Oral Photoprotective Agents

The concept of oral supplement intake for preventing cancers or for amelioration of skin pigmentation or photoageing is attractive from a use point of view. Over optimistically called ‘sunscreen pills’ these oral supplements have been found to have significant UV protection capabilities. Compared to application sunscreens which are considered to be messy and cumbersome to use, and may not be cosmetically elegant in all instances, internal micronutrient or vitamin intake is accepted more favourably due to perceived holistic benefits. Some agents, however, are controversial such as beta-carotene in its role of cancer prevention. Other agents predominantly seem to have a beneficial effect such as vitamin D, tea extracts, astaxanthin, Polypodium leucotomos extracts (Fernblock®), Pycnogenol®, and nicotinamide, while agents like resveratrol and vitamin C await further studies on the safety and efficacy of prolonged use. Larger studies are required to establish the safety of regular use of these agents not just for chemoprevention but also for pigmentation reduction and successful ageing.