Caffeine: A new ally in the fight against skin cancer?
Caffeine, found in coffee and tea, has numerous benefits: it enhances concentration, improves mood, boosts metabolism, and helps combat migraines. Scientists have discovered that it can also protect the skin from UV radiation, reducing the risk of melanoma.
The symptoms of skin cancer are quite varied and often visible. They include unusual redness and halos around moles. Ulceration and itching often occur, as well as some other skin changes.
Does caffeine counteract skin cancer? Surprising research findings
Applying caffeine directly to the skin appears to affect the ATR enzyme and helps protect against skin cancer. In New Jersey, studies were conducted on genetically modified mice to reduce the ATR gene amount. The results are noteworthy. When the mice were exposed to UV, those with less active ATR developed fewer tumours.
- Caffeine stimulates the death of DNA-damaged cells, primarily by inhibiting the ATR pathway and secondly by increasing the level of p53 (these are biological effects). Reducing the level of ATR activity inhibits UVB-induced carcinogenesis. Caffeine acts like a "sunscreen," because we observed that it absorbs UVB. All these actions contribute to counteracting the development of cancer cells, said Dr Allan Conney. He also noted that scientists plan further research. They aim to determine the impact of caffeine on skin condition more accurately.
Experts encourage the use of creams with SPF 15 or higher and the avoidance of the sun during peak hours. Avoiding tanning beds, which further reduces the risk of skin cancer, is also recommended. Exposing the skin to artificial rays is very harmful.
