Total Sun Protection Cream With Beta Glucan (Continued)

Green tea is possibly one of the world’s oldest sun-protective agents, having been consumed as a “functional food” for at least 4,000 years.27-29 Studies have shown that green tea and green tea extract prevent photoaging both from within (taken orally) and without (when applied topically).30-35

Numerous studies have shown that topically applied green tea extract (or applications of the main bioactive green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG) can prevent the development of skin cancers in lab rodents specially bred for these types of investigations. Mechanisms of action appear to include enhanced DNA repair and retention of robust immune function. Unprotected skin exposed to excessive UV radiation invariably suffers a significant suppression of immune function, a deficit believed to play a role in UV-induced cancers. Furthermore, topical EGCG interferes with tumors’ ability to supply themselves with blood, and stimulates immune system T cells, which function to destroy aberrant cells. Thus, green tea acts to thwart cancer at several stages in its development and spread.36-38

Rosemary

Rosemary, a perennial herb used as both a culinary and medicinal plant for thousands of years, is packed with a broad array of beneficial compounds, including cancer-fighting chemicals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.39-41 Italian scientists recently identified several rosemary compounds that exhibit potent anti-inflammatory action.41 Two of these compounds—carnosic and ursolic acids—have been shown to be of particular benefit to skin.42-44

Rutgers University researchers showed that topical application of both carnosic and ursolic acids significantly inhibits tumor growth in a mouse model of human skin cancer. Tumor inhibition was as high as 99%, depending on the concentration of the rosemary extract.42 More recently, Indian scientists studied the effects of feeding rosemary extract to specialized lab mice, which serve as surrogate models for human skin cancer. “[The] . . . extract could prolong the latency period of tumor occurrence [and] decrease tumor incidence, tumor burden, and tumor yield,” the researchers concluded.45

Milk Thistle Extract

Milk thistle contains silibinin and silymarin, two flavonoid compounds used for many years to treat liver disease in Europe and Asia. These unique compounds have recently come under increased scrutiny by scientists due to their well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. Numerous studies have shown that these extracts combat skin cancer through a variety of mechanisms, including protecting DNA against damage, decreasing oxidative stress, and lessening inflammation.46-61

Researchers at the University of Michigan noted recently, “Melanoma is one of the few tumors that have increased in incidence over the last few decades.”49 They suggested that silymarin and green tea are among “several promising agents” that could be harnessed to “significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality from this deadly cancer.”49

“Silymarin possesses exceptionally high protective effects against [skin] tumor promotion,” concluded investigators at Case Western Reserve University.53 As such, silymarin is a superb choice for inclusion in sun protection products. It is exceptionally well tolerated and protects against skin cancers through diverse mechanisms. “Silymarin may favorably supplement sunscreen protection and provide additional anti-photocarcinogenic protection,” wrote Dr. Katiyar, in the International Journal of Oncology.46

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root has been used medicinally since prehistoric times.62 In Chinese medicine, it is one of the oldest and most frequently employed botanicals, with recognized anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, and cancer-preventive properties.63 Japanese researchers showed that licorice constituents inhibit the growth of melanoma cancer cells growing in culture. More recently, Japanese scientists demonstrated that a licorice constituent induces a variety of cancer cell types (from liver and stomach cancer to leukemia cells) to undergo apoptosis, or cellular suicide.64

Today, scientists are interested in licorice extract’s ability to promote skin health and avert cancer. Middle Eastern scientists conducted a double-blind study of licorice gel as a treatment for atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. They concluded, “Licorice extract could be considered as an effective agent for treatment of atopic dermatitis.”65 Italian researchers studying the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin concluded, “Glycyrrhizin treatment might offer protection from the damage induced in humans by UVB radiation.”66

Conclusion

Maintaining youthful-looking skin and protecting against cancer require a multipronged approach, one that incorporates both UV blockers and bioactive botanicals for protection from the suns aging effects. Simple sunscreens may be inadequate to achieve this level of defense. For total protection and restoration of skin, consider daily use of products that provide scientifically substantiated, natural skin-rejuvenating agents.

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