Do oral sunblock supplements like Heliocare give the same UV protection as topical sunblock?

To add on to what Dr Winston has mentioned, there is now good clinical evidence to show that oral sun protection with P leucotomos, which has anti-oxidative and photoprotective effect, is effective in improving skin pigmentation, reducing skin ageing, and protecting against skin cancer.

This should be used together with topical sunscreens, rather than as a replacement, and the benefits of combining both are likely to be additive.

Crystal tomato helps in skin pigmentation. It should be fine to take it together with the oral sunblock.

Hi Denise

Wonderful question. There are many reasons for people not wanting to use topical sunblock. For example, they may find it too greasy, or that it clogs up their skin.

Oral sunscreen supplements utilising P Leucotomos is getting increasingly popular, especially in those who get generalised body exposure to UV rays (sun bathing etc).

At a dosage of 7.5mg/kg, oral sunscreen supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of erythema and sunburns.

For the face, I would probably still recommend some topical sunscreen, but you can go for lighter products to reduce the risk of clogging pores. SPF 15-30 will offer added protection.

Crystal tomato helps in general skin health, and it can be taken together with Fernblock (Heliocare active ingredient).

The alternative brand is Esthewhite and Estheshield (sold as a combination) which has both Phytoflora (CT active ingredient) and P Leucotomos (Heliocare).