Protecting your skin from sun exposure is the best way to reduce the risks of skin cancer because the UV light from sunlight is the leading cause of the disease. UV light damages the DNA in our skin cells that lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen lotions lower the risk because it is effective in preventing the damage caused by UV exposure. Numerous types of sunscreen lotions are available, and each claim to be effective in reducing the risks of skin cancer. Sunscreen does lower the chances of skin cancer. La Jolla dermatologist says that some over the counter solutions can protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of sunlight.
Nicotinamide
Studies have shown that Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is effective in reducing the numbers of skin cancers. The study carried out in Australia by performing randomized control trial has shown that the risks of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma came down by almost 23%. Nicotinamide, which is safe and available over the counter, can effectively protect against the damage caused by UV exposure. Those with a history of extensive skin damage due to sun exposure or squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma can start taking two 500 mg tablets of Nicotinamide every day. They need to keep taking it continuously because any break in the routine can negate that positive effects.
Polypodium Leucotomos
If you are familiar with oral sunscreen but have not heard about Polypodium Leucotomos, then you should know it is the same. Polypodium Leucotomos is a fern that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects and found in Central and South America. It is the main ingredient in oral sunscreen. A study carried out on a small group of 22 patients showed that the fern was capable of altering the effects of UVB light in 17 patients of the group in varying degrees. However, the study is incomplete because the sample group is too small, and it did not evaluate UVA light, which also causes cancer. Moreover, the study does not help to determine the appropriate dose of Polypodium Leucotomos. More studies are required to conclude comprehensively that the fern can be a replacement of sunscreen.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Aspirin and Ibuprofen, the two most widely used NSAIDs, may have some limited effect on skin cancer. Reviews have shown that the risk of squamous cell carcinoma came down from 18% to 15% for people using NSAIDs. Positive results are also available from studies carried out of melanoma patients who used aspirin for 5 years and experienced a 43% reduction in melanoma.
Mind your alcohol intake
Studies have shown that alcohol has links to skin cancer and responsible for 3.5% of cancer deaths. Those who take a small glass of wine or standard beer every day, have 11% increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and 7% more prone to basal carcinoma.
Scientists are stills searching for the magic pill to prevent skin cancer. Until the time it becomes a reality, sunscreen is still the best option in skin cancer prevention.
