Some of you may have come across the so called “Sunscreen Pills”, which are marketed as “supplemental protection” against sun damage. These supplements are not available for sale in Australia, but can be purchased over the internet. The description of the pills suggests that they protect your skin from sun damage and photoageing.
What are these claims based on? The key ingredient in these tablets is Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, a potent plant with antioxidant properties, originated from Central America and parts of South America.
Research has shown that certain foods and supplements high in specific antioxidants can assist skin to fight damages received due to sun exposure. Polypodium Leucotomos Extract is one of them. The studies presented on the efficacy of this extract were not conclusive, therefore we cannot confirm that these pills block the UV radiation or prevent UV damage, or prevent your skin from photoageing.
People put their health at risk having a false sense of security that a dietary supplement can prevent sunburn, reduce early skin ageing caused by the sun, or protect from the risks of skin cancers.
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in Australia and two in three Australians are at risk of developing skin cancer during their lifetime. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are responsible for raising the risk of skin cancers.
Regular skin cancer checks and sun-smart behaviour are important for all people regardless of their skin type.
PLEASE REMEMBER, THERE IS NO PILL OR CAPSULE THAT CAN REPLACE YOUR SUNSCREEN.
