Eat your fruits and veggies, or spread them on your skin? If you want to protect against cancer, the answer could someday be both. Currently, the best protection against skin cancer is shielding our skin from the sun’s rays via lotions, clothes, or staying out of the sun for long periods of time. But a growing number of studies are applying the cancer-protective properties of plant foods to the skin, literally. Although results are still preliminary, researchers are finding that the same plant compounds that fight cancer when consumed may wield similar protection for our skin when applied topically.
Skin is our body’s largest organ and it handles a lot of jobs. It regulates the body’s temperature; plays a role in producing vitamin D; provides our sense of touch; and holds the nerves that let us feel temperature. Skin also protects the body from harmful substances, such as microorganisms and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays from the sun (both UVA and 
UVB) can lead to DNA damage, cell death, suppress the immune system and slow DNA repair. Too much damage may lead to the development of skin cancer.
Skin cancer has become the most common type of cancer with the number of new cases increasing every year. It is also one of the most preventable cancers. But with the increase in skin cancer on the rise, researchers are looking for new strategies to battle this disease.
Plant extracts may provide a unique approach. Research suggests that plant extracts may go beyond blocking UV rays but, absorbed into the skin, they may heal UV damage to the skin after it has occurred. Researchers are exploring a number of topical plant extracts that fight skin cancer, such as:
Broccoli sprouts: In April, researchers reported promising findings on a topically applied extract of sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli and recognized for its anti-cancer action. It was a couple years ago these researchers saw that sulforaphane extract on mouse skin helped repair UV damage. In the recent study, researchers wanted to make sure the extract caused no harmful reactions and was effective in humans. The team applied varying doses of the extract to the skin of both mice and humans. Again, the extract proved effective and caused no harmful reactions.
Green tea: Green tea’s active compounds, such as EGCC (epigallocatechin gallate), have been well studied. Only recently have they spilled onto skin. In 2003 a green tea cream was found to reduce the signs of both UVA and UVB cell damage on mouse skin. Lab studies have found EGCC on skin reduces the number of keratinocytes that die when exposed to UV rays. (Keratinocytes are the major cell type in the outer layer of the skin.) Last year, researchers found EGCC applied to mouse skin led to speedier DNA repair and less of the DNA damage produced by UV rays.
Grapes: Grapes contain some powerful antioxidants, with the compound resveratrol high on the list. A 2005 study, published in The FASEB Journal, investigated the effects of resveratrol on UVB both before and after the damage. One group of mice had resveratrol applied to their skin a few minutes before UVB exposure; a second group had it applied after UVB exposure. After 28 weeks, researchers found both groups of resveratrol-treated mice showed fewer tumors and delayed tumor growth, compared to mice not treated with resveratrol.
Other studies have found cancer-protective effects from topical extracts of lycopene (from tomatoes), berries, soy and pomegranates. Although fruits and vegetables provide numerous cancer-protective and other health benefits, they’re not yet ready for slathering on our skin. So as you practice smart sun protection this summer, you can still toss some delicious fruits and vegetables into your beach bag, just make sure to eat them.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on the link between diet, nutrition and cancer. The Institute provides a wide range of consumer education programs that help millions of Americans learn to make changes for lower cancer risk. AICR also supports innovative research in cancer prevention and treatment at universities, hospitals, and research centers across the U.S. The Institute has provided more than $70 million in funding for research in diet, nutrition and cancer. Visit AICR’s Web site. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.