HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock®: The Next Generation of Professional Photoprotection

This article is intended for skincare professionals. A consumer focused article about ASPA-Fernblock® can be found here.

The Role of Advanced Photoprotection in Clinical Skincare

Photodamage remains one of the leading contributors to premature skin ageing, pigmentation disorders, and compromised barrier function. In aesthetic practice, procedures such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling further increase oxidative stress within the skin, temporarily impairing its natural defence and repair mechanisms.

Emerging research indicates that oxidative stress can disrupt vitamin D receptor signalling in the skin, reducing its ability to effectively utilise vitamin D - an important regulator of cellular repair processes, including responses to UV-induced DNA damage. This is particularly relevant in post-procedure skin, where optimal recovery depends on intact protective and regulatory pathways.

To address this challenge, Cantabria Labs has developed ASPA-Fernblock®, a next-generation bioactive technology incorporated into HELIOCARE 360°, designed to support comprehensive photoprotection in both daily use and post-aesthetic treatment care. Through its innovative OptiD Effect, ASPA-Fernblock® helps counteract oxidative stress while supporting the skin’s natural vitamin D pathways, contributing to improved skin resilience, recovery, and long-term skin health.

Vitamin D: A Critical Component of Skin Health

Vitamin D plays an essential role in cell renewal, immune function, and post-treatment healing.¹ However, while sun exposure triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin, excessive UV exposure can impair its function in two key ways:

• UV overexposure depletes vitamin D stores rather than increasing them¹
• Oxidative stress damages vitamin D receptors (VDRs), reducing the skin's ability to utilise vitamin D efficiently²

ASPA-Fernblock®: A Scientific Breakthrough in Photoprotection

For years, HELIOCARE 360° has set the standard in advanced photoprotection through Fernblock® technology - a potent antioxidant extract derived from Polypodium leucotomos, extensively studied for its ability to protect against UV-induced oxidative damage, support DNA repair mechanisms, and help prevent photoageing.

Building on this, ASPA-Fernblock® represents the latest evolution in bioactive photoprotection. This patented complex combines two complementary plant-derived technologies to enhance skin resilience under solar and oxidative stress.

Fernblock®

A powerhouse antioxidant complex. A patented extract of the Polypodium leucotomos fern clinically and scientifically proven to provide skin protection and support skin health.

ASPA

A patented combination of extracts from the Aspalathus linearis plant. Native to South Africa, and more commonly known as Rooibos, it is rich in flavonoids with proven biological activity and exclusive to Cantabria Labs products.

Together, these technologies form ASPA-Fernblock®, an additive bioactive complex designed to enhance the photoprotective performance of HELIOCARE 360° formulations in two clinical ways:

1. Boosting the efficacy of UV filters, delivering more comprehensive protection against the full spectrum of solar radiation - including UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared-A¹
2. Delivering the OptiD Effect - helping preserve the skin’s ability to use vitamin D by protecting its receptors⁴

Clinical Applications: How ASPA-Fernblock® Supports Patient Outcomes

Unlike conventional sunscreens that only block UVB and UVA rays, HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock® delivers comprehensive, dermatologist-proven, full-spectrum photoprotection - shielding the skin not only from UVB and UVA, but also from visible light and infrared-A radiation that contribute to oxidative stress, pigmentation and deeper dermal damage while now supporting patients VDR’s.

Recommended for Patients Who:

• Undergo Aesthetic Treatments – Ideal for post-laser, microneedling, radiofrequency, and chemical peels, reducing oxidative stress and accelerating recovery.
• Have a Compromised Skin Barrier – Supports rosacea, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sensitive skin conditions requiring advanced sun protection.
• Need Daily, High-Performance SPF – Suitable for patients with a history of photodamage, pigmentation, or skin ageing concerns.
• Seek Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Management – Helps prevent melanin overproduction by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level.

How to Incorporate HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock® Into Clinical Practice

• Post-Treatment Recovery - Apply immediately post-procedure to protect sensitised skin from UV-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Daily Use for Patients – A must to recommend to patients with melasma, a history of sun-induced pigmentation, or those using active skincare ingredients (retinoids, hydroquinone, AHAs/BHAs).
• Combination with Other Skincare Protocols - Integrates seamlessly with professional anti-ageing, brightening, and barrier-repair regimens for enhanced patient outcomes.

The Science Behind ASPA-Fernblock®: Clinical Validation

As with all Cantabria Labs innovations, ASPA-Fernblock® is backed by peer-reviewed research and clinical trials.

• A 2025 study presented at CILAD (Congreso Ibero Latinoamericano de Dermatología) confirmed that ASPA-Fernblock® preserves vitamin D receptor expression, even in skin exposed to high levels of oxidative stress²
• Extensive clinical research on Fernblock® technology demonstrates its ability to reduce DNA damage, support collagen integrity, and prevent photo-induced hyperpigmentation⁵
• Aspalathus linearis extract enhances antioxidant defences, contributing to anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing effects, making ASPA-Fernblock® a multi-functional photoprotection system³

Why Stock HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock® in Your Clinic?

A Science-Led Approach to Photoprotection

For dermatologists and aesthetic professionals, HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock® provides a unique opportunity to offer patients a clinically validated, high-performance SPF that supports treatment outcomes, post-procedure recovery, and daily skin health.

• Clinically backed formula – Proven efficacy in DNA repair, oxidative stress reduction, and Vitamin D receptor protection.
• Ideal for post-procedure recovery – Reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation risk after aesthetic treatments.
• Comprehensive photoprotection – Full-spectrum against UVA, UVB (SPF50+ & PA++++), visible light, and infrared-A protection.
• Trusted by dermatologists worldwide – A professional-grade formulation developed for both medical and aesthetic practices.

Become a Stockist – Elevate Your Clinic’s Skincare Offering

Cantabria Labs is committed to partnering with clinics, dermatologists, and aesthetic practitioners to bring advanced photoprotection to professional skincare practices.

Find out more about stocking HELIOCARE 360° with ASPA-Fernblock® in your clinic.