Topical Sunscreen Application Preventing Skin Cancer: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight and the topical application of sunscreen when exposed are the main techniques used to protect the skin form sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer risk (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer). Preventive strategies could lead to a significant reduction of the excessive health system cost for the treatment of these conditions. Sunscreen employment and efficacy stay controversial despite decades of humane use with health benefits closely related. At the present, few studies still found a connection between the use of sunscreen and not significant long-term benefits from UV induced damages. Objectives: To assess the effects of sunscreens for preventing melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer (basal or squamous carcinoma and melanoma) and precancerous skin lesions. Method: Published literature (1993–2017) was reviewed and eligible studies that reported the impact of sunscreen use in the prevention of melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, or precancerous skin lesion were selected. Result: Starting from 532 sources, a total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria and they have been subjected to a systematic review. All of the included studies suggest that sunscreen use is associated with a reduction in melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous skin lesions; however, the difficulties in evaluating the efficiency of sunscreen were pointed out. Conclusion: The review of the experimental evidence supports the topical application of sunscreen as an effective effort in preventing skin cancer and precancerous skin lesions.

Vitamin D and cardiovascular health

“…The use of sunscreen is an important strategy protecting against UVR from sunlight exposure [ 30 ]. Sunscreen attenuates the effects of UVR on the skin, mainly as UVR is absorbed by chemical filters including para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives, benzophenones and salycilates [ 31 ]. These organic compounds substantially interfere with the skin production of vitamin D3 [ 32 ].…”

Assessment of sun‑related behavior and serum vitamin D in basal cell carcinoma: Preliminary results

“…New FDA recommendations try to overcome these deficits by regulations of usage and selling of the creams ( 41 ). Recently, it was observed that it does not protect against BCC, but it protects against actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma ( 42 ). A large cohort study reports that use of high SPF cream before the age of 25, but not after, protects against BCC ( 43 ).…”

Glycerol‐Filled Silicone Adhesive Patches with Excellent Sun Protection

“…The most commonly used sun protection for skin are sunscreens, which have been proven to reduce sunburns, skin ageing, and skin cancer risk (melanoma and non‐melanoma) through their ability to reflect, scatter and/or absorb UV light. [ 7,8 ] Sunscreens exist in many types of formulations such as emulsions, gels, aerosols, and sticks, and their active ingredients include inorganic and organic UV filters—which are the most commonly applied filter types [ 9 ] —as well as hybrid and botanical ingredients. [ 10 ] It was previously believed that inorganic filters (physical filters), which include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles, worked solely by reflecting and scattering the UV rays before they reach the skin.…”

“…[ 11 ] Inorganic filters must be able to block UV light over the entire UVA/UVB range (290–400 nm), and their ability to reflect and scatter UV rays depends on their intrinsic refractive indexes, particle size, and dispersion in the emulsion. [ 7,12 ]…”