Anyone use a chemical sunblock?

[bluebird]

I just saw a reference to Heliocare on another forum I visit. I understand it's not a replacement for a physical sunblock. I was wondering if anyone has any experience using it?

Heliocare is a Registered Trademark of Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria, S.A.
US Patent: 5.614.197
Heliocare is a sun protection supplement proven in clinical studies to be an inhibitor of UVB, a protector of skin-damaging UVA, and a powerful oral systemic antioxidant used in the preservation of healthy skin tissue.
Found to be an excellent systemic oral supplement for psoriasis sufferers allowing for better reaction to PUVA light therapy.
Currently, Heliocare (Polypodium leucotomos extract) is the only agent known to provide systemic photoprotection, making it a major scientific breakthrough in sun damage control. Only a combination of a systemic photoprotectant and topical sunscreen can provide the protection necessary to stop burning while also preventing dermal immunosuppression, photocarcinogenesis and photoaging.
Heliocare capsules contain an extract of the plant Polypodium leucotomos (a kind of fern) (PLE). The plant has been used for generations in South America as a folk remedy for skin conditions. Interest in PLE grew out of a desire to find substances that limited the toxicity of ultraviolet on skin. This fern extract was found to decrease the negative effects of UV:
· It increases tolerance to the sun
· It reduces skin changes after chronic exposure to the sun
· It helps maintain the skin’s elasticity
· It provides cell protection in the epidermis
· It protects skin cell DNA
Heliocare is not a substitute for good sunscreens and protective clothing. It is particularly useful for someone who is known to have sensitive skin, who has had skin treatments or who wishes to minimize the aging effects of the sun. It is simply another "layer" of protection. It does not reverse damage.
For Sun Protection: For optimal results, take two capsules a day and combine with high SPF topical sunscreens. Heliocare begins to work within 30 minutes after taking it.
Do not use during pregnancy. Heliocare has not been carefully studied in patients under 19 years. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

[shootg32]

Stick to all natural products...If it comes with warnings triple check all the ingredents!! Enough with all the chemicals in our everyday products!! CHeap mass produced goods are no good!! Thats my thoughts and yes I do use all natural products well as close as they can get them to all natural. From toothpaste to chewing gum.....

[bluebird]

Originally Posted by shootg32

Stick to all natural products...If it comes with warnings triple check all the ingredents!! Enough with all the chemicals in our everyday products!! CHeap mass produced goods are no good!! Thats my thoughts and yes I do use all natural products well as close as they can get them to all natural. From toothpaste to chewing gum.....

Aside from some stabilzers and preservatives, it's a natural extract. I do try to use mostly natural products, but doing so can be cost prohibitive. I've read a few reports on Helio Care and Polypodium leucotomos, and ancedotal accounts seem in favour (but that's just what they are, anecdotal).

[PurfectTom]

there is a discrepency on whether a suncreams prevent burning as well as preventing cancers. Whilst some advocate that suncreams with chemical filters (ie absorb the UV light) don't directly prevent cancer and the resulting longer duration spent in bright sunlight overall increases the number of cancers, are not stating a view generally accepted, at least sunblockers (ie reflect away the UV) such as titanium oxides in principle escape this concern - but do people want to look caked in white stuff all day. Of course clothing, broad brimmed hats and not roasting outside on a sunlounger also work :-)

[lizzyb]

I personally have had a skin cancer (all cured up now, and cancer free). My dermatologist recommended as stated above broad rimmed hats, clothing and avoiding direct sun in the peak hours (10am -2pm). I use a sunscreen spf 35-45. The brand is Neutrogena and this product does contain helioplex (same as described by bluebird). It is topical, not ingested......don't think I'd take a 'pill' for suncreen protection anymore than I'd take a pill to help a tan along.....just me. Now because I do wear a suncreen, does not necessarily mean that I am gonna be spending 35x more time in the direct sun either, lol!! That's just silly. Not to be saying that silly people don't exist either, because as we all know.......THEY DO!

[j0eb0xerr]

thanks for the heads up on the natural products