Would you try drinkable SPF?

Traditionally, the best way to protect the skin from sun damage, aside from staying indoors, was the application of sunscreen. The general belief being the higher the SPF power, the better protection and experts advocating reapplication of the product at regular intervals. The newest sun protection product is not a lotion but a drink. The Osmosis Skincare UV Neutralizer Harmonized Water is said to be purified water “with an innovative new technology that isolates the precise frequencies needed to neutralise UVA and UVB.” It claims to be able to cancel approximately 97 per cent of the UVA and UVB rays giving the user up to three hours of protection. Meant to be taken an hour prior to heading outdoors, it’s recommended one drinks two-three ml every four hours while in the sun preferably with two ounce regular water. But is it time to ditch the sunscreen yet?

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist, Goel’s Cutis Skin Studio says in her opinion this is a complete marketing gimmick. “I would be more concerned about the side effects of such drinks. There is no evidence-based scientific data and I don’t think this will replace sunscreens. How can an internal process (even if we believe that this works) prevent external damage to skin? The only good thing is that the patient will drink water as this is suggested to be taken with water. SPF protection is external, however, when antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, etc. are consumed orally along with using topical sunscreens it enhances the effect and decreases the sun damage. That’s why we lightly call such supplements as oral sunscreens.” One must continue to protect the skin from sun rays by using sunscreen with SPF 30 twice daily, wear long covered but loose clothes and drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

TRY A TEST PATCH
Sun protection can be physical as well as chemical, says Dr Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar, MD Dermatology, Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel. “Physical involves using umbrellas, sunglasses, protective clothing, hats  to cover oneself from the sun rays, while chemical involves the use of sunscreen creams. Till now,  physical methods are considered the best form of sun protection for everyone. However, as for this product, since it’s newly introduced in the market, more trials will be necessary to comment on the efficacy of the product. People allergic to the ingredients of this product should avoid using it. Also, a test dose of this water should be done on a small patch to rule out any side effects,” she adds.

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR SUNSCREEN
This is a very interesting concept and definitely something which needs to be explored, says Dr Rashmi Manjunath, consultant cosmetologist, Nu Cosmetic clinic. “There is lots of research currently on the effect of not only UVA and UVB on the skin but also infrared radiation effect on skin. SPF protection can be internal as well. There are many drugs which are available which contain oral sunscreen. Also
there is ongoing research on oral sunscreens containing lycopene, but irrespective there is no substitute for physical sunscreens.”