Vail Vitamins: Altitude Sun Burning D Savings?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 5, 2025

The sun, a life-giver, can also be a harsh adversary, especially at high altitudes. Many visitors flock to Vail, Colorado, each year to enjoy the slopes and trails, often underestimating the intensity of the sun’s rays. Sunburn is a common souvenir, but is there a better way to protect yourself than slathering on sunscreen every few hours? Vail Vitamins, a locally marketed supplement, claims to offer internal sun protection. But can a pill really replace sunscreen, and is it worth the cost? Let’s dive deep into the science, the claims, and the real-world experiences of those who’ve tried it.

Vail Vitamins boasts a blend of ingredients purported to boost the body’s natural defenses against UV radiation. These typically include:

Polypodium Leucotomos Extract (PLE): This fern extract is the star ingredient, often cited for its antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Studies suggest it can help reduce the damaging effects of UV radiation on the skin.
Vitamin C and E: These well-known antioxidants help combat free radicals generated by sun exposure, potentially reducing inflammation and cell damage.
Other Antioxidants: Some formulations include other antioxidants like green tea extract or grape seed extract, further aiming to neutralize free radicals.

The theory behind Vail Vitamins is that these ingredients work synergistically to enhance the skin’s resilience to sun damage. PLE, in particular, is believed to help protect skin cells from DNA damage caused by UV radiation. Antioxidants then mop up the free radicals that contribute to inflammation and aging.

Now, let’s compare this to traditional sunscreen. Sunscreens work by creating a physical or chemical barrier on the skin that either reflects or absorbs UV rays. Mineral sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, physically block the sun. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat.

The key difference is that sunscreen provides external protection, while Vail Vitamins aims for internal protection. Sunscreen’s effectiveness is directly related to its SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and how diligently it’s applied and reapplied. Vail Vitamins, on the other hand, relies on building up the body’s natural defenses over time.

So, can Vail Vitamins replace sunscreen? The short answer is a resounding no. No reputable dermatologist or scientific organization would recommend relying solely on oral supplements for sun protection. Sunscreen, with its proven SPF rating and direct barrier effect, remains the gold standard.

However, Vail Vitamins might offer a supplementary layer of protection. Think of it as an extra shield, not a replacement for your primary defense. Studies on PLE have shown promising results, but they are often conducted in controlled environments and may not perfectly translate to real-world scenarios on the slopes of Vail Mountain.

One major challenge is dosage and individual variability. The effectiveness of Vail Vitamins likely depends on factors like:

Dosage: Are you taking the recommended amount consistently?
Individual Metabolism: How well does your body absorb and utilize the ingredients?
Skin Type: Fairer skin types may still require more robust protection.
Sun Exposure Intensity: A casual stroll in Vail Village is different from a full day of skiing at 11,000 feet.

Another pitfall is the potential for a false sense of security. If you’re taking Vail Vitamins, you might be tempted to skimp on sunscreen or reapply it less frequently. This is a dangerous mistake that can lead to severe sunburn.

Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: A Denver resident, new to skiing, decides to try Vail Vitamins based on a friend’s recommendation. They take the recommended dose for a week before their trip to Vail. On the slopes, they apply sunscreen only once in the morning, thinking the vitamins will provide adequate protection. By the end of the day, they’re nursing a painful sunburn. This illustrates the importance of understanding that Vail Vitamins are not a substitute for proper sun protection.

Now, let’s talk about cost. A bottle of Vail Vitamins can range from $30 to $60, depending on the brand and formulation. High-quality sunscreen, on the other hand, can be purchased for around $10 to $20 per bottle. While the vitamins might seem like a convenient option, the cost can add up quickly, especially if you’re taking them regularly throughout the ski season.

User reviews of Vail Vitamins are mixed. Some users report noticeable improvements in their skin’s tolerance to the sun, experiencing less redness and burning. Others report no noticeable difference. Many reviews emphasize the importance of still using sunscreen in conjunction with the vitamins.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to incorporating Vail Vitamins (or similar supplements) into your sun protection routine, if you choose to do so:

Consult a Dermatologist: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, talk to your doctor.
Choose a Reputable Brand: Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Follow Dosage Instructions: Take the recommended dose consistently, starting several days or weeks before sun exposure.
Never Skip Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher liberally and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves whenever possible.
Monitor Your Skin: Pay close attention to how your skin reacts to the sun, and adjust your protection accordingly.

In conclusion, Vail Vitamins are not a magic bullet for sun protection. They should not be considered a replacement for sunscreen. While they may offer a supplementary benefit by boosting the body’s natural defenses, relying solely on them is a recipe for sunburn disaster, especially in the intense sun of Vail, Colorado. Prioritize proven methods like sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. If you choose to use Vail Vitamins, do so cautiously, informed by scientific evidence and in consultation with a healthcare professional. Remember, enjoying the beauty of Vail should not come at the expense of your skin’s health.