Natural Ways to Protect Against Basal Cell Carcinoma

Stay out of the Sun

Keeping out of the sun is crucial. You need exposure to natural light for your wellbeing and to manufacture vitamin D, but burning your skin is definitely a bad idea. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade when possible and wear SPF sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Choose a sun protection cream made of natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. Natural substances designed as barriers, like zinc oxide, cause the sun’s rays to safely bounce off your skin.

Vitamin D is needed by your immune system to protect you from cancer. However, it’s far safer to take a supplement of this nutrient than to risk sunburn.

Load up on Skin-Friendly Antioxidants

Antioxidants are your body’s natural tools to neutralise the free radicals that otherwise harm DNA and cause cells to turn cancerous. Because sun exposure triggers the production of free radicals in your skin, your body will be depleted of its antioxidant stores. So, you’ll need to load up on antioxidants to compensate.

Antioxidants are concentrated in colourful plant foods and it’s vital to consume a good mixture. You can do this by choosing lots of different coloured fruits and vegetables to decorate your plate.

Certain antioxidants known as carotenoids seem to be particularly protective towards skin cells. These antioxidants have been found in studies to prevent skin damage from ultraviolet rays and therefore reduce the likelihood of developing sunburn and skin cancer ¹. They include beta carotene, found in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato and butternut squash, and lycopene, rich in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, and red peppers. Finally there’s lutein, found in dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach; yellow peppers and egg yolks.

Other antioxidants called polyphenols, found in green tea, may also reduce your risk of skin cancer. A review of scientific studies concluded they seem to encourage the processes of repairing DNA damage from sunlight ².

In research, a type of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide can reduce the development of BCC and other skin cancers, again by helping skin to repair. It seems to have anti-inflammatory effects, too. Nicotinamide is naturally found in meat, fish, mushrooms, legumes and grains.

Your practitioner will recommend a supplement containing skin-protective antioxidants and other nutrients if this would benefit you.

Ditch the Alcohol

Some research suggests people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing BCC ³. Enjoy non-alcoholic spritzers instead.

Look After Your Gut

Your skin is often considered to be your largest organ and its condition reflects the health of the rest of your body. It has a particularly close connection with your gut. Ensuring your gut is healthy will protect your skin, too.