Do Sunscreen Pills Really Work?

Sunscreen is a must in every skin care routine, no matter your skin type. However, many people ask about the effectiveness of “oral sunscreen”, or “sunscreen pills” and wonder if these convenient supplements actually work to protect the skin against UV rays. While sunscreen pills can be effective, they won’t replace your regular sunscreen. Take a look at this guide to dive into the science behind what sunscreen pills are and why they can be a great addition to – not replacement for – traditional SPF.

Sunscreen pills are oral supplements designed to enhance the skin’s resistance to UV damage by working from the inside out. Unlike traditional sunscreens, which create a physical or chemical barrier on the skin’s surface, these pills contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to neutralize free radicals and reduce sun-induced skin damage at a cellular level.

One of the most well-known and widely studied sunscreen pills is Heliocare, which contains a patented ingredient called Fernblock®. Fernblock® is an antioxidant-rich extract derived from the Polypodium leucotomos fern, a tropical plant native to Central and South America. This fern has evolved to survive in extreme UV conditions by developing natural compounds that may also helo to protect human skin from UV radiation when taken orally.

Fernblock® contains a combination of polyphenols, flavonoids, and ferulic acid, which work together to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect against DNA damage (3).

Sunscreen pills primarily work by reducing the impact of UV radiation on the skin . They don’t block UV rays like traditional sunscreen, but instead act as an internal antioxidant defense to combat free radicals and inflammation caused by sun exposure.

When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, it generates free radicals, unstable molecules that damage DNA, break down collagen, and accelerate aging. Ingredients in sunscreen pills like Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) in Heliocare, help to neutralize these free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and minimizing sun-induced skin damage. Other ingredients in these pills, such as green tea extract and niacinamide, have anti-inflammatory properties to help calm redness and swelling caused by sun exposure.

Finally, sunscreen pills may also help to support the immune system. UV radiation can weaken immune cells in the skin, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage and increasing the risk of long-term issues such as skin cancer. Studies suggest that PLE can help to preserve immune function so that the skin can better defend itself against harmful UV effects (4).

There have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract, the primary ingredient in Heliocare, at providing added UV protection. Some of the key findings include:

• Antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Research indicates that PLE acts as an antioxidant and photoprotectant, helping to prevent UV-induced DNA damage and supporting skin health (5).
• Enhanced protection compared to topical sunscreen alone. Studies have found that oral sunscreen pills enhance the effectiveness of topical sunscreens, preventing more cases of actinic keratosis and other sun-related skin concerns than with topical sunscreen alone (6).
• Reduction in UV-induced skin damage. Another study found that oral administration of PLE significantly decreased erythema (skin redness) and reduced the formation of sunburn cells after UV exposure (7).

While these studies suggest that sunscreen pills offer added protection, they also emphasize that they are not a substitute for sunscreen and should be used in combination with traditional topical sunscreen products.

Sunscreen pills can be effective and worth trying, especially for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Some of their most notable benefits include:

• Added UV protection. Sunscreen pills can offer additional protection against sun-induced skin damage when paired with regular sunscreen.
• Enhanced full-body protection. Sunscreen pills work internally to help protect all areas of the skin, including hard-to-reach spots like the scalp and ears.
• Potential anti-aging benefits. Because sunscreen pills contain powerful antioxidants, they can help to prevent premature skin aging by reducing UV-induced collagen breakdown and wrinkles.

Despite their benefits, sunscreen pills have some important limitations to understand before giving them a try:

• They cannot replace regular sunscreen. While sunscreen pills offer added protection, they do not provide complete sun protection. Unlike traditional sunscreens with SPF ratings, sunscreen pills don’t physically block or absorb UV rays.
• Limited effectiveness against strong UV exposure. While studies show sunscreen pills can reduce UV damage, they cannot completely prevent sunburn or skin cancer, especially in high-UV environments like beaches or ski slopes.
• Possible side effects. While most sunscreen pills are safe and come with few side effects, some people might experience side effects like nausea, upset stomach, headaches, or a skin rash. 

For best results, take sunscreen pills 30 minutes to an hour before sun exposure, allowing the antioxidants to be fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Their effects last for a few hours.

It is important to remember that sunscreen pills do not replace traditional sunscreen. They should always be used alongside a broad-spectrum SPF for adequate protection against sun damage.

You can pair sunscreen pills with any broad-spectrum sunscreen you like – just as long as you will use that sunscreen daily! Some popular broad-spectrum sunscreens include:

Sunscreen pills can be worth trying, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Numerous studies have shown that oral sunscreen supplements can effectively reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and UV-induced skin damage when paired with a topical sunscreen.

Keep in mind, however, that they cannot replace traditional sunscreen, protective clothing, and healthy sun safety habits like seeking shade and avoiding deliberate tanning.

If you’re looking for extra protection, sunscreen pills can be a helpful supplement, but they are not a magic pill for sun safety 

1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Rodríguez-Luna A, Zamarrón A, Juarranz Á, González S. Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock ^®): An Update. Life (Basel). 2023 Jul 5;13(7):1513. doi: 10.3390/life13071513. PMID: 37511888; PMCID: PMC10381169.
4. Parrado, C., Nicolas, J., Juarranz, A. et al. The role of the aqueous extract Polypodium leucotomosin photoprotection. Photochem Photobiol Sci 19, 831–843 (2020).
5. Calzari P, Vaienti S, Nazzaro G. Uses of Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Oncodermatology. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 14;12(2):673. doi: 10.3390/jcm12020673. PMID: 36675602; PMCID: PMC9861608.
6. Pellacani G, Peris K, Ciardo S, et al. The combination of oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized Polypodium leucotomos extract is beneficial against actinic keratosis. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2023; 39: 384-391.
7. Middelkamp-Hup MA, Pathak MA, Parrado C, Goukassian D, Rius-Díaz F, Mihm MC, Fitzpatrick TB, González S. Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Dec;51(6):910-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.06.027. PMID: 15583582.