You may have been hearing about a new anti-sun product that promises to offer good protection from harmful sun radiation? It's an oral supplement called Heliocare.

This product has passed clinical trials and has been demonstrated to protect from the sun however users are cautioned about its use to the point where they ignore the use of sunscreen or protective clothing.

Heliocare is an apparently safe dietary supplement which contains a natural ingredient called Polypodium Leucotomas (PLE). This substance is an extract from a fern plant which has been shown in clinical studies to have a beneficial effect against the damaging effects of ultra violet light and radiation from the sun.

Heliocare is certainly a new concept in sun protection (although it has been used safely in Europe for over 2 decades) and it is an interesting product which seems to be receiving positive reviews by users. It claims to promote healthier and younger-looking skin by reducing sunburn and combatting damage inflicted by the sun.

It is recommended for the photo-protection of sensitive skin types including roasacea and cuperosis.

To better understand how the natural protecting ingredient PLE functions, you need to understand how ultra-violet radiation in sunlight affects the human skin.

When it comes to ultra-violet light, UVB is generally related to causing sunburn while UVA, which penetrates deeply into the epidermis has been shown to play a significant role in terms of premature aging and skin cancer.

Other studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology have demonstrated that this fern, whose decreases the cancer causing and ageing effects of UV radiation on the skin surface. This has included DNA damage, suppression of the immune system, inflammation, and the breakdown of collagen.

Other ingredients (apart from the fern extract) are beta-carotene and green tea. Heliocare is available as a capsule form and it also comes as a compact which can be applied to straight onto the skin where needed.

Heliocare is a once a day pill that helps reduce the appearance of my wrinkles and also protects against the sun.

This product is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product but is not a substitute for proper sun protection which should also include proper clothing (including sun hat) and sunscreen.

There are some warnings associated with Heliocare. Not only is it NOT recommended to be used in isolation without normal sunprotection like sunscreen , but it is not recommended for women who are expecting or for mothers who are nursing a baby (and also children).

According to the manufacturer and based on many years of use, the Heliocare in capsule form has no known harmful side effects. However, if any side effects should persist, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your pharmacist or doctor immediately.