He originally came to me for a “skin check”. Although I didn’t find any individual skin cancers or pre-cancers, which are unusual at his age (melanoma being the exception), I did mention his sun-damaged skin.

He said that although he applied layers of sunscreen before he went outside, he still got sunburned. I explained to him that he wasn’t doing enough to protect his skin from infrared radiation, and how antioxidants would help.

Being a scientist, he initially didn’t believe me and asked, “Then why don’t they put them in sunscreens?”

Good question!

Because left-brained individuals, such as scientists, typically need proof, I showed him the research I’d found on antioxidants and skin cancer.

Over the past few years, research studies have shown that antioxidants in sunscreens provide extra protection, by neutralizing free radicals and supporting the skin’s defence against UV-induced damage that traditional sunscreen ingredients alone cannot fully prevent

He finally agreed to use the antioxidant cream I made for him that contained vitamins A and C and green tea extract in a base cream of bio- identical fats, to apply to his face in the evening. And to continue using the same sunscreen throughout the day.

While sailing here in Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), he exposed himself to way too much sunlight for many consecutive days. When I saw him during his next appointment about another matter, he said, “You know, Doc, it’s amazing. But my face doesn’t get red in the sun like it used to.”