We keep mentioning “PLE", or Polypodium Leucotomos Extract on our website, but what is it? You are not alone if the name sounds more like a spell than something you’d find in the skincare aisle. However, we feel this tropical fern is the next big thing in preventative suncare. Read on to find out why we’re so excited about it.
What is Polypodium Leucotomos?
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern native to Central and South America. For centuries, Indigenous people have used this plant to treat various skin conditions related to sun exposure such as sunburn and heat rashes. There, the plant is known as "calaguala" or "anapos."
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has even found that the plant can have anti-aging effects.
The leaf’s rich supply of antioxidants allows it to be a powerful shield against the sun, allowing you to enjoy your life under the sunlight without a worry for skin damage. Further research by NLM shows that this powerful antioxidant may also improve symptoms of eczema, and is safe to use for all ages.
Down to the basics: what do antioxidants do?
Antioxidants are natural compounds that help to protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that come from various sources: pollution, UV radiation, smoking, and even our own bodies’ metabolic processes. When free radicals build up, they can lead to oxidative stress, which could damage cells and accelerate aging.
Antioxidants in our SUN LOVE products act as a defense system. They can neutralize free radicals by giving them the missing electrons they need, “calming” them down and preventing them from damaging other cells. This process not only helps protect your skin but also supports overall health, as free radicals can damage other parts of your body too.
What is PLE specifically?
Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) is packed with powerful antioxidants. When taken as a supplement, it works from the inside out helping neutralize harmful free radicals that come from exposure to UV rays.
The supplemental use of PLE has been proven to be safe through trails conducted by the National Library of Medicine.
Here's a simple breakdown of what sun-positive benefits PLE has:
- Sun Protection: It reduces the oxidative stress from UV radiation.
- Anti-aging: PLE’s natural antioxidants can help fend off fine lines and wrinkles and even improve skin appearance over time
- Improves Hyperpigmentation: It can help even out skin tone by minimizing dark spots and sun-related damage
- Reduces Skin Inflammation: People with eczema or psoriasis might see some relief with less inflammation and redness.
Insider Tip: Our SUN LOVE products which contain these powerhouse ingredients, is an easy way to incorporate a little extra protection from the sun into your daily routine.
Spending time in the sun is very beneficial to our health in so many ways, (check out our blog post Sunlight for Wellness) but it can have some undesirable outcomes if not managed properly. Our holistic approach to suncare with PLE gives you the confidence to go outside and safely enjoy the positive benefits of the sun.
By: Shiki Toyama