Experts at NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) are reporting that UV index levels are higher on average than this time last year meaning it’s shaping up to be a scorcher of a summer. 

Given New Zealand’s extreme climate and high UV index, Skin Team Lauren says that taking every precaution possible will help to limit sun damage, and premature aging and decrease your risk of skin cancer. She recommends considering an oral sun protection supplement such as Heliocare 360°capsules along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen from the Heliocare range containing the amazing active ingredient Fernblock.  

What is the function of a sun protection oral supplement? 

Heliocare 360° oral capsules are a companion to the excellent sun protection in the Heliocare 360° sun creams and gels. But they do much more than prevent sunburn and inflammation. They also: 

• preserve skin’s immunological defences 
• protect and repair sun damage 
• prevent the appearance of dark spots 
• reduce changes in pigmentation 
• reduce the signs of skin aging and prevent further deterioration 

Why are oral sun protection supplements necessary?

Wearing sunscreen is important and useful but it’s not a surefire way of avoiding skin damage. Studies have shown that many of us don’t have adequate sun protection despite wearing sunscreen. Reasons for this could be – uneven application, not enough product used and failure to reapply the product after sweating, swimming etc. A supplement taken orally can help fill this gap when our sunscreen isn’t quite cutting it. Heliocare 360° oral capsules are a fabulous option. 

Wearing sunscreen alone does not offer guaranteed protection. They are ‘screens’ and do not block out UV entirely, so taking an oral sunscreen adds another layer of protection. It is also important to maximize your topical sunscreen application by: 

• Applying it evenly and liberally 
• Reapply it 2 hourly or immediately after swimming or sweating profusely

What is Fernblock?

As in all Heliocare 360° products, Fernblock is an active ingredient in the capsules. Fernblock is a supercharged antioxidant extract derived from a tropical fern native to Central and South America that has powerful natural defences against the sun. It helps to block the damaging effects of radiation beneath the surface of the skin and is backed by a significant number of scientific studies.

The Fernblock technology comes from extracts of the Polypodium Leucotomos plant which over time developed ways of protecting itself and repairing as it evolved from water to land locations and increased sun exposure. 

Various clinical studies have shown Fernblock to increase the skin’s resistance to sunburn. It’s proven to be highly protective and restorative against the 4 types of radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and IR). Fernblock is also effective in combating long-term sun damage by preventing photoaging and pigmentation while also increasing collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin which all help to maintain our facial structure.