Can foods protect you from the sun? What experts say about edible sunscreen

Can edible sunscreen protect you in the sun?

There's a growing trend of people eating their sun protection this summer, though it's not the main way to avoid harmful UV rays.

LOS ANGELES - As summer begins and more Americans head outdoors, a new trend is emerging in the wellness space: edible sunscreen.

From antioxidant-rich gummies to skin-protecting pills, the idea behind these supplements is simple — protect your skin from the inside out. But dermatologists say the science doesn’t support replacing your sunscreen bottle with a gummy bear.

"Edible sunscreens are becoming more and more popular," said Dr. Susan Massick, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. "The idea is that these products will help protect at the cellular level."

While antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and dark chocolate — as well as vitamins like C and E — are beneficial for overall skin health, experts stress that nutrition alone won’t shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Can you actually eat your sunscreen?

Dig deeper:

Dermatologists say supplements can be a helpful addition to a sun safety routine, but they’re not a replacement for SPF.

"They help supplement your topical sunscreen," Massick said. "But they’re never gonna be a replacement for them."

Massick recommends that patients who want to use edible sunscreens only do so in addition to applying a physical sunscreen — and ideally only when they expect to spend time in the sun.

New Yorkers enjoy a day at the beach at Coney Island on one of the hottest days of the summer season so far on June 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The most effective strategy, according to experts, is still the same:

• Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply every two to three hours.
• Use generous amounts — don’t be stingy.

When applied consistently, sunscreen can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by up to 40 to 50 percent, Massick said.

What to do if you still get sunburned

What you can do:

If you end up overexposed despite your best efforts, Massick recommends:

• Cool compresses
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
• Aloe vera gel
• Avoiding heat, including hot showers

"If you start seeing significant blistering or have a high fever," she said, "you need to seek medical attention."