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Posts Tagged ‘vitamin a’

Nervous about using Vitamin A? Don’t Be. It’s Perfectly Safe! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

 

You may have come across the recent health warning issued by the Environmental Working Group that sunscreens containing the ingredient retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) could pose a cancer risk. This warning garnered significant media attention and has caused considerable confusion among the public.  However, an independent analysis published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology determined that including retinyl palmitate in sunscreens cannot cause cancer in humans, and in fact, “years of research suggests retinoids are helpful in reducing your risk of skin cancer.”

To be clear, retinyl palmitate (which is not the same as tretinoin, or Retin- A, a popular anti- aging cream)  when used in sunscreen is not an active drug ingredient, but rather a cosmetic ingredient.  Additionally, it can serve as an antioxidant to improve the product performance against aging effects of UV exposure.

The study done by the Environmental Working Group cited evidence from non- human testing on albino, hairless mice that retinyl palmitate may lead to the production of free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to skin cancer, or may speed up the development of tumors.  After reviewing the findings, the American Academy of Dermatology announced that there was “no conclusive evidence to indicate the combination of retinyl palmitate and UV radiation causes increased rates of skin cancer.”  The AAD also warned that since the mice used in the Environmental Working Group study are highly susceptible to the effects of UV radiation and can develop skin cancer within weeks of exposure with or without retinyl palmitate, extreme caution should be used when relating these findings to humans. 

So what’s the bottom line?  Lather up, and use your sunscreen freely.  Your skin will thank you!

 

Healthy Skin from the Inside Out! Join us for Free Sushi, Green Tea and Advice on Green Tea Products, May 1st

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Patients often ask me if there are any supplements, vitamins, etc. that they should take to keep their skin more youthful and healthy.  My response is that nothing is more beneficial to your skin than a well-balanced diet.  Enough can’t be said about this simple and practical way to make your skin look its best.  The skin is the largest organ of the body, so poor eating habits certainly affect its appearance.  A lifetime of healthy eating will keep you looking better, longer.  I’ve listed a few foods that are especially good for the skin.  Keep in mind that moderation and staying within your energy needs is key to getting the benefits without excessive calorie intake.  For more details, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Green Tea: A powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It helps protect against free radical damage and slows down the signs of aging.  It may also play a role in reducing skin cancer and sun damage by decreasing the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Nuts:  Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds all have vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps protect against free radicals.  They also contain essential fatty acids (omega-3s) that strengthen cell membranes and help keep cells hydrated, making the skin look plumper and smoother.  In addition to fatty acids, the brazil nut is a good source of selenium, which prevents deterioration of cells.  The brazil nut and walnut also contain zinc, an anti-inflammatory for skin cells.

Salmon, Tuna, Avocados:  Lots of essential fatty acids found in these foods.  Avocados also contain B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development.

Berries:  Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai berries and plums are full of anti-oxidants, which help repair cells and neutralize the free radical damage caused by the sun and other environmental sources like smoke and pollutants.

Tomatoes:  Lycopene is readily absorbed from cooked tomatoes and scavenges free-radicals.  It also may help with cell metabolism, making skin cells work more efficiently.

Vitamin A:  This skin essential can be derived directly from low-fat dairy products like yogurt (the best choice for people with certain health problems).  It can also be converted by your body from beta-carotene rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes.

Whole grain breads & cereals:  Contain selenium and B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development and prevention of oxidative damage.

Water:  Since water makes up over 70% of our bodies, it only makes good sense that staying hydrated keeps our skin working its best.

Please stop by our office on Friday, May 1st to enjoy free sushi and green tea!  We will also have a representative available to discuss the benefits of topical green tea products when used directly on the skin.  We hope you can join us!

 

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