Not quite. A small study shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth may help prevent sunburn in some people. But patients should keep in mind that astaxanthin supplements should always be used ALONG with topical sunscreens. Astaxanthin should not be used as a sunscreen replacement. The sun protection factor (SPF) of astaxanthin would be much lower than what is found in nearly all sunscreens. Therefore, astaxanthin is unlikely to have a significant sun-protecting effect if used alone. Also, there’s no strong evidence that astaxanthin protects against skin cancer or early skin aging.
Oral products marketed as "sunscreens" are considered by the FDA to be unproven and subject to warnings. Some products that have received FDA warnings include Sunsafe Rx and Advanced Skin Brightening Formula. These oral "sunscreens" are actually just a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They don't have confirmed SPF.
To learn about what sun protection methods are appropriate, read our recent article in Pharmacist’s Letter.
The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2024 NatMed. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. NatMed is the leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based, clinically-relevant information on natural medicine, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, diets, complementary practices, CAM modalities, exercises and medical conditions. Monograph sections include interactions with herbs, drugs, foods and labs, contraindications, depletions, dosing, toxicology, adverse effects, pregnancy and lactation data, synonyms, safety and effectiveness.
