Every skin expert advises to apply sunscreen in summers. Usually, sunscreen is available in cream or gel form. But now sunscreen pills are also available, whose use has also increased by people. But can these pills be more effective than creams?

Sunscreen should be applied to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreen is available in the form of cream, lotion and gel, but oral sunscreen pills are also available in the market, which have become a very common skincare product. Oral sunscreen pills usually contain antioxidants, such as astaxanthin or polyphenols, which help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. These pills provide protection to your skin from within. It gives the skin the ability to fight UV rays internally, but its effect is not directly visible from outside. Does eating these oral pills help protect the entire body from UV rays? Let's know.

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What do experts say?

Dr KM Kapoor, senior plastic surgeon and director of Anticlock Clinic and Medispa Chandigarh, explains that oral sunscreen capsules usually contain antioxidants called nicotinamide (vitamin B3) or Polypodium leucotomos fern extract. It is emerging as a new 'sun protector'. But it would not be right to say whether it is having the right effect on the skin or not. Dr. Kapoor says, the sun protection factor (SPF) of oral sunscreen is only equal to SPF 3-5, whereas we are instructed to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.

Why these pills are not very effective

Doctors say that these pills can prove to be beneficial in preventing melanoma i.e. skin cancer because they reduce the effect of UV rays on the body. But if we look at it in terms of sunburn or tanning, then pills will not be that effective in reducing the effect of UV rays. Dr. Kapoor says, protecting yourself from tanning by using things like properly applied sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, staying in the shade and avoiding the sun can be more beneficial than pills.

Benefits of topical sunscreen creams

Creams or lotions are used externally, which work to reduce the effect of UV rays on the skin surface. They are immediately effective for skin protection and need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours. On the other hand, pills may not be enough to completely prevent damage caused by external UV rays.

For whom are the pills right?

According to Dr. Kapoor, pills that reduce the effect of UV rays are recommended for people who are at risk of skin problems such as eczema, lupus and skin cancer. These medicines provide them internal protection. But excessive consumption of these pills can cause gastric problems.