The Sunscreen Paradox: Popular Misconceptions About Skin Cancer Prevention

People apply sunscreen to protect against sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Because of the way sunscreen products are labeled by FDA mandate, consumers are often confused about which ingredients they need to achieve optimal protection against the sun’s damaging and deadly rays.

Fortunately, scientific data have emerged indicating that health-conscious individuals can achieve broad-spectrum protection against the increasing onslaught of ultraviolet light penetrating our atmosphere.

Like clockwork, the sound bites occur on television news programs at the start of the summer season:

“To prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin, apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.”

Well known to scientists, physicians, and the average person alike, sun exposure is the main environmental risk factor for skin cancer,1 and sunburn is a well-established risk factor for skin cancer.2

Sun exposure in the form of ultraviolet light not only accelerates skin aging, but can also result in debilitating disfigurement from skin cancer. Some types of skin cancer can even lead to premature death. Furthermore, we are in the midst of a veritable epidemic of skin cancer. The incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinoma is increasing, as is the occurrence of deadly malignant melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, known as melanocytes.

Conventional wisdom indicates that, in addition to avoiding sun exposure, sunscreen is your best bet for preventing skin cancer. However, the sun protection factor (SPF) rating system used by the FDA to regulate sunscreen products has an inherent flaw that renders its ratings dangerously inaccurate. This may create a false and potentially disastrous sense of security in sunscreen users.

Flaws in the SPF Rating System

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are caused primarily by a particular spectrum of sunlight called ultraviolet B, or UV-B. It is UV-B radiation that also causes sunburn. The FDA’s SPF rating system rates sunscreen for protection against UV-B light, but not against ultraviolet A (UV-A) light.

UV-A, the longer-wavelength ultraviolet light, penetrates deeper than UV-B through the outer portion of the skin. This is very important, because UV-A damage is largely responsible for premature aging of the skin. Moreover, UV-A light exposes the melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells in the skin, to damage that can potentially result in malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Thus, despite slathering on sunscreen and not developing a sunburn (because of protection against burning UV-B rays), we can still develop a light tan because the UV-A rays are penetrating the skin.

To protect your skin, you need broad-spectrum protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays. You cannot rely solely on the SPF rating system, because it provides information only on UV-B protection.

The only way to be sure that your sunscreen provides UV-A protection is to read the label and make sure it contains effective UV-A blocking agents, which include avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide, and/or titanium oxide.

Sunscreens, Topical Antioxidants, and Free Radical Damage

No matter what the ads promise, sunscreens alone inadequately protect against sunlight’s damaging, free radical-generating effects. In a study using special techniques to detect free radical damage to human skin after ultraviolet light exposure, application of conventional sunscreen with an SPF of 20+ resulted in a “free radical protection factor” of only 2!5

Ultraviolet light generates harmful free radicals such as the superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, the hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen, in addition to lipid peroxides.6

Studies demonstrate the critical importance of topical antioxidant protection to quench the free radicals generated by UV light that sunscreens miss. For example, adding simple antioxidants like vitamin E acetate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable form of vitamin C used topically) to a conventional sunscreen formula can decrease free radicals in the skin better than sunscreen alone.7 In addition, when antioxidants are combined with conventional sunscreen, greater-than-expected protection is achieved against sun damage.8

Vitamin D and Cancer Protection

Epidemiological studies suggest that sunlight exposure is associated with a decreased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymph glands.14,15 Such studies also suggest that ultraviolet light exposure is associated with a lower risk of developing breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, and ovarian cancer.16 Furthermore, death rates from cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon are higher in northern latitudes (which receive less sun exposure) than in southern latitudes (which enjoy relatively greater sun exposure).17

The question, then, is how could sunlight protect against cancer?

Vitamin D, synthesized in your skin after exposure to UV-B light, has a number of documented anti-cancer effects, including inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting normal cell cycle activity.18-20

Interestingly, the active form of vitamin D generated by sun exposure on the skin—1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3—is low in patients with malignant melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers.21 Melanoma cell lines express the vitamin D receptor, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts to decrease cancer cell growth as well as push the cell toward a more mature cell form. Medical scientists know that more immature cell types are seen with cancers that are more aggressive.

Although a very controversial idea, exposure to natural sunlight may be protective against melanoma. Recall that UV-B rays stimulate vitamin D in the skin, and vitamin D is likely protective against melanoma. Remember, too, that sunscreens that block UV-B but not UV-A rays will also block vitamin D production in the skin. This may be a deadly double whammy: no synthesis of protective vitamin D in the skin, yet exposure to the deeply penetrating UV-A rays.

A Risk/Benefit Approach to Sun Exposure

Given all the information available, what is the best sun exposure strategy—one that balances the risks and potential benefits?

As individuals, we each have a very different tolerance for sunlight exposure. For example, equatorial Africans have a much higher degree of natural protection from the sun than do people of northern European ancestry. In addition, there are many hypotheses in alternative medical circles regarding potential links between skin cancer and dietary overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids, inadequate hormone status, and other factors. There may very well be some validity to such theories, but until more is known, the best strategy is to be prudent with regard to sun exposure.

This means that for many of us, brief exposure to sunlight (10-15 minutes, two to three times weekly) should allow adequate time for vitamin D synthesis by the skin, without greatly increasing the risk of skin cancer.22 Additional supplemental vitamin D (for example, 800 IU a day and higher) will be needed, however, because this short duration of UV-B exposure is unlikely to be sufficient for optimizing vitamin D status.

For people of northern European ancestry or those looking to minimize premature skin aging, sun exposure beyond 10-15 minutes should be accompanied by liberal application of a sunscreen with broad UV-spectrum protection and generous use of topical agents with demonstrated protective effects against free radical damage.

The Best Skin-Protecting Topical Ingredients

Exciting recent research shows that, in addition to broad-spectrum UV-A and UV-B blocking ingredients, natural topical ingredients can help protect skin against free radical-generated damage induced by UV light. Such natural agents may offer protection against photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancers.

• Green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG). Deriving the health benefits of green tea is not limited to drinking it or taking it in the form of a high-potency extract. Topical administration likewise provides great benefits, including protecting against damage that can contribute to skin cancer and skin aging.

EGCG, a prime component of green tea, provides broad-spectrum protection against UV light-induced DNA damage and immune system dysfunction of the skin.24,25 Topical green tea extract is exceptional in preventing the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with UV light-induced skin damage.26-31 As a result, scientists believe green tea may help prevent skin cancers that commonly result from exposure to the sun’s radiation.

Exciting data from validated models of skin cancer strongly suggest that topically applied green tea extract can reduce the incidence and size of skin tumors. Importantly, this protection occurred even when green tea was applied following (not just before) UV light-induced damage.32 Thus, green tea may not only help prevent damage from UV rays, but also may help repair damage that has already occurred.

EGCG’s benefits also include anti-aging effects. In aging human skin, topically applied green tea extract stimulates structural support cells in the skin called keratinocytes, leading to an increase in skin thickness. Furthermore, subsequent UV exposure fails to destroy these cells, suggesting that topical green tea provides a protective effect against UV light.33 Thus, green tea helps reverse two of the hallmarks of aging skin: reduced skin thickness and keratinocyte destruction. This suggests a central role for green tea in preventing skin aging and promoting youthful skin.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Rosemary extract (ursolic and carnosic acids). The aromatic herb rosemary, used for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal agent, is particularly rich in carnosic and ursolic acids, two potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. More than a decade ago, scientists found that carnosic and ursolic acids effectively prevent skin cancer in a validated model of human skin cancer carcinogenesis.34

Ursolic acid acts powerfully to inhibit the growth of cancerous melanoma cells.35 It also inhibits reactive oxygen species in skin cells and prevents damage from the skin-aging effects of UV-A light.36

In addition, research has demonstrated that when specially formulated with lipids, ursolic acid enhances the dermal collagen and ceramide content of normal human skin cells, which are called epidermal keratinocytes.37,38 Collagen provides the “skeleton” that gives shape and structure to the skin, while ceramide is a lipid that helps maintain proper immune function, as well as youthful moisture content, in the skin. Keratinocytes make up as much as 95% of epidermal tissues and are responsible for producing keratin, the tough protein that contributes to healthy hair, nails, and skin.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• Turmeric extract (tetrahydrocurcumin). Curcumin is fast becoming known as a cure-all nutrient, and for good reason. Derived from the pungent spice turmeric, curcumin has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin inhibits cancer initiation and promotion in validated cancer models.39,40

Curcumin induces the powerful tumor suppressor gene p53 and promotes the death of basal cell skin cancer cells.41 Furthermore, research shows that curcumin can make mutant, treatment-resistant malignant melanoma cell lines more responsive to chemotherapy.42

While these and other studies suggest that topical curcumin may benefit the skin, the staining properties of its bright yellow native pigment have prevented its widespread use in topical products. Fortunately, a major metabolite of curcumin called tetrahydrocurcumin does not possess the staining characteristics of native curcumin, yet it demonstrates anti-cancer effects that are similar to those of native curcumin. In fact, validated skin cancer models have shown that tetrahydrocurcumin inhibits skin cancer promotion.43

Laboratory studies indicate that topical tetrahydrocurcumin is a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.44,45 Skin-lightening agents help fade sun-induced areas of hyperpigmentation, or skin darkening. Many such agents work by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. Thus, the colorless turmeric root derivative tetra-hydrocurcumin may help protect the skin against the detrimental effects of UV light and may help prevent (or fade) hyperpigmented areas of skin. While hyperpigmentation is not a medically harmful condition, it is always advisable to have a physician examine new brown spots to rule out skin cancers.

• Milk thistle extract (silibinin). The milk thistle plant contains silibinin and silymarin, two compounds that are well known for their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties in the context of liver disease. Less well known—but equally important—are the documented benefits of milk thistle extract against skin cancer.

Topical application of silymarin significantly decreased skin cancer number and size in a validated model of tumor promotion.46 These findings are supported by other studies that show similar effects for silibinin. For example, silibinin protects against UV light-induced DNA damage and cancer cell growth.47

Additionally, research shows that silibinin enhances the powerful tumor suppressor gene p53, a genetic factor that protects against cancer. Silibinin acts by other mechanisms to prevent UV light-induced skin cancer. In fact, some findings suggest that silibinin can help to repair DNA damage caused by previous exposure to UV light.48

Since milk thistle extract is well tolerated and acts in several ways to fight the cancer-causing effects of solar radiation, leading researchers believe it may be an ideal addition to sunscreen formulations.49

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Licorice root. The medicinal properties of licorice root have been known since ancient Greece and Rome.50 A powerful skin protectant, licorice has anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-cancer effects, including protecting against DNA damage.51 Licorice extract also has demonstrated efficacy in treating atopic dermatitis, an allergy-related, intensely itchy swelling of the skin.52

Glycyrrhizin, the main component of licorice root, protects against UV-B light-induced damage in the context of human melanoma cells.53 Glycyrrhetinic acid, another constituent of licorice, protects against skin tumor initiation and promotion in a validated model of skin cancer.54

An extract of licorice called glabridin reduces inflammation resulting from UV light exposure. In fact, when a licorice extract rich in glabridin was applied to the skin before exposure to UV light, it helped prevent the redness and pigmentation that would normally have occurred. Licorice extract also reduces melanin synthesis, suggesting that it may have applications in preventing and fading unsightly “age spots,” or areas of hyper-pigmented skin.55

Furthermore, licorice extract’s antioxidant activity has been shown to enhance the stability of other compounds when added to a topical dermatological cream.56

Summary

The FDA’s sun protection factor (SPF) rating system is inherently flawed in that it measures the effectiveness of sunscreen products against UV-B light, but not against deeper-penetrating UV-A light. Unfortunately, despite the FDA’s public acknowledgment of this shortcoming back in 2000, the rating system has still not been changed.

Natural sunlight activates vitamin D in the skin, and vitamin D has extraordinary anti-cancer benefits. For those at greatest risk of skin cancer, consuming additional vitamin D may be a more appropriate strategy than additional sun exposure. Although there are many unusual theories about skin cancer in the medical literature, until these theories have more definitive proof, a cautious approach to sun exposure is indicated. For most of us, a prudent strategy suggests 10-15 minutes of exposure to natural sunlight two to three times weekly, with additional vitamin D supplementation as a reasonable option.

Natural topical products such as green tea extract, turmeric, and licorice root extract offer remarkable protection against premature skin aging and skin cancer that all too often result from excessive sun exposure and sunburn.

Your skin is designed to last a lifetime—treat it well, and it will!