Preventing Skin Cancer

What should we believe…sunscreens may cause skin cancer? We should get as much sun as possible to get Vitamin D? The damage is done….?

The truth is that preventing skin cancer is like preventing any other kind of cancer. Our bodies are amazing to start with, and they do much of the work already on their own! There are cells from our immune system that "mop up" any damaged cells that could go on to become cancerous. Why does skin cancer form? The sun hits our skin and produces free radicals, which inflict DNA damage. When the body can't keep up with all the damage, that's when skin cancer can form. What can we do to prevent it? Help your body from three directions: sun protection to minimize the environmental insult, keeping a healthy immune system and supplementing with antioxidants that quench free radicals.

Here are some tips to do just that:

Sun protection is not just about sunscreen. Sun protection means hats, sun protective clothing or sunguard laundry powder. Rash guards in the water, avoiding the mid day sun, protecting yourself when you are driving or near a window, and considering UV protection and glasses are also effective in minimizing the impact of the sun's rays.

Sunscreen helps protect you from sun damage. Wear SPF30 on the face, neck, hands and other parts of the body that aren't covered when you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes. To decrease the chemical burden on your body, look for chemical free sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Try Skin Ceuticals Physical block (micronized) (Lokahi $34), Jason's chemical SPF30 or Dr. Hauschka's (Kona Naturals), MyChelle SPF30 (Online).

Diet is key for maintaining a healthy immune system. Include as many antioxidant foods in your diet as possible. Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables. Focus on foods rich in Omega 3-fatty acids such as wild salmon and other cold-water fish, like herring, sardines, halibut and mackerel, at least twice a week or take an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement, 2 capsules (1000 mg) daily with food. Stick with a good brand so that you don't "burp" a fishy taste. Try Eskimo 3 (Lokahi $21), Nordic Naturals (Kona Naturals).

Take a multivitamin that includes antioxidants and put them on your skin too. Vitamins A, C and E, along with other antioxidants, are in many facial products and sunscreens. DDF Organic Sunblock consists of 13 antioxidants (Lokahi $28). Scientific studies have shown that properly prepared Vitamin C serums can decrease sun damaged skin cells. (Lokahi Skin Ceuticals Vitamin C 15 Serum $75, Cellex C (Online). Other studies have shown a decrease in pre-cancers by a nightly use of a Vitamin A derivative like retinol (Skin Ceuticals Lokahi $42) or Retin-A (available by prescription $70-100-may be covered by insurance).

Other antioxidants that may benefit the skin include: milk, thistle, grape seed polyphenols (red wine), turmeric (curry), licorice extract and rosemary. Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor if you've never seen one to help you customize a diet and supplement regime that's right for you.

The benefits of green tea are being consistently proven. We recommend 3-5 cups a day. Make sure you are using filtered water. Studies are showing even topical green tea can sop up free radicals. Try Alba Organic Hawaiian SPF30 or Clarins SPF40 UV, both with green tea.

Get your Vitamin D. Rigorous sun protection could lead to depletion. Make sure you get about 10-15 minutes of exposure 2-3 times per week.

Don't forget the important mind body connection for keeping you and your immune system running in top shape. Surround yourself with people who support a positive outlook, not the TV or newspaper. Stimulate your mind and support your creative energies. Learn to meditate. Find ways that suit your lifestyle to reduce your reaction to the stressors that exist in our world. Try yoga, qi gong, getting a massage, praying, acupuncture and regular exercise.