Does oral sun protection really work? The science behind HELIOCARE 360° capsules
Sun protection should be a priority for everyone, but especially for those with sensitive skin, skin ageing concerns, a history of skin cancer or a lifestyle that involves extended sunlight exposure. While topical sunscreens remain the foundation of photoprotection, another form of defence can now be used to further boost sun protection and improve skin health.
What is oral sun protection?
Oral sun protection comes in the form of supplements. These powerful capsules help the skin to defend itself from within, protecting against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Sun protection supplements typically contain antioxidants, plant extracts and vitamins that support the body’s natural ability to combat sun-induced damage.
Oral sunscreen capsules work by delivering certain compounds into the bloodstream to fight and repair UV-induced damage. The antioxidant ingredients circulate in the bloodstream to target free radicals, reducing the cascade of damage. Other ingredients will work to reduce inflammation and boost healing, as well as increasing DNA repair mechanisms after UV exposure.
Unlike topical sunscreens, which form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to block or absorb UV rays, oral sun protection works from within. It doesn’t prevent solar radiation from penetrating the skin, but it gives the skin better capacity to protect itself. This helps to minimise solar damage at a cellular level, including oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen breakdown and DNA damage.
Oral sun protection offers a second layer of defence, from the inside out. This internal action is especially helpful in cases where reapplying sunscreen is difficult, or where skin is more vulnerable to UV-induced damage.
Who should use oral sunscreen capsules?
Although oral sun protection supplements can benefit anyone who is concerned about sun exposure and skin health, certain groups may find them especially helpful.
Active individuals and athletes, who spend long periods of time outside, may struggle with reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. Sweat, water and friction from clothing or gear can reduce the efficacy of topical products. Oral supplements are a convenient way to give the skin additional protection, especially for areas where sunscreen wears off quickly, such as behind the ears or on the scalp.
People with specific skin indications, such as actinic keratosis (AK) or melasma, or those suffering sun sensitivity, like photodermatosis or polymorphic light eruption, will also benefit from oral supplements. These conditions can be aggravated by UV exposure. Oral sunscreen capsules will help to decrease the skin’s inflammatory response and oxidative stress levels, promoting a more even skin tone and reducing the severity of flare-ups.
Those undergoing a course of aesthetic treatments will be more susceptible to sun damage. Procedures including laser, chemical peels and microneedling make the skin more sensitive to daylight, and so protection before, during and after treatment is crucial to prevent pigmentation or disrupted healing.
Those with a history of skin cancer should always take extra care in the sun. Oral photoprotection can provide an extra layer of defence, with cellular repair mechanisms that help to reduce cumulative damage over time.
Oral sunscreen capsules are also recommended to fair-skinned individuals and those who burn very easily. Lighter skin tones have less melanin, which means a lower level of natural protection against UV damage. Oral supplements can help to strengthen the skin’s defences, preventing sun burn and deep cellular damage.
For those concerned about premature skin ageing and want to boost their skin’s health and resilience, oral sun protection will be a great addition to daily routines. Oral sunscreen capsules will support the skin’s antioxidant defences and protect against the damage that accelerates visible ageing. People who are concerned about premature skin ageing and want to boost their skin’s health and resilience.
Which oral sunscreen capsules should I take?
HELIOCARE 360° is the ultimate choice for oral sun protection, protecting against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A. Our clinically-proven capsules contain an oral version of the powerful plant extract, ASPA-Fernblock®. Derived from the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos and South African plant Aspalathus linearis (ASPA), ASPA-Fernblock® is clinically proven to protect against and repair sun damage. It increases the skin’s tolerance to sunburn, protects the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, and protects Langerhans cells, which play a crucial role in the skin’s immune response. ASPA-Fernblock® also offers an optimised vitamin D function, the OptiD effect, which helps the skin to utilise vitamin D more effectively, as well as protecting the vitamin D receptors from oxidative stress. This ensures you are only getting the very best from the sun.
HELIOCARE 360° offers two types of oral sun protection products: HELIOCARE 360° Capsules, and HELIOCARE 360° D-Plus Capsules. Both supplements are powered by ASPA-Fernblock®, working from within to protect against UV radiation. They are proven to enhance the skin’s natural defences against UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared-A and free radicals, as well as supporting the skin’s natural DNA repair mechanisms. The capsules are enriched with additional vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine, which promote overall skin health, as well as protecting against environmental damage. With this powerful combination of ingredients, the HELIOCARE 360° capsules not only protect the skin, but reduce inflammation, pigmentation and signs of premature skin ageing.
For an extra skin boost, the HELIOCARE 360° D-Plus Capsules are a great option for stepping up your skin protection routine. With added niacinamide and vitamin D, these sun protection supplements help to prevent and repair sun damage and boost skin health, especially for those with actinic keratosis, melasma or sun-sensitive skin. They are also recommended to people who are undergoing aesthetic treatments and require additional support in skin healing and protection.
HELIOCARE 360° capsules are suitable for vegans, as well as being suitable for those with sensitive skin or Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE). They are also suitable for children from the age of four. For those under the age of four, HELIOCARE 360° topical sun protection can be used from six months, with our specific Pediatrics range being highly recommended.
Clinically-proven oral sunscreen capsules
HELIOCARE 360° Capsules are clinically proven to increase UV sun protection by up to 14% when incorporated into sun protection routines1. The supplements provide an additional layer of defence, as the efficacy of topical sunscreens can be impacted. Some of the compromising factors include:
- The amount of sunscreen is insufficient: the recommended amount is 2mg/cm2, while the quantity normally applied is 0.5mg/cm2, which diminishes protection2.
- Areas of skin are left unprotected: 11% of body areas exposed to the sun are usually left uncovered, particularly on our backs3. When applying to the face, eye contour and eyelids are usually left unprotected4.
- Sunscreen loses efficacy with wear, application is often too late, and reapplication is not frequent enough. It is recommended that we apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and then reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
- No topical sunscreen provides 100% protection against the sun’s rays. That’s why additional measures are required to protect the skin as much as possible.
How to take HELIOCARE oral skin supplements
HELIOCARE 360° oral sunscreen capsules should be taken alongside your topical SPF of choice. Together, these two forms of sun protection work brilliantly, enhancing your body’s tolerance to UV radiation and protecting the skin from deep within.
A capsule should be taken with water, at least half an hour before you go outside, as this allows the active ingredients to circulate by the time the skin is exposed to UV rays. Peak activity is reached after three hours, before gradually tailing off. So, on days of prolonged exposure, such as holidays, walking, playing sport or working outdoors, a second capsule should be taken around midday. This will maintain protective levels in the bloodstream when the sun is at its strongest.
It’s easy to incorporate HELIOCARE 360° ASPA-Fernblock® Capsules into your daily routine. Many people take them with breakfast, or immediately after their morning skincare. Don’t forget to always apply your favourite HELIOCARE 360° topical SPF. Oral sun protection is designed to work in conjunction with physical sunscreen, rather than replacing it. A combined approach to sun protection is the best way to protect the skin from the sun5, and topical sunscreen should always be used, no matter the weather.
It’s crucial to remember that oral sun protection is not an alternative to sunscreen or other sun safe practices, such as UPF clothing, wide brimmed hats and seeking shade. Capsules will not block or absorb UV rays, and so they should not replace other sun protection methods, but they should be considered an additional line of defence against the radiation and free radicals emitted from the sun.
Perfect for those who lead busy outdoor lifestyles, as well as those with sensitive skin, our sun protection capsules will pair seamlessly with your HELIOCARE 360° topical sunscreen of choice, creating a more comprehensive sun care routine that protects the skin and boosts skin health.
