Sunspots - prevention all the way

SUNSPOTS….otherwise known as solar keratosis, the most common skin condition caused by sun damage. These small, rough and scaly patches are common on areas repeatedly exposed to the sun such as the face and backs of the hands. They are considered to be precancerous or an early form of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Not great!

Despite all my years of protecting my skin and being sun smart, I recently developed one of these on my face and subsequently had it ‘frozen’ with liquid nitrogen spray to remove the defective skin cells. This is the normal treatment, but it’s not something I want to make a regular occurrence! So, in addition to having an annual skin check and continuing to protect my skin in all the usual ways, I have been scouring the research to identify additional preventative measures to avoid further skin damage. Here are some key points:

☀️Consumption of foods high in vitamin C has been shown to statistically decrease risk of both Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) and SCCs. Good sources are green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes and herbs

☀️In vitro studies suggest that selenium may be protective against UVB damage - Brazil nuts are a great source!

☀️A diet high in meat and fats from fried and take-away foods increases the risk of SCC compared to a diet high in vegetables and fruit. Another vote for antioxidants!

☀️Green tea has been shown to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer by enhancing DNA repair. I’ll be upping my matcha beverages to maximise my intake of green tea polyphenols

☀️Nicotinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) has been shown to cut the rate of new BCCs and SCCs by 23% compared to placebo. It also reduces the risk of developing solar keratosis. As well as ingesting B3 via lots of avocado, mushrooms, nuts, legumes and some lean meat; I’ll also be applying it topically via a special cream

Here’s to no more sunspots!