Do sunscreen tablets really stop tanning? What to know before treating them as a cream alternative

During the Puja holidays, going from pandal to pandal from morning to night, standing in the sun to see the idols, or spending time outdoors with friends makes it hard to avoid the sun in the festive season. Many people worry about tanning, sunburn, or losing their skin's natural glow.

To avoid the hassle of reapplying sunscreen, many are now buying 'sunscreen tablets' after seeing social media advertisements. The claim is that swallowing a single tablet will protect the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays from the inside. But can such a tablet really be an alternative to sunscreen cream? That is the question many are asking.

Many products sold in the market as 'sunscreen pills' or 'oral sunscreens' contain various vitamins, plant extracts and antioxidants. Manufacturers claim these ingredients help protect the skin from the effects of the sun's harmful rays from within the body.

However, the mere presence of antioxidants in a product does not mean it provides adequate protection against ultraviolet rays. While research on some specific ingredients has hinted at possible benefits, the effectiveness of every sunscreen tablet sold in the market has not been proven equally.

So it is not right to treat a product as a reliable means of skin protection simply because an advertisement claims 'SPF' or protection from sunlight. An advertising claim and proven effectiveness are not the same thing—and that difference is what matters most for consumers.

No oral supplement is an alternative to ordinary sunscreen cream or lotion. Sunscreen applied to the skin helps create direct protection against ultraviolet rays. The effectiveness of an oral supplement, by contrast, depends on its ingredients, its dosage and the research evidence behind it.

Taking vitamin or antioxidant supplements for a long time without need can cause side effects. Some ingredients can also react with particular medicines. That is why such tablets should not be taken just in the hope of preventing a tan, and not without a doctor's advice.

In fact, the proven rules for protecting skin from the sun are the ones that work best. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher about 15 minutes before going out. It helps protect against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays.

While outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours. If you sweat, swim or wash your face, you may need to reapply sooner. Follow the product's instructions as well.

Do not rely on sunscreen alone: use an umbrella, try to stay in the shade and wear a hat that covers the face and neck. Together, these habits provide the most reliable protection for the skin.

Use UV-protective sunglasses to guard against ultraviolet rays. The sensitive skin around the eyes can also get some protection this way.

If sunscreen causes burning, itching or a rash, stop using the product and consult a suitable doctor. If the problem recurs, speak to a dermatologist.

Although sunscreen tablets are growing in popularity, there is no reason to treat them as a guaranteed way to prevent sunburn or tanning. To keep your skin's glow through the Puja season, the wise course is to use sunscreen regularly and correctly rather than relying on a single tablet. Before using any supplement, learn about its ingredients and possible side effects and take a doctor's advice.