Recommended by skin professionals and dermatologists, Heliocare 360° is a science-led sun protection range that protects beyond sunscreen with exclusive, clinically proven Fernblock® antioxidant technology – but what exactly is Fernblock® and how exactly does it benefit our skin health?

The not-so-secret ingredient within the Heliocare range is the supercharged antioxidant, Fernblock®.

Fernblock® is an extract of a tropical fern, native to South America, called Polypodium Leucotomos (P. Leucotomos). Originally an aquatic plant this unique Fern evolved to thrive on land, developing natural protective mechanisms against solar radiation and other environmental free-radicals.

P. leucotomos has been used for centuries in Central America to treat various skin conditions. In the 1960s, the anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties of P. leucotomos were discovered. Following an extensive research programme, the optimum extraction process was achieved by Cantabria Labs in collaboration with renowned Dermatologist Dr Fitzpatrick, with Harvard Medical School. This resulted in an incredible ingredient with unique protective and restorative action against daylight when used in both topical and oral formulations.

There are now over 80 published studies and scientific publications demonstrating and supporting its multiple benefits to skin health.

1. Protects against daylight

Fernblock® is clinically proven to multiply the skin’s resistance to the sun. This protection has been clinically proven across the whole solar radiation spectrum, including UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A.

Studies have found that Fernblock® significantly reduces the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin, significantly increasing SPF and UVA protection factor.¹ These multiple levels of protection against daylight help to prevent both immediate and long-term sun damage, including sunburn, sun allergies, skin ageing, pigmentation and skin cancer.

2. Enhanced sunscreen activity

New data shows that Fernblock® enables SPF filters to work more effectively, boosting the efficacy of UVB sunscreen filters by up to 14%.² This means Heliocare 360° is therefore more effective than sunscreens that contain only sun filters.

Fernblock® provides advanced dermatological protection by increasing the photoprotection benefits and activity of formulations, as well as reducing redness, pigmentation and collagen breakdown.

3. DNA protection and repair

Fernblock® has also been clinically proven to help boost the skin’s ability to repair damage to our skin cell’s DNA which has occurred as a result of free-radical damage caused by daylight.

Continued and excessive sun exposure causes a buildup of damage to our skin cell DNA. When our DNA is damaged, the genetic codes that tell our cells how to behave are compromised. This allows our cells to misbehave and mutate, which can lead to skin cancer.

Fernblock® technology has been clinically proven to prevent the formation of damage and increase and accelerate the repair of existing damage. This puts a stop to the cumulative effects of sun exposure, helping to protect our skin from DNA damage.

4. Antioxidant activity

Fernblock® is an all-natural antioxidant that is scientifically proven to neutralise and eliminate free radicals.

UV exposure is considered the biggest trigger of free radicals, contributing to 80% of damage.² The problem with free radicals is that they are single atoms on the hunt for a pair, which means they scavenge the body to steal electrons from other molecules. This is what causes oxidative stress and free radical damage, leading to symptoms including inflammation, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.

Our bodies are usually very good at maintaining a delicate balance of oxidants and antioxidants³ to protect us from harmful free radicals. But chronic exposure to free radicals will severely compromise the equilibrium.

Fernblock® technology contains concentrated antioxidant molecules that fight free radical damage. They do this by donating an electron to unstable molecules, without becoming unstable themselves. This activity is further boosted by the additional antioxidants of vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea extract, which work in collaboration with Fernblock® within every Heliocare 360° product.

5. Preventing premature ageing

Fernblock® is incredibly effective at fighting the signs of premature skin ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of volume, pigmentation and discolouration.

As we age, it is normal for the skin’s condition to change. Our skin cell renewal cycle declines, our skin structure deteriorates, and the functions within each layer slow down. But this natural ageing process may be accelerated by environmental aggressors, including sun exposure.

Fernblock® is clinically proven to prevent premature ageing by protecting our skin cells and maintaining the skin’s structure, helping us to achieve a healthy and youthful complexion. By protecting collagen and elastin production, the skin feels firmer and more flexible, standing up against fine lines, deep wrinkles and sagging. Fernblock® also helps prevent and reduce the intensity and size of sunspots and pigmentation.

6. Immune defence

Fernblock® boosts our skin’s defence system against external aggressors by protecting our Langerhans cells.

Langerhans cells are present in all layers of the epidermis. They monitor the environment of the skin, alerting the body to any unsafe situations. Our immune system can then send a force of inflammatory cells to fight off attackers and prevent infections.

Sun exposure is damaging to our Langerhans cells, because it leads to inflammation, forcing them to migrate. Just one dose of sun exposure depletes Langerhans cells for several days, which suppresses our immune responses to allergens, bacteria, viruses, and even tumour antigens.⁴

Fernblock® is clinically proven to protect immunological action via Langerhans cell protection. When taken orally, Fernblock also significantly reduces the depletion of Langerhans cells during sun exposure.⁵

Discover the power of Fernblock®

Backed by over 80 clinical scientific publications, Fernblock® is available exclusively in sun protection products developed by Cantabria Labs and is the key technology use in the Heliocare 360° range that takes it skin protection properties beyond sunscreen.