid: An organic compound that can help with:
- PH Stabilization: Stabilizes the PH of your skin
For Malaysia’s all-year sunny climate, choose sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA+++ for optimal defense against sunburn, premature aging, and long-term skin damage. Pair it with oral sunscreen to keep your skin protected and radiant. Taking 1-2 sachet a day can help you to protect your skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier.