Caffeinated Sunscreen

Caffeine has a sunscreen effect. It absorbs UVB rays when applied to the skin.

Aloe, coconut oil and calendula are common sunscreen ingredients, but none of them may be as beneficial as caffeine, the alkaloid stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and many of the new energy drinks.

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle and at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey provides further documentation about the role of caffeine in lowering risks of certain UV-induced skin cancers. "Multiple human epidemiologic studies link caffeinated (but not decaffeinated) beverage intake with significant decreases in several types of cancer, including highly prevalent UV-associated skin carcinomas," said the authors of the study.

Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the DNA of skin cells. Direct application of caffeine to the skin changes the activity of the gene involved in the destruction of cells that may become cancerous due to DNA damage.

Overexposure to the sun has been directly linked to the development of skin cancers. The daily use of a sunscreen having an SPF of 15 or higher is the best protection against the development of skin cancer.

"Caffeine might become a weapon in prevention because it inhibits ATR and also acts as a sunscreen and directly absorbs damaging UV light," said Allan Conney, professor of Chemical Biology.

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