The sun is an instant mood-booster. According to recent research, exposure to sunshine increases the brain’s release of the happy hormone serotonin, which in turn makes us feel calmer, more focused, and generally brighter. Science aside, it also just feels good to bask in the sunshine and is why so many of us are prepared to cross continents during the winter months. 

“In the same way that we need food and water, our health depends on getting enough sunlight,” says Henrietta Norton, nutritional practitioner and founder of Wild Nutrition. “Whether it’s for vitamin D production, strengthening our immune system, supporting our bones or producing key brain chemicals, being in the sunshine is vital,” continues Norton. 

While it’s vital to our health, soaking up the sun’s rays is extremely damaging to our skin and can lead to skin burn, skin cancer and premature ageing. Hence why wearing a broad-spectrum SPF every day is non-negotiable. “It is essential to wear sun protection every day, even when it’s cloudy,” says Dr Catharine Denning, advanced aesthetic doctor, “this healthy habit reduces the probability of skin damage.” 

The goal then is to reap the health benefits of the sun while ensuring skin is protected from harmful UV rays. And while wearing SPF is key, there’s also another way to dial up your defence from within. Enter: Sunshine Supplements. A new breed of pills and powders, that promise to prepare and protect skin for summer, have recently hit the mainstream. Here’s everything you need to know… 

What are sunshine supplements?

‘Sunshine supplements’ is the name we’ve attributed to this group of beauty boosters that, alongside wearing a broad-spectrum SPF, offer the best line of defence against the sun’s rays. “Getting a little sun can be great for your health but incredibly damaging for your skin,” says Dr Barbara Sturm, leading aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous skincare range, who’s launching her SUN SKIN supplements at the end of this month.