I am a self confessed SPF addict, I slap it on every single day - the higher the UV rating (yep I have an app that updates me daily) the more intense the factor and application. I am veering on a full blow obsession but one method I doubt I'll be advocating any time soon is sunscreen in the form of capsules. Yes edible SPF protection is a thing.
Do you recall last year when Lush launched in the shower SPF protection - The Sunblock? The concept was a rub on, shower off product - novel yet something I did not put blind faith in. I would apply it and still slather my body in an additional SPF. Pointless really but when it comes to UVA/UVB protection I am a firm believer that you can never be too careful. Well apparently the next step up the ladder is sun protection in capsule form, with at least three brands jumping on the band wagon. Interestingly enough the concept and brands I have seen advertised on US websites are more than difficult to source within the UK but you can track down Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula via Amazon for just shy of £40.
Of course the idea the concept is not to replace liquid SPF but rather work alongside to enhance protection and limit any skin damage. As most are herbal supplements they stem from antioxidant technology such as: Polypodium Leucotomos Extract (or PLE) which is extracted from a fern plant, Astaxanthin found in fatty fish such as salmon and lobster and lastly Lycopen which is of course present in Tomatoes. All three prevent cell damage caused by free radicals such as pollution, environmental damage and of course the sun's harmful rays.What none of the brands touting the "edible sunscreens" have pointed out, is that you can purchase all three core "ingredients" in supplement form from the likes of Holland and Barrett and of course find them naturally occurring within food - cutting out the bulking agents and of course the hefty price tag. I wouldn't rush to ditch that bottle of SPF30 just yet as although there is scientific research that all three antioxidants to help the skin against some external aggressors there is none suggesting that it is the way forward. Taking these alone will not prevent your skin from burning, at best combined (yes all three antioxidants) and with continued use you are looking at an SPF2 so if you loathe the feeling of sunscreen on your skin I am afraid this is not the answer. If you are looking to further support the skin against UV rays and ageing then it could be something worthwhile looking into (ensure you get proper medical advice and only taken the recommended daily allowance) but for now I am happy with the tropical scents of liquid SPF.
A case of too good to be true, if ever there was one.
I'm with you on this one, I'll stick to my sun lotion! Maybe these would be better for those living in hotter countries? :)
ReplyDeleteBlushhx
woah i've never heard of this before, but i definitely think i would prefer the sun lotion. i like having the feeling that theres something rubbed on my skin to protect me!
ReplyDeleteRachel // Style Soup
Here in the UK we don't have as much sun as some hotter countries so I think i'd rely on sunscreen, i'd be too apprehensive! It'd be so useful if it became a common replacement sometime in the future!
ReplyDeleteJay | PuzzlePieceLife
Very informative. I think I prefer to use the sun cream and stay away from drugs because they might have other reaction on your health.
ReplyDeleteAs lovely as a quick fix would be I can't see myself trusting a few tablets to do such an important. I can wear SPF 30 and still burn! I've also heard of beta-carotene which is a tanning supplement (basically an orange food colouring for your skin) and although lots of my friends have been raving about those too, again I've been steering clear.
ReplyDeletelucy | luceellen xxx
I'll be sticking with traditional spf, not worth the risk!
ReplyDeleteABlogByPhilippa
Hmm how interesting! Definitely not to replace regular SPF though.
ReplyDeleteErin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
I agree...I'm not sure I'd trust the pills, and it feels more protective to put the lotion on anyway! Quite a cool idea, though. I suppose there are a lot of things that could go wrong!
ReplyDeleteBrooke | brookewrote
Yeah I think I would need a dermatologist to say "ok" to this! Interesting though for sure! Xo
ReplyDeleteBoo, I had my hopes up :-(
ReplyDeleteWow I haven't heard of this before... I would feel weird without being covered in greasy sun protection...
ReplyDeleteFeeling it on you almost reminds you you reapply it...
I don't think i would trust these things!
Clare | www.clare-without-an-i.com
Wow I've never heard of this.. it's quite interesting though!
ReplyDeleteRunning a Giveaway Now | www.angerawrs.co.uk
I will be sticking to my physical mineral sun protection for sure :)
ReplyDeletex
Becoming Becca
I was so excited when I read this title, living in a hot country now SPF has never been more important to me, but this just seems like a pricy vitamin supplement. I have seen tanning tablets in H&B, the idea is that they put melanin cells into action, they don't offer SPF protection, but I almost wonder if that would be better? Needs a bit more research I think.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing idea... if it works. Doubt very much I'd put complete faith in it but to work alongside liquid sunblock would be a good idea. We all have times where we're caught out I think.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds crazy! Not sure if I mean crazy good or just plain crazy! Would love to try it out and see if it really worked. Would be a little scared too though!
ReplyDelete:D Really interesting post!
Rachel @ Claireful
This is a very interesting post. I've never heard of spf in capsule form but I don't think I'd ditch the bottle of spf either. I burn quite a bit during the summer.
ReplyDeleteLauren
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