What You Should Know about this Ancient Healing Skin Treatment!

Polypodium leucotomos is a species of tropical fern found throughout North and South America that has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its medicinal properties. It is traditionally used to address skin problems and many other health issues.¹ 

Growing research indicates that Polypodium leucotomos extracts are beneficial for treating various inflammatory skin disorders and can protect the skin from sun damage. ¹ 

Read on to discover the incredible health benefits of Polypodium leucotomos, how to use it, and who can benefit from it. 

Polypodium leucotomos Helps Protect the Skin Against Sun Damage

While UV rays from the sun provide many essential health benefits, they can also damage the skin, causing wrinkles, skin discoloration, and potentially, cancer. 

One of the key ways that Polypodium leucotomos protects against sun damage is through its ability to scavenge free radicals. These unstable compounds can damage cells, contribute to skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By neutralizing free radicals, Polypodium leucotomos helps to reduce the damage caused by UV radiation. ²

Minimize Inflammation 

Another way that Polypodium leucotomos protects against sun damage is by reducing inflammation. UV radiation causes inflammation in the skin, which can lead to redness, pain, and the destruction of collagen and elastin in the skin. Polypodium leucotomos also reduces inflammation caused by UV radiation. ³ 

Reduce DNA damage from UV radiation with Polypodium leucotomos

Arguably the most important way that Polypodium leucotomos protects against the harmful effects of the sun is by preventing DNA damage in skin cells. When the DNA inside skin cells becomes damaged, it impairs the skin's ability to heal and significantly increases cancer risk. ⁴ 

One study found that those taking Polypodium leucotomos had 40% less damage to the mitochondrial DNA in their skin cells after exposure to UV light. ⁵  

In another study, fair-skinned participants were first exposed to enough UV radiation to cause a sunburn. As expected, the participants developed redness and had increased levels of inflammation and DNA damage in their skin. ⁶

The researchers then gave the participants a Polypodium leucotomos supplement and exposed them to the same amount of UV radiation as before the next day. This time, the researchers found much less inflammation and DNA damage in the skin. They also found that the participants had less sunburn, and it took longer for their skin to burn.⁶

In a randomized clinical trial, half of the participants took Polypodium leucotomos supplements, and the other half took a placebo for 60 days. The researchers then exposed their backs to UV light. 

Those who didn’t take the Polypodium leucotomos supplements were six times more likely to burn. They also experienced more intense burns.⁷

Polypodium leucotomos Helps With Inflammatory Skin Disorders

In addition to its protective effects against UV radiation, Polypodium leucotomos may also be helpful for people with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, itchy, and irritated skin, often treated with antihistamines.A study of 105 children with eczema over six months found that those who took Polypodium leucotomos needed fewer antihistamines to manage their condition.⁸

Polypodium leucotomos has also shown promise in another condition called polymorphous light eruption (PLE). People with PLE are very sensitive to sunlight and develop a rash in response to sun exposure. In one study, 26 people with PLE took Polypodium leucotomos daily. Twenty of them saw a clear improvement in their symptoms, and 8 of them saw their symptoms completely disappear.⁹   

Doctors in Spain have successfully used Polypodium leucotomos to treat their patients with psoriasis. Although research is limited, cell studies have found that Polypodium leucotomos reduces inflammatory molecules found in high levels in people with psoriasis.¹⁰ 

Polypodium leucotomos Helps With Overall Skin Health and Aging

Beyond protecting the skin from premature aging due to sun damage, Polypodium leucotomos may also protect against some negative changes from normal aging. 

As we age, we start losing collagen in our skin. Collagen is an essential protein that provides structure and support and helps maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin, and it keeps skin firm and elastic, which can prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Boost Collagen Levels

Polypodium leucotomos applied to skin cells significantly boosted collagen levels and reduced the levels of enzymes that break down collagen. It also helped maintain the structural proteins surrounding skin cells (extracellular matrix), which typically become dysfunctional with age.¹¹ 

Polypodium leucotomos can also help prevent the loss of elastin that occurs with aging. As the name implies, elastin is a protein that provides the skin with elasticity and strength.²  

How Much Polypodium leucotomos Supplement Should I Take? 

In clinical trials, the most common dosage is 480 mg/day, divided into two doses. Some studies have used up to 1,000 mg without any adverse effects.¹² It would be best if you aimed to take Polypodium leucotomos at least 2-4 hours before you go out in the sun. This way, it has plenty of time to work its magic!

Topical vs. Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Supplements

Polypodium leucotomos is also available in creams and lotions. These have also been shown to protect the skin from sunburn.¹³  However, there is much more research behind oral Polypodium leucotomos supplements. Supplements have the advantage of being much more convenient than creams or lotions. They also work systemically, whereas protection offered by creams can vary depending on various factors, including how well you apply them and sweating.

Is Polypodium leucotomos Safe?

Yes, Polypodium leucotomos is safe and effective! Side effects are rare, very mild if they occur, and will resolve when you stop taking the supplement. They may include an upset stomach, headache, and skin itchiness.¹⁰

Let’s Recap - Final Thoughts

Polypodium leucotomos is an excellent choice for people looking for an additional layer of protection against the damaging effects of UV radiation and aging.

The ability of Polypodium leucotomos to protect your skin from sun damage is backed by science. Some research suggests it may be helpful for serious skin conditions such as eczema, sun sensitivity, and possibly psoriasis.  

Polypodium leucotomos is one of the main ingredients in SunTru - Ultra 3, in addition to astaxanthin and nicotinamide. This powerful trio helps protect skin from UV radiation, reduces inflammation, and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5189711/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12788523/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2774059/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29405222/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20159320/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15583582/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345929/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22560125/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17254039/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8066104/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19373483/
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25738847/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9361129/