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Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from South America that has shown clinical indications for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), vitiligo, polymorphic light eruption, and melasma.[2] Research has shown that taking 240 mg of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract twice a day for 60 days can reduce the damage from ultraviolet radiation.[2] In this study, a comparison group showed a greater chance of experiencing one or more sunburn episodes while the treatment group with P. leucotomos extract had significantly reduced chances of experiencing sunburns.
UV radiation damages DNA and reduces the ability of skin cells to control cell proliferation. When DNA absorbs UV energy, mutations in the DNA known as pyrimidine dimers form and the DNA strand cannot be copied. Normally, the skin can repair DNA mutations, but excessive damage may lead to long-term mutations and skin cancer. In addition to damaging DNA, UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer by suppressing cutaneous antitumor immunity. Antitumor immune cells help recognize and respond to cancer. With UV exposure, suppression of these cells in the skin will increase the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, our body uses ATP as its source of energy to carry out many life functions. UV radiation can deplete ATP levels and prevent repair of DNA damage caused by radiation in the first place.[3]
Our bodies have antioxidant activity, meaning it can terminate the oxidative reactions producing free radicals that ultimately damage cells. This oxidative damage may be a result of UV radiation. P. leucotomos which enhances antioxidant activity, thereby decreasing the oxidative damage from UV radiation.
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is the precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) which is an essential cofactor for ATP production.[3] ATP is used as an energy source within the cells of our body. By preventing the depletion of ATP from UV radiation, nicotinamide increases cellular energy and enhances DNA repair. The immunosuppression from UV radiation and DNA damage is also reduced by nicotinamide.
Nicotinamide is a Vitamin B3 supplement that can help prevent skin cancers and precancers as an inexpensive oral pill taken twice daily.[4] Studies found that Vitamin B3 supplements reduced the rate of new squamous-cell and basal-cell skin cancers by 23% in patients at high risk for skin cancer.
Beta-carotene, a plant-derived carotenoid, possesses pro-vitamin A activity.[5] Oral supplementation of beta-carotene protects against UV-induced erythema (skin redness).[6] Scavenging reactive oxygen species from photo-oxidative processes is one of the antioxidant activities of carotenoids. This includes inactivation of reactive molecules, such as singlet oxygens and free radicals.[5] Studies suggest that beta-carotene may delay the appearance of a person’s first new skin cancer. While beta-carotene and its antioxidant effect increases defenses against UV radiation, maintaining skin health and appearance, topical sunscreen is still required.[7]
UV radiation from the sun is classified into UVA, UVB, and UVC depending on various properties of light. Both UVA and UVB play a role in skin aging and skin cancer. UVA light rays may be less intense than UVB, but UVA is more abundant in the environment and penetrates deeper into the skin.[8]
Too much of any one thing is not always beneficial. Oxygen is one example in the case of oxidative stress. Our bodies have metabolic processes that allow us to obtain energy by burning fuel with oxygen. However, too much oxygen may wreak havoc and create dangerous byproducts such as free radicals. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. This imbalance may lead to injury and disease.
Heme oxyganse-1 (HO-1) is one enzyme that marks oxidative stress. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that comes from algae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, and crayfish, giving some of these animals their orange-pink color.[9] Astaxanthin prevents the increase in HO-1 that is caused by UV exposure. This supplement can inhibit the formation of the harmful reactive oxygen species induced from UVA.[10]
Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil, and sunflower oil.[11] Vitamin E comes from plants and must be obtained through diet. Studies have suggested that it has antitumorigenic and photoprotective properties with the ability to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E acts a free-radical scavenger. Alpha-tocopherol (a natural form of Vitamin E) reduces collagenase, which is an enzyme that destroys collagen and increases skin aging.[12]
Supplements are NOT a replacement for sun protection but should be used as a bonus in addition to regular sun protection. The best ways to protect from the sun, in order of importance, include avoiding intense sunlight, wearing sun protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreens. Swallowing a supplement or pill should be used in addition to these methods to improve skin health!
* This blog is for general skin, beauty, wellness, and health information only. This post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any health condition or problem. The information provided on this Website should never be used to disregard, delay, or refuse treatment or advice from a physician or a qualified health provider.Integrative Dermatology Symposium.
1.Evans J., Johnson E. The Role of Phytonutrients in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2010; 2(8):903-928. Link to research
2.Nestor M., Berman B., Swenson N. Safety and Efficacay of Oral Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Healthy Adult Subjects. J Clin Aesthet Dertmatol. 2015; 8(2): 19-23. Link to research
3.Chen, A., Martin A., Choy B., et al. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015; 373:1618-1626. Link to research
4.Starr P. Oral Nicotinamide Prevents Common Skin Cancers in High-Risk Patients, Reduces Costs. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2015; 8(Spec Issue):13-14. Link to research
5.Greenberg R., Baron J., Stukel T., et al. A Clinical Trial of Beta Carotene to Prevent Basal-Cell and Squamous-Cell Cancers of the Skin. N Engl J Med. 1990; 323:789-795. Link to research
6.Heinrich U., Gartner C., Wiebusch M., et al. Supplementation with B-Carotene or a Similar Amount of Mixed Carotenoids Protects Humans from UV-induced Erythema. J Nutr. 2003; 133(1):98-101. Link to research
7.Stahl W., Sies H. B-Carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012; 96(5):1179S-84S. Link to research
8.Epstein, J., Wang, S. (2013). “UVA & UVB.” Skin Cancer Foundation.
9.Ambati R., M.P., Ravi S., et al., Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications – A Review. Marine Drugs, 2014; 12(1): 128-152. Link to research
10.Camera E., Mastrofrancesco A., Fabbri C., et al. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and B-carotene differently affect UVA-induced oxidative damage and expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes. Experimental Dermatology. 2009; 18:222-231. Link to research
11.Keen M., Hassan I. Vitamin E in Dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016; 7(4):311-315. Link to research
12.Korac R., Khambholja K. Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Phamacogn Rev. 2011; 5(10):164-173. Link to research