Doctors show excitement over new anti-sunburn pill

We know lying in the sun is bad for us, but many people still do it.

“I’m on vacation, and I want to get as tan as possible,” Ladi Galindez, sunbather, said.

While most sun-worshippers use some sort of sunscreen, applying it can be a hassle. Also, sunscreen doesn’t provide complete protection against the sun’s damaging rays. That’s why many doctors said they are excited about the new sunscreen pills.

“It’s been a step we’re waiting for,” Dr. Barry Resnik, dermatologist, said.

Resnik said his whole family takes the sunscreen pill every day. Researchers packed the vitamin supplements with antioxidants that block out the sun’s harmful rays and prevent sunburn.

More Information

A prescription isn’t needed for the the Sunpill, but you can get them from doctors. As for lotions, sunscreens containing ingredients like tinosorb or mexoryl have been available in Canada and Europe for years.

“They’ve actually done studies where they’ve burned people with a sunlamp and shown that people who were taking the supplement burn less than people who are not taking the supplement,” Dr. Leslie Baumann, dermatologist, said.

Resnik said these supplements are especially important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

“You see me now, I don’t look like I went out and had eight hours of sun exposure without a cover,” Resnik said. “Normally, I’d be toasty red.”

While it’s still too early to tell, researchers said they believe sunscreen pills will help reduce skin cancer, save lives and prevent wrinkles.

But don’t pitch your sunscreen yet. Even the creators of the pills said we should wear sunscreen everyday. Look for newer lotions that contain the same antioxidants found in the pills. Helioplex is the most important ingredient.

While there is no such thing as a safe tan, research has come a long way.


Comments

Note: ktka.com does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor vouch for the factual claims made therein. Nor do we review every post.

Mar. 28, 2007 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)sfitzvolt (anonymous)

Attn:ABC-49/Topeka Viewers:

There are two sun protection supplements on the market: HELIOCARE and The Sun Pill.

Heliocare works and has over 25 peer-reviewed, published clinical reports to prove it. Preceded by 12 years of scientific research & development at Harvard by the world's leading dermatologists.

The Sun Pill is worthless. ABC World News Tonight has dubbed The Sun Pill "all hype" [May 19, 2006]. An examination of the total research by the science team of CBS assessed The Sun Pill data as follows:"I think a lot of it is marketing...." Dr. Ruth Tedaldi comments that "The Sun Pill offers less sun protection than a daily multivitamin."

Heliocare, by providing effective, user-friendly, and cost-effective protection "from the inside out", is perfect for all the Moms and Dads who want to make sure their teens and college-age children take some sun protection at breakfast or lunch, and are "good to go".

Finally, I have spoken to Dr. Barry Resnik, and he has spoken with Dr. Leslie Baumann - - - both of whom are quoted in the above article. The sun protection pill Dr. Resnik and Dr. Baumann were referring to in the article is "HELIOCARE". NOT the Sun Pill.

It is unfortunate that the editing of this Health Report confused the HELIOCARE, the sun protection capsule that is truly effective and protective, and the sun protection supplement that the doctors interviewed were referring to - - with the sun protection pill, The Sun Pill, that provides virtually no more sun protection than a multi-vitamin [at 10x the cost], and which neither of the dermatologists interviewed would EVER recommend to their patients.

All that said - - - enjoy the sun! Just be sure you and yours are equipped with state-of-the-art sun protection this Summer 2007 - - - state-of-the-art sun protection [1 capsule Heliocare @ 85 cents per capsule; another at noon if out in strong sun all day; plus an inexpensive topical sunscreen, SPF 15 [such as "No-Ad UltraBlock", 16oz./$8.29]. That is as complete a UVA & UVB sun protection system as is available on the U.S. market.

Heliocare and an inexpensive topical sunscreen will cost you abuot 25% of the cost of the so-called "revolutionary, new, broad spectrum, topical sunscreens - - brand names "Anthelios", "Helioplex", Skinceuticals" products - - which cost $20 - $40 for 3.5oz. of lotion. At 2oz. per sunscreen application, Anthelios and Helioplex may provide good, but certainly not affordable, sun protection.

Step up to what the dermatologists are using. One to two capsules of Heliocare and an inexpensive SPF 15 topical sunscreen. Total sun protection, no sunburn, healthier - - and healthier-looking - - skin; at a cost every family can afford.

Have a great Summer 2007!!
L. Scott Fitzpatrick

Post a comment

(Requires free registration.)

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.

On the air

See what's on KTKA 49 ABC on our online TV schedule here.

  • Monday, January 12, KTKA will be conducting two DTV/digital conversion tests, the first at 5:20 p.m. for 3 minutes, the second at 6:58 p.m. for 3 minutes. If you should experience any interruption in our broadcast during the test times, call 866-973-4949 for help.
  • Go farther on less. Check out Kansasgasprices.com.
  • With cold and flu season looming, prepare yourself with information at www.ktka.com/flu.
  • The Community Blood Center is running low on blood and you can help. Tap into here or call (785) 233-0195 to schedule a donation appointment. It's your chance to help save a life.

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Online chats

Taxpayer's Corner

The holidays are over and, ready or not, it's time to start thinking about your taxes. Tap in here to get ideas from the experts to save yourself aggravation come April.

Your Heroes

Salute Your Hero
49 News wants to share personal stories of military service. If you have served or know someone who has, share the story online and on the air.

Submit a Your Hero story.

See Your Heroes photo gallery here.

Digital Television Info

By Feb. 17, 2009, all television transmissions will be digital. KTKA is counting down to that day. Will your television screen go black? Tap into resources that will aid you in making the switch. Go.

49 News Kidcasts

Watch future TV stars, 6 to 12 years old, give the day's records on 49 Storm Team Weather here.

Station of the Year

KTKA is your Station of the Year. We were recently awarded this honor, among others, by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Learn more.


Events calendar

More from today | Submit an event »

Voices

Latest blog entries

Topekan Nominated for Grammy

From I Heart Local Music

Hooray for hometown pride at the Grammys this year!
My First "I'm Back" Email

From Maikutlo Aka - My Views

I was cleaning today and found this old email which I sent out to a group of friends & family when I first got back from SA over six years ago... being away from SA for a year and a half now, it was a good feeling to re-remember when I first "fell in love".

Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.

Latest blog comments:

Want to comment on the news?

Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »

Poll

Do you agree with the federal government’s decision to ban the sale of used children’s products?

See the results without voting »


AP Video