Can a Fern Extract Provide Sunscreen? - Appalachian Spring Dermatology

Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from South America. It has been investigated for treating skin disease and skin cancer for over 30 years, starting with Dr. Fitzpatrick at Harvard Medical School in the 1990s. Polypodium extract includes chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. This natural extract is packed with antioxidant properties that help maintain your skin’s ability to protect itself against the aging effects of free radicals.  Many patients who have a history of sun sensitivity find this supplement a lifesaver, reducing severe reactions to the sun.  While it does not entirely substitute for sunscreen, it is a great alternative for those stubborn family members who refuse to use sunscreen.

A thorough study of laboratory, animal, and human studies concluded that DNAPolypodium Leucotomos provides photoprotection against UV Damage by, “reducing UV-induced cell damage, reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, blocking UV radiation-induced immune suppression, and inhibiting the release of UV-induced levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines.” Regarding clinical use in humans, they found, “the effects of P. leucotomos extract are not just theoretical… This natural plant extract has the potential to complement sunscreens and other methods of photoprotection. This agent, which can be taken orally and has not been noted to have serious adverse reactions, offers unique advantages in that it can be given orally, thus avoiding patient resistance to topically applied sunscreens.” Berman B, Ellis C, Elmets C. Polypodium Leucotomos–An Overview of Basic Investigative Findings. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(2):224‐228.

There are an increasing number of OTC supplements containing Polypodium extract. We will review a few of those here.

Heliocare was the first to the market and has had the most solid scientific evidence of efficacy. Heliocare contains 240mg of Polypodium extract to be taken daily as a preventative measure. Heliocare is also available in an advanced formula that contains Niacinamide as well. We have prior posts with information on the skin cancer preventative properties of Niacinamide. Heliocare Ultra contains twice the dose of Polypodium extract and Vitamin C.

UVO Drink I am so excited about this amazing and honestly delicious drink. The packets taste a bit more Vitamin-like but can be easily doctored up. Drink one bottle or powder pack (1) before sun exposure for 3-5 hours of sun protection from head to toe including your eyes, (2) after overexposure to the sun to help soothe the skin, and (3) daily to repair years of sun damage, provide anti-aging benefits, beautify the skin and promote overall health and wellness. UVO was made for everyone who is exposed to the sun—especially those with an active, outdoor lifestyle.   UVO adds a number of other antioxidants as well.

SUNISDIN is the newest to the market with 480mg if Polypodium extract per capsule. It also contains an advanced combination of other antioxidants: Vitamin C, D, E, selenium, Lycopene, Lutein, Grapeseed, and Green Tea Extracts as demonstrated below. ISDIN, a Spanish company, has a reputation for quality products and published scientific articles.

On a personal note, my family and I take this most days in the summer and any time throughout the year that I think we’ll be in the sun a lot. It’s not a substitute for sunscreen, but it really fills in the “gaps” in sunscreen use. It’s simple and easy. Anecdotally, I also have a lot of patients with a history of sun sensitivity and “sun poisoning” who find this supplement extremely helpful in reducing their sensitivity to the sun!

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