Oral sun protection: does it really work?

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In recent years we have left behind those aberrations committed by past generations under the sun.

We are increasingly aware of the tremendous damage caused by incorrect exposure to the sun, from

premature aging.

As flattering as the golden hue is and summer invites you to look tanned, the message from dermatologists that "there is no healthy tan" has permeated society.

Hence, the use of sunscreens is the order of the day, that more and more people know what an SPF is and how many minutes it lasts, and that

for better skin care.

WHAT IS AN ORAL SUNSCREEN?

Dr. María Vitale, dermatologist and medical director of dermatology at Cantabria Labs.

"

that protect from the sun are a concentrated source of

that promote skin and eye health against sun exposure. For the most curious, these antioxidants are: Polypodium Leucotomos, polyphenols, Vitamins C+E, Selenium, beta-carotene, Lycopene and Vitamin D", explain the doctors of the Mira + Cueto clinic.

That is, a food supplement that contains different ingredients indicated to help protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation.

Today, practically all major laboratories have

although Cantabria Labs is credited with discovering oral photoprotection together with Harvard Medical School as early as 1995.

"Until a few years ago it was considered a myth, but today it is a reality, thanks to the research and clinical trials carried out over the past 30 years. In particular, it has its origin with the use and discovery of a technology called

, which is the

, protective and anti-carcinogenic properties", slides Dr. María Vitale, dermatologist and medical director of dermatology at Cantabria Labs.

SUBSTITUTE OR COMPLEMENT?

Together with the appropriate topical sun protection, MartiDerm proposes DSP-ANTIOX CAPSULES to increase the skin's natural protection capacity against the sun.

€27.90.

All the doctors consulted by ZEN insist that photoprotection allows you to complement the topical one, but

.

"Oral sunscreens do not replace creams with photoprotection, however, they are a very useful tool in certain photo-induced pathologies", explains Vitale.

It arises fundamentally due to the limitations presented by the topical one, which

, slides the doctor.

"Usually a lower amount is used than should be applied. Less than 2 mg/cm2 and it is also lost after bathing and sweating and is not reapplied properly."

Nutrition is a key factor in the performance of the skin, explains Miriam Gómez, head of Communication for the MartiDerm group, an expert laboratory in dermocosmetics, also with its capsules.

"Supplements can play a supportive role in maintaining youthful, healthy skin for longer. Unlike topical products, they allow

through the bloodstream, while topical cosmetics work locally.

HOW SHOULD WE TAKE IT

OlioVita Protect de Vitae prevents photoaging and effectively defends against the sun and cellular oxidation even in the most sensitive, allergic and 'white' skin.

€25.50.

The usual recommended dose is

before sun exposure.

Use is usually recommended during the summer period, when we have more sun exposure, the consulted dermatologists slip, who advise

and extending it until your vacation ends or you stop exposing yourself to the sun.

The indication will depend on the basic condition of each person, argues Vitale.

"Those with a special

, very light phototypes, or with a tendency to dark spots or with dermatoses whose main causative agent is the sun, such as photodermatosis, will benefit from prolonged use."

What if we leave them halfway through the holidays and stop taking them?

"Nothing would happen but the beneficial effect may not be optimally achieved."

The ideal, continues the doctor from Cantabria Labs, is

: topical creams or physical methods (sunglasses, a hat, not exposing yourself to the sun during the main hours of the day...).

In any case, both nutricosmetics and cosmetics have a prospectus, "so that each one of them acts in the appropriate way if we follow the indications."

Regarding its combination with our diet, we would not need to modify it as such, although it is necessary to emphasize that we should avoid tobacco, alcohol, excess salt and sugar, recommends Gómez, "so that they do not limit the absorption and assimilation of the nutrients that gives you this kind of nutricosmetics".

A good way to support it is with fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Especially those rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, such as pumpkin, carrots, strawberries, etc."

HOW DO THEY WORK

UVB rays cause sunburn, which is the greatest preventable risk factor for the development of some skin cancers.EM

Cantabria Labs manages in its observatory some studies that show how this nutricosmetics acts at the cellular level, avoiding the damage induced directly by solar radiation, especially

, among other aggressive agents.

"

extract

and the main ingredient in oral photoprotection, prevents cell DNA mutations both during and after exposure to the sun. In conclusion, it has been shown to have

on damage cutaneous".

For her part, the person in charge of MartiDerm adds that when subjected to contamination, stress, unbalanced diets, toxic habits and a long etcetera,

reinforce this natural protection and repair capacity.

The main contraindication is

to any of the components.

"In general, it is a supplement that is usually well tolerated. A large number of patients have been involved and no significant side effects or drug interactions have been observed," concludes Vitale.

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