6 Supplements That Provide Sun Protection
We know that topical sunscreen is crucially important for sun protection, but can oral supplements actually have sun protective effects, too? Surprisingly, yes! While relying solely on oral supplementation for sun protection is not recommended, it is good to know that adding these antioxidant supplements into your regiment can aid in supporting your entire body’s protection against the sun and harmful UV rays by boosting your sunscreen’s effectiveness! Keep reading to learn about the 5 supplements that provide sun protection!
Polypodium Leucotomos
Polypodium leucotomos is a wild tropical fern that has been studied heavily on the effects of sun protection and UV damage. As a dietary supplement, it can be taken orally to not only have antioxidant effects in preventing UV damage on the skin, but can actually help with repairing DNA, and can also influence our inflammatory response and our immune system! Polypodium leucotomos is one of the most widely researched and known supplements for sun protection among many dermatologists.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Astaxanthin is in the carotenoid antioxidant family (think carrots) and is found primarily in algae and salmon- it is what accounts for the beautiful red/ pink color of the fatty fish! Astaxanthin is protective against damaging UVA (skin aging), UVB (sunburns), and UVC (eye damage) rays. Other human studies with oral astaxanthin have shown it can also improve elasticity, hydration, and texture of the skin!
Pomegranate Extract
I know we all love pomegranates for their sweet burst of flavor and beautiful red color, but did you know this sweet fruit can actually help with sun protection? Pomegranates are higher in antioxidants than green tea and red wine (so skip the inflammatory and dehydrating alcohol and eat pomegranates instead!) Pomegranate extract has been studied in mice models and found to be effective in preventing DNA damage from UV rays before and after exposure to the harmful rays! Make sure to pack some pomegranate seeds the next time you head out to the beach!
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a well-known antioxidant component of the peels of grapes and red wine. It also has been studied and is effective in sun protection and preventing DNA damage both used topically and as an oral supplement! Before you run to the store to grab your favorite red wine, I’d recommend getting the whole-foods source of this antioxidant from eating grapes. Pro tip: frozen grapes at the beach are a game-changer and one of my favorite cooling and hydrating snacks that are packed with sun-protective antioxidants! You’ll thank me later! :)
CoQ10
CoQ10 is an antioxidant supplement that is mainly known for muscle and heart health, but has been getting more research in the realm of sun protection and UV damage. Not surprisingly, topical use of CoQ10 in mice was effective in repairing skin that was damaged from UV rays and acted to enhance collagen density! CoQ10 may become a popular skin ingredient in many sunscreens and anti-aging creams in the near future!
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is an extract from French Pine tree bark that has been used as an antioxidant supplement to support blood sugar regulation, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It has been more recently studied in skin health. A human study with women who already had mild to moderate sun damage took oral pycnogenol for 3 months and had significant clinical improvements in their sun-damaged skin!
Supplements can Support Sunscreen Against UV Damage!
Supplements can provide sun protection! This is just a short list, but many antioxidants can support your skin health before and after UV exposure! While this is not a free pass to skip the sunscreen the next time you’re at the beach, it is important to know how eating nutrient and antioxidant-dense foods can boost the effects of your sunscreen for healthy skin! Opting for beach snacks like frozen grapes, berries, and green tea can help your skin health on the inside and out more than you may know! Not only are they delicious, but highly nutritious, too!
Dr. Dumont is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Portsmouth, NH at Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness and specializes in holistic skincare and offers a complimentary discovery call to learn more about her Naturopathic approach to holistic skincare and wellness. Click here to request your discovery call with Dr. Dumont.
