Is UV Exposure Really Linked To Skin Cancer?

Photo credit: Hust Wilson

Is UV exposure really linked to skin cancer? I recently read the New York Times article, Should Black People Wear Sunscreen? A dermatologist speculates that UV sun exposure is not related to skin cancer. He postulates that if it were the case, there’d be a skin cancer epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. He says sunscreen is not promoted there as it is in America.

 

I use my SPF 30 mineral sunscreen everyday—rain or shine. When it comes to my skin and health, I don’t want to take any chances. People of color are usually left out of clinical trials regarding sunscreen protection. Therefore, precise recommendations are scarce and/or not specifically tailored to us. Hence, I err on the side of conservancy until more research is gathered.

With that said, I have my own theory as to why we don’t hear about a skin cancer epidemic sub-Saharan Africa. I believe it’s the ingredients in their skincare products. There are over a dozen clues to support my conclusion. Here’s a good list to start. 

1. Marula Oil contains fatty antioxidants, which scavenges free radicals. It has essential fatty acids to help build your stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin). 
   
2. Mongongo Oil (also called Manketti) contains antioxidant vitamin E and alpha-eleostearic acid. Both protects from UV rays. Mongongo oil is used in Africa for this purpose.
3. Moringa Oil has antioxidant vitamin C, which fights off free radicals caused by the sun, which leads to wrinkles and cancer. It also has essential fatty acids, which helps build your skin barrier. 
4. Baobab Oil is packed with antioxidant vitamin E for UV protection. The omega fatty acids are building blocks to healthy cell membranes. The polyunsaturated fats help produce skin’s natural oil barrier.
5. Kalahari Melon Seed Oil contains omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which builds healthy cell membranes.
6. Nilotica Shea Butter contains antioxidant vitamin E to kick free radical in the pants. The essential fatty acids help build your skin barrier. And it boasts an SPF value about 3-4. 
7. Mafura Butter/Oil contains essential fatty acids to help build your skin barrier.
8. Ximenia Oil (also called Wild Plum or Monkey Plum) is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Hello healthy cell membrane. 
9. Maracuja Oil is rich in antioxidant vitamin C, which tackles free radicals.
10. Argan Oil is high in antioxidant vitamin E. Bye-bye free radicals. It also boasts essential fatty acids for healthy cell membranes.
11. Sesame Oil has antioxidant vitamin E giving free radicals a one-two punch. Essential fatty acids round out this oil, too.
12. Avocado Oil contains the free-radical fighting antioxidant vitamin E. The essential fatty acids build healthy cell membranes.
13. Yangu Oil contains antioxidants for natural UV protection.
14. Macadamia Oil is rich in essential fatty acids to bid free radicals adieu. It’s similar to human sebum (natural oil produced by your skin).

I’m not a dermatologist or scientist, but you can’t deny that there may be a correlation between their skincare products and UV sun protection. That’s just my two-cents, folks.