Clinical abstract from Journal of American Academy of Dermatology: Could protecting your skin from the sun be as easy as popping a pill
“… Of the ingredients found in sunscreen pills, Dr. Lim said the strongest research is linked to Polypodium Leucotomos, an extract of a Central American fern plant. Studies have shown the fern extract increases the amount of time it takes for skin to burn when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. “We’re not completely sure how sunscreen pills work, but the main understanding is that Polypodium Leucotomos acts as an antioxidant, so it protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by sun exposure,” said Dr. Lim. In addition, Dr. Lim said European studies have shown Polypodium Leucotomos can reduce sun sensitivity in people with polymorphous light eruption, a condition that causes an itchy rash when skin is exposed to the sun…”
Conclusion: Polypodium Leucotomos protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by sun exposure, and can reduce sun sensitivity in people with polymorphous light eruption. Vitamin C has also been shown to offer protective effect from sun damage when taken orally.