A
vitamin found in meats, nuts, grains and cereals may be more effective
than sunscreen in preventing skin cancer, new research has found.
Nicotinamide, or Vitamin B3, prevents damage from both UVA and UVB radiation by protecting the immune system, and could be taken in tablet form or added to sunscreen, Associate Professor Diona Damian of the University of Sydney says.
Sunscreens provide good protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer, but the products are less effective in protecting against UVA, which can also cause skin cancer.
"UV radiation in sunlight suppresses the skin's immune system and makes it more susceptible to skin cancer," she said.
"Our research found that nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) can prevent the immunosuppressive effects of UV by energising cells so they maintain their immunity."
Tests using the water-soluble vitamin offered equally strong protection against both UVA and UVB in both lotion and tablet form, according to tests on volunteers, said Prof Damian.
"Nicotinamide is well-tolerated, so could also be taken orally as a supplement, particularly by people who have a higher susceptibility to skin cancer," she said.
It is also relatively cheap to produce, she added, so it could potentially be incorporated into sunscreen to boost its effectiveness against UVA.
The research was also looking to determine whether the vitamin could be used to treat sunspots, common lesions that sometimes progress to skin cancer.
Source: The Age 2008.
Dr. Hooper's Comment
What a fantastic bit of research.
The results of numerous studies suggest that many of the popular sunscreens could contribute to cancer due to their mutagenic and free-radical generating properties.
Perhaps a more disturbing finding is that many of the chemicals commonly used in sunscreens have strong estrogenic actions that may in fact interfere with the normal sexual development, and could cause reproductive problems.
Chemicals in sunscreens can also cause skin irritations, itching and ongoing rashes.
Octyl
Methoxycinnamar (OMC) is a common ingredient found in up to 90% of
sunscreens currently available on the market. This ingredient is
actually an attracter of UV, making it twice as toxic during sun
exposure. This increase in attraction of UV rays is actually increasing
your chances of developing cancer of the skin.
Another ingredient called Psoralen also increases your skin cancer
risk by as much as 83%. This is simply shocking considering that 35% of sunscreen applied to the skin is absorbed directly into the blood stream.
Studies
have shown that some of the chemicals in sunscreen are absorbed into
the bloodstream in significant amounts. The longer these chemicals are
left on the skin, the greater the absorption into the body.
According
to Dr. Cameron Hayden (University of Queensland, Australia), when asked
about oxybenzone, which is a compound chemical derivative common in
most sunscreens; "It would be prudent not to apply oxybenzone to large
surface areas of skin for extended and repeated periods of time, unless
no alternative protection is available.
There may be additional concern for young children who have less well-developed processes of elimination and have a larger [skin] surface area per body weight than adults, with respect to systemic availability of a topically applied dose."
Strange though that is is exactly how sunscreen is used.
While
too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage, moderate sunshine is
crucial to health. Everyone needs adequate amounts of sunlight everyday
to stay healthy.
Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D, which helps to reduce the risk of many cancers and other diseases.
It is simply a case of moderation. How much sun is too much is dependent on individuals. Daily sun exposure can be done with the safety of a hat, clothes and active movement - there is no need to sunbake.
Ensure that your children get around 10-15 minutes everyday in the
sun, making sure that they are wearing a wide-brimmed hat and
sufficient clothing.
Parents have long been in the habit of
generously applying sunscreen to their children every day during
summer. As you read above, this is not a good idea as sunscreen can be
toxic, and is certainly not something you want to be rubbing into your
child’s body every day.
You
may be thinking now that there are no other options. The good news is
there are natural alternatives to mainstream sunscreen products.
Natural Instinct’s Mineral Sunblock Lotion is an effective natural sunblock with no chemical absorbers and no titanium dioxide.
It
is a broadspectrum, low irritant, non-greasy product that is made from
natural, vegetable based oils and ingredients from naturally derived
minerals. It is ideal for sensitive skin, and is suitable for the
entire family.
I cannot recommend this product highly enough.
Not only is is completely chemical free, but it actually works unlike
other natural products.
I would strongly suggest keeping a bottle in the car, in the home and in your child’s school bag.
