The growing trend surrounding what some call “internal sunscreen” continues blazing hotter than the midsummer sun. Yet it’s not without controversy.
While some marketers are quick to say these edible supplements offer skin protection from the inside out, don’t let the nickname fool you. A 2018 statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains they are no replacement for topical sunscreen.
While antioxidant supplements offer a certain type of support, it’s important to understand how they work and the invaluable role of topical sunscreen.
Understand SPF: Your Physical Shield
Sunscreen remains your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays. When you pick up a container of sunscreen, you’ll see an SPF number emblazoned upon it. It stands for sun protection factor and measures how well the sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Choose one that’s water resistant with an SPF of 30 or higher, or SPF 50 or higher for extended periods under the sun.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Stronger during the summer months, UVB rays, known as burning rays, penetrate the top layer of skin and can lead to sunburn, skin cell DNA mutations, and most skin cancers. UVA rays, aka aging rays, beam down even on cloudy days and dig deeper into the skin, causing premature wrinkles, collagen breakdown, and long-term skin cancer risk.
Depending on their active ingredients, sunscreens are physical, chemical, or a hybrid of both. All provide a protective layer on the skin that absorbs the sun’s rays. Physical sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays, and the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends physical sunscreens for those with sensitive skin.
How Do Antioxidant Supplements Complement Sunscreen?
Edible antioxidant supplements are just that: supplemental. While sunscreen offers great protection, the application process isn’t always perfect. UV radiation can still manage to get past our defenses, triggering free radicals. These molecules attack cells and cause oxidative stress, which can lead to skin damage and inflammation. Edible products with antioxidant ingredients such as fern extract and vitamins C, E, and nicotinamide neutralize free radicals, helping reduce their negative effects. Although this helps boost skin resilience, never skip the sunscreen.
Let Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics Answer Your Sun Protection Questions
Our dermatologists can help you enjoy the summer sun without fear of skin damage by crafting a personalized sun protection plan. To learn more, schedule an appointment online.
