12 Jul Solar Keratosis: A Skin Reaction to UV Rays That Can Develop Into Cancer – Natural Remedies to Restore the Skin’s Barrier
Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, which can develop into skin cancer. Fortunately, there are effective natural remedies that help prevent and treat it safely, without side effects.
1. What Is Solar (Actinic) Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion that develops due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. It appears as small rough, scaly patches or plaques, often reddish or brownish in color. The most affected areas are those frequently exposed to the sun: face, hands, chest, scalp, and lips.
This condition occurs mostly after the age of 40 and may affect a single area or multiple areas at once. Only 1 in 4 cases of actinic keratosis regresses spontaneously, while the others may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
2. Causes of Solar Keratosis
The primary cause is chronic exposure to UV rays (natural or artificial), which damages cellular DNA and accelerates skin aging. On a molecular level, this leads to:
- Increase in free radicals
- Release of inflammatory cytokines
- Disruption of cellular repair mechanisms
These factors weaken the skin’s barrier function, promoting the formation of precancerous lesions.
3. Conventional Treatments: Benefits and Limitations
Traditional pharmacological treatments for actinic keratosis include gels containing Imiquimod or Ingenol mebutate. However, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and the EMA banned the use of Picato (Ingenol mebutate) in 2020 due to the potential increased risk of skin cancer.
Even Imiquimod, though less dangerous, may cause local adverse reactions and does not guarantee a definitive resolution of keratosis.
4. Natural Remedies for Solar Keratosis
Phytotherapy offers effective and safe solutions to prevent and treat solar keratosis:
- Calendula Officinalis: anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and disinfectant properties
- Rhodiola Rosea: reduces oxidative stress and strengthens the skin’s defenses
- Flavoproteins and coenzymes (e.g., NAD, NADP): promote DNA repair and immune balance
These natural remedies help restore the skin’s barrier function, prevent cellular degeneration, and support the regeneration of damaged tissues—without the side effects of conventional drugs.
Conclusion
Promptly addressing actinic keratosis is essential to prevent its progression to cancerous forms. The adoption of natural treatments, combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper sun protection, offers an effective strategy to keep skin healthy and protected over time.
Protect your skin naturally, effectively, and safely.