We
all have heard either from our parents and/or grandparents don’t forget to put
on sunscreen. What if they told us that sunscreen shields superhero genes that
protect us from getting cancer, would that change your mind and apply
sunscreen?
Queensland
University of Technology did the world’s-first human study on the impact of
sunscreen at the molecular level. It was found that sunscreen provides 100 %
protection against all three forms of skin cancer and shields the p53 gene that
prevents cancer. If our skin is sun
burned regularly, the p53 mutates and can no longer do its job. This study was
done with proper supplication of SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Fifty-seven
people underwent a series of skin biopsies to determine the molecular changes
of the skin before and after UV exposure, some had sunscreen and others did
not. After 24 hours where the sunscreen had been applied there was no DNA
change to the skin. The skin could have been red but there has to be a change
to the molecular structure to enhance cancer development. The molecular
responses to UV expose can now be used to investigate post-sun treatments to
assist in repair of sun damaged.
Most
people think that they don’t burn and don’t need sunscreen but by reading this
would they now use sunscreen? Does this change your mind on how you apply
sunscreen? If you don’t use sunscreen will you start?
Here
is the article if you would like to read it:
Theres spf somthing in my foundation and my moisturizer. I've always wondered if its practical for one to wear sunscreen everyday? Or only when we're gonna be outside for a significant amount of time. I would have liked to know what happened to the skin that was exposed without the sunscreen. Like what amount of unprotected sun exposure causes p53 to mutate.
ReplyDeleteYou can have sun exposure but over time it will cause the p53 to mutate but you have to have skin damage like a deep burn to cause this mutation.
ReplyDeleteI have always needed sunscreen, I am fair skinned and will always be tomato red over the summer until I develop a tan. Regardless, whether I have sunscreen on or not I will always turn red. It's an interesting development in sunscreen, unfortunately I think the sciene behind it goes above kids heads. I'd be interested to see where this study goes as far as developing solutions to repair sundamaged skin. Can a topical cream be developed that can counteract the suns damage and re-mutate the DNA back to it's original structure? There is potential here to help prevent skin cancer in those who have slacked in their sunscreen application.
ReplyDeleteThe science was not the part to tell your kids but to tell them they are a superhero for your skin so they will put on their sunscreen. It will help repair the DNA but of course it will not be a perfect fix.
ReplyDeleteSo since we are on the topic of sunscreen, why are there different ranges of spf? Like spf 30, 50, 75..?
ReplyDeleteThe level of spf that is needed to be use depends on the fairness of your skin.
ReplyDelete