Fad-busters: “Sunscreen” pills are the new trend in the market — but should you be taking them?

If the thought of sunscreen conjures images of those horrifying white casts on your face and sticky application, this latest beauty industry trend might appeal to you. Marketed as sunscreen pills, this product is marketed as a sure-fire way of skipping the mess and effort associated with conventional sunscreens while still getting sun protection. But as is the case with most fads, this one comes with a catch, too. Sigh.

Let's face it, sunscreen pills sound undeniably attractive — imagine popping a pill and being able to frolic in the sun without a care in the world. No more reapplying gooey lotions or worrying about unsightly tan lines. This convenience factor is a major draw, especially for those who dislike traditional sunscreen.

But is there any science behind the sizzle?

These pills often contain polypodium leucotomos (PL), a Central American fern extract with some antioxidant properties.

When the Sun's invisible rays (UV light) hit your skin and disrupt its molecules, they create unstable and highly reactive molecules called free radicals. Free radicals set off a damaging chain reaction, or oxidation, that hurts your skin's DNA and proteins. This damage can lead to premature ageing, inflammation and even skin cancer.

So the antioxidant property of PL can allegedly help fight free radical damage caused by the sun's UV rays. The brand Heliocare actually funded a tiny study involving 40 participants with skin colours ranging from white to light brown. They gave participants a supplement containing 240 mg of PL twice a day for 60 days and found that the sunscreen pills had reduced damaging effects of UV radiation like erythema — an abnormal redness.

While the study also deemed higher doses of PL safe, the lack of more substantial, independent research is rather glaring. While they might be a good “supplement” for individuals with very sensitive skin or any family history of skin cancer (to be considered only after consultation with your doctor), many experts opine that they likely offer minimal, if any, protection against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays that damage your skin.

As of now, dermatologists emphasise that sunscreen pills are not a replacement for topical sunscreen — and are merely supplements.

A false sense of security

The problem with marketing based on half-baked research with very little evidence to back its effectiveness is that it can spark some serious safety concerns. It has taken doctors forever to beat sense into us and get us to use topical sunscreen, and the false sense of security created by a sunscreen pill can take all of that away. Even the FDA has warned consumers that sunscreen pills shouldn't replace topical sunscreen. Relying solely on pills puts you at risk for sunburn and potentially skin cancer.

Another concern is that sunscreen pills are considered dietary supplements, which are not as rigorously regulated as medications. This makes it difficult to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of the ingredients, especially since long-term use hasn't been thoroughly studied.

Sunscreen pills don’t seem very inclusive

While there aren't many reported side effects, some studies have shown mild itching or gastrointestinal upset. However, there are certain groups who should be extra cautious with sunscreen pills:

• Children: Their bodies may react differently to supplements compared to adults.
• Pregnant and nursing women: There's no safety data available for this population.
• People with allergies to PL: Avoid these pills to prevent allergic reactions.
• People with medical conditions or taking medications: Consult your doctor to ensure there are no interactions or safety concerns.

Evidently, there’s a relatively small number of people who can benefit from sunscreen pills.

The verdict

The potential of sunscreen pills is not lost on us. But it is simply too early for companies to start marketing this product to trusting consumers who might make the mistake of swapping them with their topical sunscreens.

More research is needed to determine their effectiveness and long-term safety. Until then, sunscreens remain the gold standard for sun protection. Sunscreen pills could be a convenient addition to your sun protection routine, but they should never replace the essentials.

Sticking to dermatologist-approved methods is highly recommended. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen liberally and reapplying every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating is usually advised.