Although the Heliocare photoprotection product line originated in 2001, the technology it is based on dates back centuries. Let's therefore go back in time to when ferns began to be used in folk medicine.
It is not precisely known when Polypodium leucotomos began to be used for medicinal purposes, but it is clear that its origins can be traced to the Chorotega tribe, who lived in Central America. However, the fern extract gained its true fame in the 20th century, when dermatologists at Harvard University Medical School (initially under the guidance of Dr. Fitzpatrick) were able to demonstrate the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of Polypodium leucotomos in their research.
Since its establishment, Heliocare has changed the way we view sunscreens. Thanks to extensive research and dermatologists who continue to study the properties of the fern Polypodium leucotomos even today, Heliocare is a leader in the sunscreen market according to dermatologists' recommendations.
WHAT IS POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS?
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern found in Central America. It evolved from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, developing endogenous (internal) defense mechanisms to protect itself from the aggressive effects of the sun and repair the damage caused by it. It is unique because there is no other equivalent extract on the market.
WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF FERN EXTRACT?
Polypodium leucotomos reduces the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the skin – oxidative stress, epidermal degradation. Various studies have shown its ability to protect the immune system, its antioxidant and DNA-protective properties, as a result of which it can also inhibit the development of photoaging signs.
Cantabria Labs has taken these findings into account and applied them to all its patented Heliocare products, including the oral (dietary supplement) line, thus providing maximum photoprotection even in cases of solar dermatosis. Thanks to this excellent fern, we no longer have to worry about the destructive effects of UV radiation on the skin.
Most importantly, Heliocare can protect against damage caused by UVB, UVA, visible and blue light, as well as infrared rays.
WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS NEEDED IN SUNSCREENS?
Mainly, the harmful effects of the sun are understood as sunburn, redness, and swelling, but we often do not realize that at the cellular level this means DNA damage, even immune system and skin integrity disorders. If the skin is not protected from UV rays, it is constantly exposed to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which are involved in several vital processes, but which, in excessive concentrations, damage structures vital to cells.
Enriching topical photoprotective agents with antioxidants can significantly improve the skin's protective capabilities.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that look for an electron to take. If they "take away" an electron from one of the cell's important structures, they can disrupt the cell's balance, even cause apoptosis (cell death). Antioxidants, in turn, can neutralize free radicals by "donating" the electron they are looking for.