Protection Of The Skin From Sun Damage
(Part 1)
August 21, 2019
Drug Study Claims Four-In-One ‘Polypill’ Can Prevent Heart Attacks And Strokes
August 22, 2019

Protection Of The Skin From Sun Damage
(Part 2)

Image from unsplash.com by Caju Gomes

In the last issue of our Health Science News Page we discussed aspects of skin cancer and the damage caused by excessive sun exposure. The most common risk factor of non-melanoma skin cancer is excessive sunlight exposure. However, it is important to note that the non-melanoma skin cancers—basal and squamous cell carcinomas—are not as lethal as melanoma which can also occur on areas of the skin not exposed to the sun. Sun exposure can cause free radical damage to skin cells, leading to DNA damage and skin aging, and may eventually cause skin cancer; however, that is not the only risk factor.

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen for sun protection is the most commonly recommended prevention method for skin cancer. However, most of the sunscreens contain dangerous chemicals and can cause more harm than good. Application of broad-spectrum sunscreens blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and essentially reduces the production of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is required for healthy bone growth in children, but deficiency of this vitamin is one of the major contributing factors of diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia (painful bone disease) in adults. A deficiency of vitamin D can also lead to an increased risk of developing colon, breast or prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. In addition to the synthesis of vitamin D, sunlight exposure regulates cortisol production in the body and helps manage stress levels, and it also acts as a mood enhancer to prevent depression and other mental disorders.

Therefore, while it is important to enjoy sunshine, it is also wise to protect yourself from the damaging effects of excessive sun exposure. Avoiding peak afternoon hours in the sun as well as wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses are the easiest ways to protect yourself from harsh sunrays. Applying sunscreen made from natural ingredients is also an important protective measure. However, various micronutrients taken orally also provide protection without the side effects of chemicals.

Extremely potent antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids obtained from red and orange fruits and vegetables, have distinct sun-protective effects and reduce the chance of sunburn. These micronutrients act synergistically to help destroy free radicals and protect against damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Polyphenols obtained from green tea not only provide benefit in protecting against multiple cancers, but they also offer sun-protective effects and may reduce the chances of sunburn. Lycopene obtained from cooked tomatoes offers higher protection from sun damage than lycopene from raw tomatoes. It is also present in watermelon, guava, and apricots. Plant polyphenols such as resveratrol from grapes offer protection from UV damage and offer substantial anticancer and cardio-protective actions as well. Similarly, sulforaphanes obtained from cauliflower and cabbage, anthocyanins from berries, and astaxanthin from salmon and shrimp offer proven protective effects against ultraviolet damage. Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to decrease the susceptibility to cell damage that may lead to melanoma cancer. The antioxidant properties of the flavonoids in dark chocolate offer significant internal protection to the skin against damaging effects from the sun.

When consumed over a long period, these micronutrients are beneficial for protection against sun damage, as well as for prevention of various chronic diseases and maintenance of optimum health. It is certainly a better way to protect the body from sun damage than exposing it to the chemicals present in commonly available sunscreens.