Summer is coming … Plan ahead

Ultraviolet (UV) rays on unprotected skin can cause first and second degree burns to the skin, commonly known as sunburns. Long-term damage from overexposure can include premature aging and even skin cancer. Using commercially available sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher is effective protection. However, a variety of natural remedies can be even more helpful than chemical-laden oils.

Protective nutritional supplements

Research has identified the benefits of antioxidants in preventing or minimizing injury caused by ultraviolet radiation. The damage begins when UV radiation stimulates the production of free radicals and lipid peroxidases within the skin. Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C neutralize these particles and reduce cell damage. These common nutrients are also effective in preventing sunburn.

In a study at the University of Munich, 10 subjects were given vitamin C (2000 mg) and vitamin E (1000 IU) daily or a placebo. The reaction to sunburn before and after 8 days of use of the supplement was determined by measuring the minimum dose of erythema (redness) or MED. This is the amount of UV radiation necessary to create a uniform pink color on exposed skin.

The results showed that subjects taking the vitamins required 20% more UV radiation to experience the same level of reaction compared to those taking a placebo (1). A similar result came from a separate study at the University of Frankfurt, which concluded that vitamin C and vitamin E act synergistically to suppress a reaction to sunburn. (two)

Another supplement, beta-carotene, has been studied for its effects as a sunscreen. Published data from a study at the University of Arizona suggests that natural carotenoid supplementation 90 mg daily for 24 weeks conveys modest protection against both UVA and UVB induced erythema. (3)

Taking these three supplements daily for a week before going on a beach vacation, or taking them during the summer, could be a wonderful and safe way to protect yourself from sunburn.

Healing topical therapies

Natural topical therapies have been shown to be helpful for sunburn. A study from the University of Western Ontario showed that applying 5% vitamin E cream immediately after a sunburn significantly decreased keratinocyte necrosis in the skin, commonly known as “flaking.” This positive effect was observed even when application was delayed up to 8 hours after exposure. (4) This is very good news for those who discover at night that their overexposure occurred earlier in the day.

A variety of herbs have been reported to have calming effects. Applying sea buckthorn oil (hippophae rhamnoides) 3 to 4 times a day has been helpful as a natural sunscreen or as a therapy for sunburn. Sea buckthorn oil is a natural product that contains vitamin C, malic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids. These components protect cells from lipid peroxidation injury. (5) Interestingly, the oil concentrate has been used to treat radiation burns caused by radiation therapy and in bedsores. Sea buckthorn increased the rate of new skin formation and accelerated the formation of granulation tissue in wounds. (6) Other useful herbs for the topical treatment of sunburn include 5-10% jojoba extract, (7) jujube oil, (8) and a semi-solid preparation of 20-30% dried poplar buds.

Be careful with herbal photosensitizers

Consumers should be aware of the possible complications, such as photosensitivity, associated with natural and pharmaceutical products from moderate sun exposure. St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) can cause photosensitization when taken orally at 1800 mg / day for 15 days (9) and can cause phototoxicity at a dose of 0.5 mg / kg per day, although it is a dose pretty big. (10) Photosensitization has been observed both by topical consumption and by heavy consumption of herbs that originate from plants belonging to the Apiaceae family. (11) The extensive list of common spices and vegetables in that plant family includes parsley, wild carrot, parsnip, anise, coriander, fennel, celery, bishop’s herb, angelica root, pimpinella root, gutta kola, and dong quai. Interestingly, eating common figs (Ficus carica) can also cause photodematitis in people who are sensitive to the sun. (12) Patients should be reminded that the use of certain medications are also known to cause photosensitivity, such as sulfa and tetracycline.

A final note

Lack of sun exposure can also cause significant health problems. Sunlight on the skin converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D, which the kidneys further process into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the active form of the vitamin. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that approximately one-third of men and half of women over the age of 60 are deficient in vitamin D, the essential nutrient for maintaining healthy bones. (13) Spending 20 to 30 minutes in full sun, without sunscreen, three times a week will allow the body to produce much-needed vitamin D.

A very recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that vitamin D is non-toxic in much higher intakes than was previously considered unsafe. “This risk assessment was necessary to show that the most recent evidence supports the conclusion that vitamin D is much safer than previously thought, particularly due to all the emergency research showing benefits for vitamin D in levels higher than what consumers traditionally took, “lead author John Hathcock told NutraIngredients.com. In fact, the Council of Responsible Nutrition Scientists states that this could rise to 10,000 IU (250 micrograms per day). (14)

Using common sense in the sun, moderate exposure, and knowledge of potentially phototoxic herbal remedies will help promote good skin health and make summer fun a pleasant experience rather than a hectic one.

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(1) Eberlein-Konig B, Placzek M, Pryzbilla. Protective effect against sunburn of the combination of systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and d-alpha-tocoperhol (vitamin E). J Am Acad. Dermatol. 1998 Jan; 38 (1): 45-8.

(2) Fuchs J, Kern H. Modulation of UV light-induced pimple inflammation by d-alpha-tocoperhol and L-ascorbic acid: a clinical study using simulated solar radiation. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998 Dec: 25 (9): 1006-12.

(3) Lee J; Jiang S; Levine N; Watson RR. Carotenoid supplementation reduces erythema on human skin after simulated exposure to solar radiation. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 2000 Feb; 223 (2): 170-4.

(4) Trevithick, JR; et al. Reduction of sunburn damage to the skin by topical application of vitamin E acetate after exposure to ultraviolet B radiation: effect of delaying application or reducing the concentration of vitamin E acetate applied. Scanning Microsc 1993 Dec; 7 (4): 1269-81.

(5) Wang Y, Lu y, Liu X, et. Alabama. the protective effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. on smooth muscle cells cultured in hyperlipidemic serum in vitro [article in Chinese]. Chung Kuo chung Yao Tsa chih 1992; 17 (10): 601, 624-26, inside back cover.

(6) Gruenwald J et al. PDR for herbal medicines. 1st Edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

(7) Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, medicine, and cosmetics. 2nd Edition. New York, NY: Jon Wiley & Sons, 1996.

(8) Ibid.

(9) Upton R, ed. St. John’s wort, Hypercium perforatum: quality control, analytical and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia; 1997; 1-32.

(10) Gulick RM, McAuliffe V, Holden-wiltse J, et al. Phase I studies of hypericin, the active compound in St. John’s wort, as an antiretroviral agent in HIV-infected adults. Protocols 150 and 258 of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group. Ann Int Med 1999; 130 (6): 510-4.

(11) Blumenthal M, et al. The Complete Monographs of the German Commission E: Herbal Medicines Therapeutic Guide. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

(12) Brinker F. Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

(13) Utiger, RD. NEJM, 1998: Vol. 338 (12): 828-Editorial.

(14) JN Hathcock, A. Shao, R. Vieth, R. Heaney. Vitamin D Risk Assessment “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. January 2007, Volume 85, Pages 6-18.