October 8, 2013

Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

Sunscreen not only helps prevent three types of skin cancer, it also shields a superhero gene that repairs sun-damaged skin.

Scientists performing the worlds first human study to assess the impact of sunscreen at the molecular level have confirmed that the skin protector provides 100 percent protection against all three-forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

Researchers writing in the journal Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research looked at the impact of sunlight on human skin, both with and without sunscreen. They found no evidence of UV-induced skin damage when of sunscreen had been properly applied to an exposed area.

The team determined that not only does sunscreen provide 100 percent protection against the skin cancers, but it also shielded the p53 gene, which works to prevent cancer.

As soon as our skin becomes sun damaged, the p53 gene goes to work repairing that damage and thereby preventing skin cancer occurring, Lead researcher Dr. Elke Hacker, from Queensland University of Technologys AusSun Research Lab, said in a press release. But over time if skin is burnt regularly the p53 gene mutates and can no longer do the job it was intended for it no longer repairs sun damaged skin and without this protection skin cancers are far more likely to occur.

The study involved 57 people undergoing a series of skin biopsies to determine molecular changes to the skin before and after UV exposure and with and without sunscreen. First, the team took small skin biopsies of peoples unexposed skin. After this, they exposed two skin sites to a mild burning dose of UV light. One site was covered with sunscreen, while the other was not.

After 24 hours, we took another set of biopsies and compared the skin samples, Hacker said. What we found was that, after 24 hours, where the sunscreen had been applied there were no DNA changes to the skin and no impact on the p53 gene.

She said that this study looked beyond the redness of skin to determine whether sunscreen helps prevent molecular changes that have been linked to skin cancers.

Follow this link:
Sunscreen Helps Protect 'Superhero' Gene, Prevents Skin Cancer

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