With department stores, doctors offices, and pharmacies FULL of all kinds of creams, lotions and potions for your skin, it's hard to know what to select. I always tell patients that if you enjoy a product, use it.
BUT, if you want to do something to protect your skin for the long term from skin cancer and wrinkles, you must be on an antioxidant formulation. Ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the SUN is known to cause skin damage and wrinkles as well as several forms of skin cancer. UV light causes damage by penetrating the skin and create "free radicals" – highly reactive molecules that can destroy cells, damage DNA, create age spots and wrinkles, depress the immune system, and ultimately cause skin cancer.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM UV LIGHT?
The answer is, of course, daily broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen and ANTIOXIDANTS. Antioxidants are important because they significantly reduce the production of damaging free radicals by UV light. These protective antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C or E, can help prevent skin cancer and keep skin firm and young looking. Both oral (pills and food containing healthy A, C, and E vitamins) as well as topical preparations (there are many prescription and commercially available formulations) are effective therapies.
Good luck and wear suncreen!
