Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancer while melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Individuals with a history of excessive exposure to sun light are at a greater risk of developing these forms of skin cancer. Certain vitamins can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the repair of damage to the cells of the body. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants are highly effective in destroying oxygen-free radicals, which are unstable particles that cause cellular damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer; the American Cancer Society estimates that 120,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year in the United States. According to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the "Journal of Cell Physiology," vitamin C was shown to have the ability to inhibit the growth of melanoma cancerous cells in the laboratory. Squamous carcinoma cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer; the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 700,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. A study published in the May 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" showed that a diet high in vitamin C reduced the incidence of squamous carcinoma of the skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that does not oxidize and is directly absorbed through the skin. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, protecting the body from cellular damage due to free radicals that can lead to skin cancer and heart disease. Since vitamin E is an antioxidant that is absorbed when directly applied to the skin, it is effective in the prevention of skin cancer. A research study published in the April 2008 issue of "Chemico-Biological Reactions" showed that topical vitamin E inhibited the formation of tumors in mice, thereby, offering cancer preventative actions.
Vitamin A
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet sunlight diminishes the amount of antioxidants in the skin, thereby, accelerating skin cancer. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and essential vitamin for skin health; ultraviolet radiation can deplete the amount of vitamin A in the skin, leading to skin cancer and skin damage. Retinol A is a natural form of vitamin A and is helpful in preventing serious side effects of ultraviolet radiation such as skin cancer. Furthermore, retinol and vitamin A are also effective in stimulating collagen production, thereby, reducing the signs of aging.
References
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: Skin Cancer Information
- "Journal of Cell Physiology"; Vitamin C Suppresses Proliferation of the Human Melanoma Cell SK-Mel 2 Through the Inhibiton of Cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) Expression and the Modulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor II (IGF-II) Production; SK Lee et al; July 2008
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary Pattern in Association with Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Skin: A Prospective Study; Ibiebele TI et al.; May 2007
- "Chemico-Biological Reactions"; Topically Applied Vitamin E Prevents Massive Cutaneous Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Responses Induced by Double Application of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) in Mice; S. Rahman, et. al; April 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin wrinkles and blemishes - Treatment
