It is no secret that excessive exposure to sunlight causes serious damage to the skin. Oral photoprotectors, however, are now considered great allies as they can contribute to healthy and risk-free tanning.
Sold ready-made or manipulated after prescription, the capsules provide substances (such as beta-carotene) rich in antioxidant actives that enhance the use of the traditional protector, helping to prevent the development of skin diseases, fighting blemishes and other harmful effects. of the sun.
Juliana Jordão, postgraduate doctor in Dermatology, specializing in Laser Therapy and Photodermatology, explains that oral photoprotectors are antioxidants, herbal medicines. Most commonly composed of the active ingredients Polypodium leucotomos and / or pycnogenol. Because they are natural, they do not usually cause adverse effects and can be used without greater risk ?, he says.
Dermatologist Michele Haikal stresses that oral photoprotectors are antioxidants that minimize and can even reverse sun damage.
But anyway, how should they be used? Are they really useful? Can anyone take the capsules? Do they replace the use of the traditional protector? Below you can check these and other answers.
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Do oral photoprotectors really work?
Juliana says yes. "Studies show that regular use of antioxidants for this purpose reduces the incidence of DNA mutations that can lead to the onset of skin cancer, photoaging or the emergence or worsening of spots such as melasma," he says.
Exposure to the sun leads to increased production of free radicals in cells and reduced cellular immunity in the skin, which favors the emergence of DNA mutations and, consequently, the appearance of skin cancer, aging, among other injuries. . Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and thus protect our skin from the effects of the sun ?, explains the dermatologist.
Michele stresses that oral photoprotectors act by correcting free radicals that have been generated by solar damage to skin cell DNAs. There are several and, for each patient, a formula is made according to several things. For example, beta carotene is one of them, but we do not prescribe it for those with impaired liver function. It also has polypodium leucotomus, pyrroloquinoline quinone, vitamin E, pycnogenol and many others ?, he says.
How to use the oral photoprotector
Juliana explains that the way of use depends on each product. ? In the case of Polypodium leucotomos, for example, we suggest two tablets in the morning all year round or at least during the summer. Topical sunscreen should be applied normally, every two hours, with a factor of at least 30 ?, highlights.
Michele stresses that this varies from patient to patient. The prescription of antioxidants, whatever, is always individualized. It must be with medical advice and everyone has their own prescription ?, he says.
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Below are the answers from professionals to the main questions about the use of the product:
1. Does oral photoprotection replace the traditional protector?
?Not. It is just one more tool that should be used for this protection. Should topical sunscreen be used the same way ?, warns Michele.
Juliana points out that they work in different places and with different mechanisms. They are therefore complementary. The oral antioxidant acts systemically, directly in the protection of cellular DNA. The topical sunscreen acts by forming a chemical or physical barrier on the skin, reducing the penetration of ultraviolet radiation in the skin ?, explains.
2. Are there contraindications to the use of the oral photoprotector?
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Michele points out that beta-carotene, for example, cannot be used by those with impaired liver function.
Juliana points out that there may be contraindications in cases of allergy to one of the components of the formula. This is precisely why the need to use the oral photoprotector with the guidance of a physician is reinforced.
3. Is it true that the oral photoprotector prevents skin cancer?
Yes, according to Juliana. It is one of the forms of prevention. But it is important to point out that its use is not an endorsement for sun exposure as it reduces but does not eliminate the cell damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.Patients who have suffered DNA damage in the past do not reverse this process, but the use of antioxidant prevents new DNA damage ?, highlights.
Michele recalls that the photoprotector repairs the damage done to cellular DNA, so not only prevents skin cancer, but also aging and rejuvenates.
Oral photoprotectors: how to buy?
Below you will find examples of oral photoprotectors that are sold in pharmacies. But dermatologists warn: they must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Oral photoprotector 30 capsules for R $ 61 at Chá Verde Botica
- Helioral Photoprotector Capsules for $ 35.00 at Panvel
- Polypodium Leucotomos in capsule for R $ 58,50 at Bioderm
- Betacarotene Capsules for R $ 52,70 on Natue
- Oral solar photoprotector for R $ 57 in effectiveness
- Pycnogenol in capsules for R $ 40,50 in Milligram
Michele explains that the oral photoprotector should be prescribed by the dermatologist. "Although there are several antioxidants on the shelves for sale in pharmacies, this should be done with a prescription," he says.
“The best ones don't have them in pharmacies anyway, so we always manipulate. Although pressure medicine sells without a prescription, people would be harmed from taking pressure medicine on their own, and this is easy to understand. Why then will you do this with antioxidants? It has to be properly prescribed by a good doctor, yes, that individualizes the prescription of each patient, who knows that the prescription of patient A is not for patient B and vice versa ?, points out the dermatologist.
You now know that the oral photoprotector can be a great ally in your skin care and overall health. However, it does not exclude the use of traditional sunscreen and is a complementary measure. Talk to your dermatologist and bet on the right product for you.
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