Can foods protect you from the sun? What experts say about edible sunscreen

LOS ANGELES - As summer begins and more Americans head outdoors, a new trend is emerging in the wellness space: edible sunscreen.

From antioxidant-rich gummies to skin-protecting pills, the idea behind these supplements is simple — protect your skin from the inside out. But dermatologists say the science doesn’t support replacing your sunscreen bottle with a gummy bear.

"Edible sunscreens are becoming more and more popular," said Dr. Susan Massick, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. "The idea is that these products will help protect at the cellular level."

While antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and dark chocolate — as well as vitamins like C and E — are beneficial for overall skin health, experts stress tha