Can You Eat Your Sunblock? Singapore Aesthetic Doctor Weighs In on Oral Sunblock

While it’s always fun to frolic under the sun’s toasty rays, beneath its bright lights lies a hidden threat: harmful UV rays.

Sunscreen, hats, and UV protective clothing are well-known defences against UV rays, but is there more that we can do?

In this article, we explore oral sunblock, ingestible supplements that offer an additional layer of protection from within!

Daily Vanity spoke to Dr Hoe Ying Min, the Medical Director of Bay Aesthetics Clinic And Medispa, to understand more about UV damage and oral sunblock.

How Bad Is Sun Exposure for Our Skin, Really?

Sun damage, also known as photo-ageing, happens when our skin cells are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The cells then undergo oxidative stress, and free radicals cause DNA damage.

“This accelerates the skin’s ageing process, leading to loss of collagen and elastin, as well as the development of pigmentation and skin cancers,” Dr Hoe explains.

Other visible signs of ageing to look out for include pigmentation, uneven skin tone, fine lines and redness.

What Is the Best Way To Protect Our Skin From UV Rays?

Now that we understand the root cause of UV damage and its harmful effects on our skin, you might find yourself wondering what the best way is to protect your skin from sun damage.

Dr Hoe suggests starting with lifestyle changes. “Avoid using tanning beds, doing outdoor sports during periods of high UV radiation (during the midday), and to start wearing UV protective clothing (including face mask, hats, and jackets).”

Most people are already familiar withtopical sunblock — it’s frequently dubbed the “most important step of your skincare routine” for a reason.

If you’re looking for the right sunscreen, Dr Hoe recommends looking for products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 or above and something with a Protection Grade (PA) ++++, which indicates a high level of protection.

While it’s incredibly important to lather on some sunscreen before leaving the house daily, both topical sunblock and oral sunblock form the last line of defence to neutralise UV rays.

What Is Oral Sunblock and How Does It Differ From Topical Sunblocks?

Oral sunblocks are skin health supplements that contain ingredients to neutralise the effects of UV rays that penetrate the skin.

Apart from preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancers, oral sunblocks may also lighten the skin tone and improve pigmentary disorders.

“The key ingredient in oral sunblocks is Polypodium Leucotomos Extract (PLE),” explained Dr Hoe, “Research has shown that PLE has antioxidant and photo-protective properties that prevent sunburn and delays photo-ageing when consumed orally.”

Oral sunblock does not entirely replace topical sunblock. Dr Hoe illustrates this point with a metaphor: “Oral sunblock acts as the “goalkeeper,” preventing the “attackers” (UV rays) that make it past the “defenders” (topical sunblock) from scoring a goal against your skin.”

In other words, oral sunblock is an added layer of protection that comes into play when your topical sunblock fails to protect your skin from UV rays.

This can happen in many instances, be it your sunblock getting rubbed off on your clothing, melting under the sun, or getting washed off in the water.

Oral sunblock can also protect less accessible areas of your skin that might not have been covered or defend against exposure to UV rays indoors, such as the UV lamps used in your gel manicure sessions.

While Dr Hoe believes oral sunblock is an effective measure of prevention against signs of ageing, she particularly recommends it to those leading active lifestyles that involve outdoor sports.

Dr Hoe’s Recommendation for Oral Sunblock

“An oral sunblock I’ve been taking for years is the MIRIQA® Professional Skin Nutrition Supplement! When the clinic-exclusive MIRIQA® Skin Extra Strength Nutrition Supplement first launched, I was amongst the first few to try it and have been taking it regularly since,” Dr Hoe raves.

Both the MIRIQA® Professional Skin and the MIRIQA® Skin Extra Strength supplements contain white tomato extract, olive extract and L-Cysteine.

These ingredients are potent antioxidants that improve skin health by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation.

The MIRIQA® Skin Extra Strength Nutrition Supplement contains an additional Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, giving the supplement an enhanced UV protection capability.

“After taking the MIRIQA® Skin Extra Strength Nutrition Supplement, individuals note a decrease in redness and peeling after periods of intense sun exposure,” Dr Hoe adds.

“After 3 to 6 months of consistent use, individuals also experience a lightening of skin tone, increased radiance and improvement in pigmentation,” she lets on.

A patient saw lightened pigmentation and brighter skin tone after 30 days

Dr Hoe assures that she only recommends a product she has tried and tested for herself. She has done her own research on the ingredients and manufacturing process of the supplement before trying it out herself.

MIRIQA® Skin supplements contain naturally sourced, clinically proven nutraceuticals, manufactured by a reputable pharmaceutical company, giving her the confidence to consume the product herself and also recommend it to her patients.

MIRIQA® Professional Skin Nutrition Supplement retails from S$138 on miriqa.com. MIRIQA® Skin Extra Strength Nutrition Supplement is only available at authorised clinics in Singapore.

About Dr Hoe Ying Min

Dr Hoe Ying Min is a distinguished figure in the field of aesthetic medicine.

A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Medical Science, and a diploma holder in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), she has built a solid foundation for her subsequent achievements.

With experience in a wide array of aesthetic procedures, including lasers, chemical peels, injectables, and body contouring, Dr Hoe is a versatile and skilled practitioner.

Featured image credits: Adobe Stock, Nuria Navarro/Pexels

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