Prevention

Topical Antioxidants. Although there are wide claims about the benefits of antioxidants for wrinkles when used in skin creams, to date, only vitamins E and C and selenium applied topically have been proven to have any benefits for reducing sun damage in the skin. Even with these antioxidants, however, most available brands contain very low concentrations of them. In addition, they are also not well absorbed and have a short-term effect. New delivery techniques, however, may prove to offset some of these problems.

• Vitamin E. Studies suggest that topical vitamin E, particularly alpha tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) cream decreased skin roughness, length of facial lines, and wrinkle depth. Studies on mice have also reported reductions in UV-induced skin cancer with its use.
• Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. This is a very potent antioxidant, and most studies on the effects of antioxidants on the skin have used this vitamin. In laboratory studies, large amounts reduced skin swelling and protected immune factors from sunlight. It may even promote collagen production. Vitamin C by itself is unstable, but products that solve the delivery problem are now available (for example, Cellex-C, Avon's Anew Formula C Treatment Capsules, and others).
• Selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine has protected against sun damage and even delayed skin cancer in animal studies. It is not known if such benefits apply to people.

Oral Antioxidants. One small study found that taking a combination of vitamins oral C and E supplements may help reduce sunburn reactions, although the protection is much less than from sunscreens. (Taking the vitamins singly does not appear to have the same effect.)

Other Natural Substances. The following natural substances have antioxidant properties and are being tried for sun-protection:

• Both green and black tea and ginger appear to have properties that may provide some protection against skin cancers and photoaging. A 2001 study using extracts of topical green tea suggested that it might protect against ultraviolet damage. More research is warranted. Green tea skin care products are now available, but their quality is unregulated.
• The substance silymarin, found in the milk thistle family (which includes artichokes), may inhibit UVB-promoted cancers in animals.
• In one interesting study, eating garlic protected animals very effectively against UVB damage by interfering with urocanic acid in the skin. Whether these results may be applied to humans, and what quantities of garlic might be beneficial, is still unknown.