【Are Oral Sunscreens Outdated?】 3 Latest UV Protection Methods from Overseas to Prevent Skin Aging

Conclusion: Sun protection has evolved from an era of just "applying" sunscreen to an era of "comprehensive defense from both inside and out."

Reason: The mechanisms of how UV rays damage the skin are being better understood, leading to the emergence of more multifaceted and effective approaches.

In this article, we will introduce new common knowledge based on the latest overseas research to protect your skin for the future.

Hello, this is Bunsho. Every summer, I go through the daily routine of slathering on sunscreen like it's an annual event.

It's sticky, it leaves a white cast, and honestly, it's a bit of a hassle. But the thought of being covered in spots and wrinkles in the future is even worse...! Don't you all recognize this dilemma?

It feels like being forced to wear heavy, cumbersome armor just to protect yourself from a formidable enemy.

However, on the front lines of skincare overseas, smarter and more powerful "new armor" has been developed one after another.

To understand the evolution in this field, the presence of authorities in dermatology is essential. For example, experts like Dr. Whitney Bowe, author of the bestseller "The Beauty of Dirty Skin" and a leading researcher in skin microbiome.

About the Proponent

She is a renowned dermatologist and scientist based in New York. Dr. Bowe advocates that skin health is closely linked to gut health and diet, creating a new skincare trend of "fusing inner and outer care."

Her philosophy is not just about applying expensive creams, but about strengthening the skin from within through diet and supplements.

Regarding UV protection, she has revolutionized the skincare habits of many by emphasizing the importance of consuming antioxidants and enhancing the skin's barrier function, in addition to the conventional wisdom of applying sunscreen.

You are not just fighting against "UV rays"

There is a strong theory that the true culprits of skin aging, in addition to UV rays, are "near-infrared rays" and "blue light."

Until now, we thought only UV rays (UVA, UVB) were the enemy. However, as research has progressed, it has become clear that "near-infrared rays (IR)" contained in sunlight and "blue light (HEV)" emitted from smartphones and PCs also reach deep into the skin, destroying the collagen that causes wrinkles and sagging.

This is like a shocking plot twist where you discover an even more powerful mastermind behind the enemy you thought was the final boss.

Our battle has entered a new stage.

It is dangerous to rely solely on high SPF values

Even if you apply SPF50+ sunscreen, if the application method or amount is insufficient, the effectiveness will be halved.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is an indicator of the effectiveness in preventing ultraviolet B rays, but this is a value measured by applying 2mg per square centimeter of skin, which is significantly more than the amount we usually apply.

In reality, it is said that we often apply less than half of that amount. In other words, thinking you are wearing the strongest armor is the same as being attacked through the gaps if you are wearing it incorrectly.

Do not be reassured by high numbers; using it correctly is more important than anything else.

Now, let us introduce three new common practices to protect our skin, based on cutting-edge approaches from overseas.

1. Replenish "antioxidant ingredients" from both inside and outside

Switch your mindset to "undoing" the damage that sunscreen could not prevent by using antioxidants.

Sunscreen is a physical barrier, but it still cannot block 100% of ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet rays that penetrate the skin generate small bombs called "active oxygen," which damage cells.

It is "antioxidants" such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and polyphenols that neutralize these bombs.

The trend overseas is not just to "apply" these ingredients, but to "ingest" them. Actively eat berries and green and yellow vegetables rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, or supplement with high-quality supplements.

This pincer movement from inside and outside is the key to minimizing damage. This is an ironclad defensive tactic, like fully recovering with a healing spell even after being attacked.

2. Know the true potential of "oral sunscreen"

Oral sunscreen should not be used as a "substitute" for topical sunscreen, but as a "booster" to enhance its effects.

The main ingredient in supplements known as "oral sunscreen" is famously "Fernblock®," which is extracted from ferns.

Research has shown that this has the effect of preventing DNA damage caused by ultraviolet rays and suppressing skin inflammation.

However, it is a mistake to expect SPF-like protective effects from this alone. It is correct to think of it as 'supplementary equipment' that supports the effects of topical sunscreen from the inside and reduces damage in the event of exposure.

It is like a magical inner layer that enhances the effectiveness of your main armor—topical sunscreen—from within.

3. Cultivating the 'Microbiome' (Skin Flora)

Just like in the gut, there are 'good bacteria' on the skin, and balancing them creates skin that is resistant to UV rays.

Our skin is home to a wide variety of resident bacteria, which maintain the skin's barrier function and protect it from external stimuli.

However, scrubbing with strong facial cleansers or excessive sterilization can eliminate these good bacteria, leading to a decline in barrier function.

As a result, the skin becomes weak and susceptible to UV damage.

Overseas, many skincare products containing probiotics (the good bacteria themselves) and prebiotics (food for good bacteria) have appeared.

The new concept of 'cultivating' skin bacteria. This is the ultimate defense strategy, like raising and stationing strong soldiers in your own territory.

Summary

Cutting-edge sun protection is no longer just about 'UV blocking.' I feel it is a comprehensive 'skin strength improvement project' that aims to maximize the skin's inherent defensive power by enlisting the help of diet, supplements, and even the bacteria living on the skin.

Personally, I used to only care about high SPF values, but since I started incorporating antioxidants into my diet and being mindful of facial cleansing that respects the skin's good bacteria, my skin condition has clearly changed.

It was an eye-opening experience to realize how important it is to have a proactive attitude of strengthening my own skin, rather than just the passive measure of applying sunscreen.

It feels as if I have learned how to control my own energy and boost my defensive power from within.

Things to do today

1. Add a dish rich in Vitamin C, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or kiwi, to today's lunch (1 minute)

2. Check the back of the facial cleanser you are currently using to see if there are excessive mentions of "sterilization" or "medicated" (2 minutes)

3. Search for "Fernblock" or "Heliocare" to look up information on oral sunscreens from overseas (5 minutes)

Thank you for always reading.

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References:

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty (https://drwhitneybowebeauty.com/)

The Skin Cancer Foundation (https://www.skincancer.org/)

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (https://www.jaad.org/)