Oral Photoprotection : Natural Extracts Show Promising Results

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study has highlighted the promising role of oral photoprotection as an adjunct to conventional sun care. Over an 8-week period, fair-skinned participants (phototypes I–III) received a syrup-based supplement containing Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), Red Orange Extract (ROE), and vitamins A, C, D, and E. The intervention group showed a significant 23.8% increase in their minimal erythema dose (MED), indicating enhanced UVB tolerance. Additionally, erythema intensity (Δa*) dropped by 46.2%, reflecting a marked reduction in skin redness and inflammation caused by UV exposure. Interestingly, the supplementation did not significantly affect pigmentation levels (ΔMI), suggesting that the natural tanning response remained intact. These findings suggest that this specific combination of botanicals and antioxidant vitamins offers systemic photoprotection, enhancing the skin’s resilience to UV-induced damage without interfering with melanin production. The study underscores the potential of nutritional strategies to complement topical sunscreens, and supports the concept that prolonged oral supplementation can deliver cumulative photoprotective benefits.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/7/1240