Several types of skin cancers exist, but the most common type is basal cell carcinoma, which is caused by over-exposure to the sun. Other types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma, which is caused by a herpes-related virus and is common in people with AIDS. You can take certain herbs to help to prevent skin cancer, but most herbs won't treat existing cancer. Further, you should never use herbal treatments alone to try to treat skin cancer. Always discuss any herbal or other alternative medical treatments you're using with your doctor, because some of these remedies may interfere with conventional skin cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Green Tea
Green tea may help to prevent skin cancer by protecting skin cells from free radicals. The sun's ultraviolet light causes free radicals that can damage the skin and potentially cause skin cancer, but certain antioxidants such as green tea help to neutralize these free radicals, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Specifically, green tea contains the antioxidants polyphenols that may prevent cancerous tumors from growing, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oral and topical applications of green tea aren't effective in treating existing sun damage and skin cancer, however.
Ginkgo
Like green tea, gingko is an herb with antioxidant effects that can protect you from skin cancer, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gingko is among several herbs that have been used in traditional medicine to protect the skin. Bilberry, ginger and hawthorn are antioxidant herbs that may produce similar protective effects regarding skin cancer.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains antioxidant properties that may help to protect your skin from cancer cell growth. In addition to milk thistle, cocoa, Vitis vinifera extract and zinc may also help to treat or prevent aging skin and skin cancer, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "However, the supporting evidence that use of these substances (taken either orally or topically) offers any benefit for the skin remains far too preliminary to be relied upon at all," the University of Pittsburgh concedes.
Lemon Balm & Turmeric
If you have Kaposi's sarcoma, a form of skin cancer, applying lemon balm with other herbs topically may help in your treatment. You can make a paste of lemon balm cream, drops of Hoxsey-like formula containing herbs and potassium iodide, and powdered turmeric, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Apply the paste to your skin lesions twice daily to treat Kaposi's sarcoma.
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