Oral Photoprotection For Safe Skin
This novelty in the field of health is not only very curious but, without a doubt, very interesting too.
Oral photoprotection is a technique to protect ourselves from UV rays without resorting to ointments or external elements, which would be the topical photoprotection that we all know.
Until recently, creams, protective filters and dark glasses were our main methods of protection against the sun’s radiation. However, the advancement of science has allowed the creation of new alternatives.
This supplement contributes greatly to maintaining healthy skin, regardless of the season of the year or how the weather is.
What is oral photoprotection like?
Oral sunscreens are dietary supplements that provide additional benefits. It is about our skin facing the impact of solar radiation in a better way. Its presentation is very simple: in capsules or pills.
Basically, it is beta-carotene and vitamins that strengthen skin hydration. It helps us to maintain a healthier epidermis and dermis against the direct incidence of the sun.
Among its main components we can find vitamin E and C, B-carotene, lutein and a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin.
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant substance that mainly supports skin cells. The use of this substance in topical and food medications is known to help curb the appearance of wrinkles.
This active principle is obtained in the pigmentation of marine phytoplankton, it is found in some varieties of microalgae. In fact, this substance is what produces the reddish coloration of lobsters and species of red fish.
What is striking about this specific carotenoid is that being fat-soluble, it easily adheres to cell membranes and therefore directly protects the dermis and epidermis from skin aging.
It is known that the intake of at least 4 mg. of this antioxidant promotes skin elasticity.
Anti-inflammatory product
In addition, astaxanthin is an excellent anti-inflammatory, a property that allows us to control the usual and annoying solar erythema.
Solar erythema is the irritation of the skin when we spend a long time overexposure to sunlight.
With oral photoprotection we prevent this process from being triggered more quickly. Astaxanthin helps a lot with itching, burning, and swelling.
Infallible complement
It should be clear that oral photoprotection supplements are a complement. It is not a protection method capable of completely replacing sunscreen.
Its potential lies in the adequate nutrition and hydration of the skin in the moments when it needs it most.
In the case of people with sensitive skin, this product can provide elements to slightly improve tolerance to sunlight. But performing this type of treatment requires us to use topical creams that protect us from the outside, in the form of a protective barrier.
How is this type of treatment performed?
Everything will depend on the type of product. Most oral photoprotection supplements have three application phases:
- Preparatory.
- Of exposition.
- Maintenance.
This indicates that the treatments begin even before the holiday period, when we have not yet been exposed to the sun.
During exposure, it is normal for people to take a maximum of one or two pills a day. In some cases, it is recommended to ingest the capsule one hour before going to the beach or other recreational activities.
It is also recommended to continue the moderate intake of this nutritional supplement once the holiday or exposure period is over. This is what will allow you to maintain a uniform and long-lasting tan.
The secret is in the food
All methods of defense of the dermis must be implemented during the period of rising temperatures.
It is advisable to eat foods rich in water and beta-carotene such as fish, green vegetables, tropical fruits and herbal teas. Likewise, we must avoid foods that are difficult to digest, such as red meat.
Finally, we must not forget to drink at least two liters of water per day and avoid overexposure to the sun in the hours when radiation is strongest.
