SUN PROTECTION FROM WITHIN: ANCIENT PLANT POWER BACKED BY SCIENCE

Daily SPF is essential but it is not the only way to protect your skin. For centuries, our diets naturally supported the skin from within. Certain antioxidants found in plants such as those in tomatoes, wild fish and berries helped our skin tolerate sun exposure more effectively. But modern agriculture and food processing have reduced the levels of these nutrients. That is where ingredients like tropical fern extract come in. Studied and backed by science, they can help reduce visible redness, prevent burning and support your skin’s resilience in the sun.

FROM ANCESTRAL REMEDY TO MODERN SCIENCE

The extract comes from a tropical fern native to Central and South America. For generations, local communities used the plant to calm skin reactions, treat wounds and reduce inflammation which pointed to its natural protective qualities.

Researchers later discovered that the fern contains powerful antioxidants. These compounds help the skin recover faster, protect its structure and reduce visible stress after sun exposure.

HOW IT WORKS: NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SUN STRESS

The tropical fern extract works in several key ways

• Neutralises free radicals caused by UV and visible light
• Reduces visible redness known as erythema which is the flushing and irritation that often occurs after sun exposure
• Helps preserve the skin’s natural defences so it stays stronger when exposed to sunlight
• Supports the skin’s repair process and helps protect collagen and elastin

Unlike SPF which forms a barrier on the skin, this ingredient supports your skin from within by helping it stay balanced and less reactive in the sun.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES: WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

Clinical research has shown that daily use of the fern extract can visibly improve how your skin responds to sunlight

• Higher resistance to redness. In studies, participants needed longer sun exposure before developing erythema which is the redness that occurs after UV exposure
• Less visible redness and irritation after time in the sun
• Faster results in pigmentation treatments when combined with SPF and brightening skincare
• Improved sunscreen performance when the extract is added to topical products

These results are most reliable when the extract is taken consistently in the right amount.

SO HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED AND WHEN TO START

To benefit from this natural protection, it is important to take the right dose

• Standard daily intake is 240 to 480 mg
• Start at least 5 days before sun exposure for best results
• Continue daily throughout the summer or when combining with pigmentation treatments

The Mesoestetic PLE Gummies for example provide 250 mg per day which aligns with clinical research when taken consistently.

A SMART ADDITION NOT A REPLACEMENT

This extract is a smart addition to your summer skincare routine but not a replacement for SPF. It can help calm your skin and reduce visible redness after sun exposure especially if your skin is prone to irritation or pigmentation.

But the most powerful form of sun defence remains your behaviour
- Use broad spectrum SPF every day
- Wear protective clothing and avoid peak sun hours
- Support your skin from the inside with smart supplements like this one

At Salon d’Homme we believe in a skin strategy that combines modern science with timeless principles. This summer think beyond just sunscreen and give your skin the support it deserves.

WHAT WE USED TO GET FROM FOOD AND WHY IT MATTERS

In the past people unknowingly supported their skin through diet. Today nutrient levels in our food have declined due to greenhouse farming, early harvesting and a focus on shelf life instead of nutritional quality. Here are some examples of what has changed

• Lycopene: Found in tomatoes especially sun ripened ones. Lycopene helps reduce redness known as erythema after UV exposure but levels are now lower in greenhouse grown varieties
• Beta carotene: Found in carrots sweet potato and spinach. This antioxidant protects cells and helps prevent oxidative stress in the skin. Levels vary depending on soil quality and farming practices
• Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant found in wild salmon krill and algae. Known for supporting skin resilience and calming irritation. Less common today due to reduced consumption of wild seafood
• Omega 3 fatty acids: Present in fatty fish and flaxseed. These fats strengthen the skin barrier and help regulate inflammation but are often imbalanced in modern diets
• Polyphenols: Found in berries green tea and cacao. They protect the skin from environmental stress but are often reduced in processed food

While no supplement replaces a healthy lifestyle or a balanced diet it makes sense to compensate for what our food no longer fully provides especially during summer.

REFERENCES

1. Middelkamp Hup MA et al. “Oral Polypodium Leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet induced damage of human skin.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 51(6):910–918
2. Kohli I et al. “Oral Polypodium Leucotomos extract photoprotects against visible light induced pigmentation.” J Invest Dermatol. 2019 139(2):385–388
3. Choudhry SZ et al. “Polypodium leucotomos. A potential new photoprotective agent.” J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 13(5):509–511
4. Nestor MS et al. “The use of Polypodium leucotomos extract in clinical practice.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 14(9):45–50
5. Martin R et al. “A new combination of Fernblock and topical sunscreen improves photoprotection.” J Photochem Photobiol B. 2020 203:111748