In Hanoi's hot weather, women are looking to buy oral supplements to replace creams, but they're lost in a "maze" of prices and exaggerated claims.
Linh, 28, from Dong Da district, was advised by a seller to take a sun protection supplement in pill form, promising "protection against UV rays, preventing tanning and dullness, and whitening the skin." The seller claimed the pills were imported from abroad, guaranteeing authenticity. The product, extracted from pomegranate and green tea, claimed anti-aging effects and up to 98% UV protection. The pills also contained calcium, beta-carotene, and vitamins, assuring her that "taking just the sun protection pills is enough, no other supporting methods are needed." A bottle contained 60 pills, to be taken one pill 30 minutes before going outside, and cost one million dong per bottle.
Linh said it was a world- renowned pharmaceutical brand, and the salesperson had recommended it through an acquaintance, so she trusted them and ordered a bottle. After two weeks of taking it, Linh noticed small brown patches around her eyes and cheeks, and her skin also became darker. Initially, she thought it was due to sun exposure, so she increased her intake of green vegetables and moisturizers, but the condition did not improve. The woman stopped taking the pills and went to see a doctor, where she was diagnosed with mild melasma caused by not using sunscreen carefully.
Following a colleague's advice, Ms. Xuan bought a sunscreen pill for 1.4 million VND, a product of Spanish origin. The packaging stated that the pill "helps improve the skin's defenses, fights oxidation, dark spots, freckles, and brightens the overall complexion." However, after two weeks of use, she noticed little change in her skin; in fact, it became dry, rough, and prone to breakouts, so she stopped using it.
According to a survey by VnExpress , sun protection pills are mainly advertised online or imported from abroad by sellers. On many e-commerce platforms, these products are sold widely at various prices, from a few hundred thousand to several million dong. Most cannot verify their origin, but most stores display high sales figures, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of buyers.
The products are all guaranteed to be effective, such as replacing sunscreen, boosting immunity, increasing collagen production, promoting healthy skin, reducing blemishes, aging, and acne. The medication is primarily intended for women aged 25 and older, but anyone can order it.
Ms. Xuan ordered a pack of sunscreen pills online, advertised as imported, for 1.4 million VND. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)
Dr. Tran Hanh Vy, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetic Skin Care, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, said that oral sun protection supplements contain many skin-protecting ingredients such as vitamins A, B2, D, C, and E, which help protect against sun damage and nourish healthy skin. Or Polypodium leucotomos – an extract of a fern – can reduce sensitivity to sunlight in people who experience itchy rashes when their skin is exposed to sunlight. Many studies have shown that fern extract increases the skin's tolerance to sunburn when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
"However, no dietary supplement or sun protection pill can replace sunscreen," the doctor said.
According to Ms. Vy, these vitamins only become effective when taken for two to three months. Green tea extract, lemon, fern, and grape seed extracts can combat free radical formation, reduce damage, decrease cell proliferation, and limit cancer, but "there are no studies proving the dosage and duration of use required to achieve the aforementioned effects." Furthermore, sun protection pills do not have an immediate effect; they need to be taken consistently over a long period to create a "barrier" against the harmful effects of environmental factors, especially UV rays.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also confirmed that sun protection pills cannot block UV rays from entering the body, and denied their ability to replace sunscreen.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Pham Thi Thao, Deputy Head of the Outpatient Department at Duc Giang General Hospital, stated that oral sun protection products do not have the miraculous effects advertised. Many women mistakenly believe that simply taking one pill, without applying sunscreen, can provide all-day sun protection, leading to skin darkening, dullness, and melasma. Furthermore, the claims of sun protection pills treating melasma have not been verified.
"Treating melasma is quite difficult because the recurrence rate is very high, so continuous monitoring is necessary and it shouldn't rely solely on oral medication," the doctor said.
On the other hand, ingredients like lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C in sun protection pills help counteract the harmful effects of UV rays, but not significantly, only equivalent to sunscreen cream with SPF 15. Some other products may contain glutathione and vitamin C, but the skin-whitening effect is a psychological gimmick and not a long-term solution, Ms. Thao stated.
According to doctors, sun protection pills are not medication, but rather dietary supplements, so they are not harmful to health and can be taken by anyone to help protect their skin. These pills help the body protect against sun damage and partially combat aging from within, but they must be used in conjunction with other protective measures. Buyers should also choose reputable brands with clear origins and clearly listed ingredients. Do not blindly trust advertisements and entrust your skin's health entirely to products.
Sunscreen pills are being sold on e-commerce platforms. (Screenshot)
To protect your skin, experts recommend using both topical and oral sunscreens, especially for those prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Remember to choose sunscreen with an appropriate SPF. For daily use, choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher. For beach trips, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Avoid sunscreens with excessively high SPF levels. The best time to apply sunscreen is 15-20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
Note that oral sun protection supplements also need to be taken daily. For example, even on days spent indoors and not exposed to sunlight, you should still take them to better care for your skin. When going outside, you need to take measures to care for and protect your skin such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a jacket. Limit your time outdoors between 10 am and 4 pm.
Regularly use a facial mist to soothe the skin and reduce sweat and excess oil on the face. At night, you should moisturize and cleanse your face with a suitable facial cleanser. Use products containing AHA, BHA, and retinol to cleanse pores and reduce acne formation and breakouts. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, drink enough water, eat plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and fiber, combine this with exercise, and limit stimulants for healthy skin.
Minh An
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