What if you could take a pill that could help protect your skin against photoaging—think dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles—and even help to reduce the risk of skin cancer? This is exactly what products like Heliocare are designed to do.

If you’ve been wondering what the deal is with sunscreen pills, board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to weigh in on the benefits of Heliocare sunscreen pills and other similar supplements. Let’s cover some frequently asked questions on the topic, including:

• Do sunscreen pills work?

• How does Heliocare work?

• Who should use sunscreen pills?

• Which of the three types of Heliocare pill should I use?

• Are there any other sunscreen pills on the market?

• Does Heliocare replace sunscreen?

Do sunscreen pills work?

Heliocare supplements are an effective way to protect your skin against photoaging and, in some cases, reduce the risk of skin cancer, according to Dr. Schlessinger. Though Heliocare supplements are often referred to as sunscreen pills, that’s a bit of a misnomer, as they are not meant to replace sunscreen in any way, shape or form.

Instead, Heliocare works from the inside out to support your sunscreen regimen. The line includes three different options: the original Heliocare Antioxidant Supplements, Heliocare Ultra Antioxidant Supplements and Heliocare Advanced Antioxidant Supplement with Nicotinamide (stay tuned to learn more about the differences between them).

How does Heliocare work?

The active ingredient in Heliocare is Polypodium leucotomos extract, which is derived from a tropical fern plant found in South and Central America. It strengthens immune response and enhances UV protection by acting as an antioxidant in your system, disarming the free radicals that cause harm to your cells. “Heliocare will protect against splotches, melasma and other skin issues,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Heliocare Advanced contains polypodium leucotomos extract as well as nicotinamide, or vitamin B3. “Nicotinamide has been clinically proven by the National Institute of Health to reverse precancerous growths and squamous cell cancer,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Who should use sunscreen pills?

Dr. Schlessinger recommends Heliocare supplements for anyone who is out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. “I recommend them for construction workers or people who golf or enjoy outdoor activities, or youth who are involved in sports or band and staying out for nearly an entire day, as it may be difficult to carry sunscreen along,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “I always encourage the use of sunscreen at the beginning of the day and throughout, but this helps to protect skin if that can't be done. It is more of an extender than a sunscreen, though, so it pays to use both.”

Dr. Schlessinger also recommends Heliocare supplements for his patients with sun allergies and other specific conditions. “There are some conditions, such as vitiligo, systemic lupus, discoid lupus and polymorphous light eruption that benefit greatly from taking two standard Heliocare supplements a day,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Which Heliocare supplement should I use?

With three different Heliocare supplements available, which one should you use?

“If you have had any actinic keratoses develop—whitish scaling lesions that appear on sun damaged skin—or skin cancer, Heliocare Advanced is your best choice,” Dr. Schlessinger. “The one thing I always point out to my patients, though, is the dose needed is double what the package says: 1000 milligrams daily is the NIH recommendation, so that means four pills daily, not two as the package says.”

Those who are out in the sun for a long time or have sun allergies can use the original Heliocare, Dr. Schlessinger says. The recommended dose is two pills with a glass of water in the morning. Heliocare Ultra is a one pill option, if you prefer.

Are there any other sunscreen pills on the market?

LovelySkin recently started carrying Spanish skin care brand ISDIN, which has its own antioxidant supplement called ISDIN Photo Sunisdin Daily Antioxidant Supplement. “This has the same ingredient as Heliocare, polypodium leucotomos, so it should help support your sunscreen regimen as well,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Do sunscreen pills replace sunscreen?

Supplements such as Heliocare and ISDIN’s supplement helps prevent sun damage, but they do not replace sunscreen. “Think of them as an additional tool in your skin care arsenal to complement your daily application of topical sunscreen,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Here are four of our favorite sunscreen recommendations to use daily:

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen Untinted

Looking for a lightweight, untinted sunscreen packed with potent benefits? This non-comedogenic formula is especially well-suited for acne-prone skin, with 5% high-purity niacinamide to help reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, while vitamin E and lactic acid reduce signs of aging.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50

When it comes to reapplying sunscreen over makeup, it doesn’t get more convenient than this self-dispensing brush with mineral sunscreen powder right in the handle. It contains EnviroScreen Technology that’s designed to help protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light and infrared radiation. It’s available in six shades so you can get just the right match to your skin tone.

Replenix Tinted Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30

For sun protection while managing oil and shine, this mattifying face sunscreen with a lightweight whipped texture does the trick. Zinc oxide provides physical sun protection while green tea extract helps neutralize damaging free radicals. Use it solo or as a makeup primer to help protect against harmful rays and keep skin looking matte all day long.

EltaMD UV Sport Water-Resistant Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

A perfect companion for any active lifestyle, this resilient sunscreen offers water-resistant protection that remains effective whether you’re swimming or sprinting. Zinc oxide and octinoxate combine with antioxidant-rich vitamin E to defend against UVA and UVB rays as well as free radicals, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without sweating sun damage.

For more sun protection options, check out more of our favorite body sunscreens for everyday use.