Edible Sunscreen

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.

Edible Sunscreen

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.

Edible Sunscreen

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.