Sunscreen Pill

[Phoenix Rising]

Has anyone heard of or used a product called Heliocare? I was told about it by a friend who gives it to her children. She says that they don't have to use sunscreen after taking it for a couple of months. They have a pool and use it regularly and they don't get sunburned. I did a little research and it is a natural fern extract that has been used in the UK for over 20 years with no known side effects. I have decided to try it, but wanted feedback from anyone who is familiar with it.

 

[JB]

Has anyone heard of or used a product called Heliocare? I was told about it by a friend who gives it to her children. She says that they don't have to use sunscreen after taking it for a couple of months. They have a pool and use it regularly and they don't get sunburned. I did a little research and it is a natural fern extract that has been used in the UK for over 20 years with no known side effects. I have decided to try it, but wanted feedback from anyone who is familiar with it.

Anything that sounds too good to be true.......

I would have to do some major research before I would consider giving this to my kids. Often times, we are fooled by claims of a product being "all natural." There are lots of plants and herbs out there that are extremely dangerous to kids. As far as the UK goes, they currently have the highest incidence of Autism in the world.

While I appreciate the info, something about this just doesn't feel right to me.

 

[BrownEyedGull]

I recently read about Heliocare in Women's Day magazine and really want to follow-up on this. My husband & I just had a reaction to the sunscreen and/or sun this weekend. I'm willing to try anything that is safe and has no side effects. If Heliocare is a safe product, it sure would be a great alternative to lathering up 4 kids everyday!!!
.

 

[30A Skunkape]

I tried to do some research on this product and as is the case with many supplements there is scant unbiased information. From what I can gather it is not intended to be a substitute for topical products, rather it is promoted as a free radical scavenger that protects the deeper layer of skin from damage following sun exposure. That is a good theory as I was once advised by a dermatologist to pop an aspirin when I anticipated prolonged sun exposure. No doubt fern extract will be much more appealing to a certain set of consumers, however at $1 a pill for Heliocare (that looks to be the going cost roughly), I wonder if that is a wise consumer choice when hundreds of aspirins can be obtained for a few dollars. Additionally, you know what you are paying for with an aspirin as this product's manufacture is overseen by the FDA while Heliocare will no doubt be marketed as a supplement and not be subjected to FDA scrutiny. Time will tell.

 

[greenroomsurfer]

Ya gotta pill for tourist? Would it be a Dumbupper or a Dumbdowner?

 

[kathydwells]

Ya gotta pill for tourist? Would it be a Dumbupper or a Dumbdowner?

Hey wait just a second there mister....we aren't all dumb.

 

[kathydwells]

I tried to do some research on this product and as is the case with many supplements there is scant unbiased information. From what I can gather it is not intended to be a substitute for topical products, rather it is promoted as a free radical scavenger that protects the deeper layer of skin from damage following sun exposure. That is a good theory as I was once advised by a dermatologist to pop an aspirin when I anticipated prolonged sun exposure. No doubt fern extract will be much more appealing to a certain set of consumers, however at $1 a pill for Heliocare (that looks to be the going cost roughly), I wonder if that is a wise consumer choice when hundreds of aspirins can be obtained for a few dollars. Additionally, you know what you are paying for with an aspirin as this product's manufacture is overseen by the FDA while Heliocare will no doubt be marketed as a supplement and not be subjected to FDA scrutiny. Time will tell.

Skunky, you please explain to me exactly what taking an aspirin does for the skin?

 

[rapunzel]

Aspirin reduces inflammation, as do anti-oxidants. I think what Skunky is trying to say is that the benefits claimed for Heliocare (that it prevents deep tissue damage) are available at a much better price by taking a pre-emptive aspirin in the morning and a vitamin supplement at night.

Oh, and I think he's also warning you that if you give Heliocare to your kids and then send them out into the SoWal sun without any topical sunscreen, someone is going to have to report you to Child Protective Services.

I'm allergic to chemical sunscreen. I've yet to find a product labelled natural/organic/mineral, etc. that didn't contain chemical sunscreen in SoWal. Not even at the organic and health food stores. I wish someone would invent a sunscreen pill, but I don't think this is a real alternative. Maybe in England, where the climate itself does an excellent job of protecting a peaches and cream complexion -- but not here.

 

[kathydwells]

Aspirin reduces inflammation, as do anti-oxidants. I think what Skunky is trying to say is that the benefits claimed for Heliocare (that it prevents deep tissue damage) are available at a much better price by taking a pre-emptive aspirin in the morning and a vitamin supplement at night.

Oh, and I think he's also warning you that if you give Heliocare to your kids and then send them out into the SoWal sun without any topical sunscreen, someone is going to have to report you to Child Protective Services.

I'm allergic to chemical sunscreen. I've yet to find a product labelled natural/organic/mineral, etc. that didn't contain chemical sunscreen in SoWal. Not even at the organic and health food stores. I wish someone would invent a sunscreen pill, but I don't think this is a real alternative. Maybe in England, where the climate itself does an excellent job of protecting a peaches and cream complexion -- but not here.

Thank you Punzy!!!!

 

[30A Skunkape]

Skunky, you please explain to me exactly what taking an aspirin does for the skin?

Aspirin is an antioxidant. My understanding is that sun damage to the skin is in large part due to free radicals created by UV radiation exposure. In theory aspirin would provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant protection. I don't know if there is any firm evidence for this, however.