Sunscreen Does Not Effectively Protect Against Moles (Melanocytic Nevi)
The most recent meta review on the protective effect of sunscreen against the development of moles (melanocytic nevi) in children does not support the generally accepted paradigm that the use of sunscreen would protect children from the small malformation which are associated with an overall increase in skin cancer risk (de Maleissye. 2012)
In fact, only three of the 15 studies in the meta-analysis de Maleissye et al. have conducted showed a beneficial effect of sunscreen use on the count of melanocytic nevi, while eight studies reported a positive association between sunscreen application and MN count.
Interestingly, Goodson et al. have reported in 2009, already, that a single dose of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) could provide an alternative to classic coetaneous means of sun protection (Goodson. 2009). Moreover, its inhibitory effect on the UV-induced glutathione depletion could be potentiated by the administration of other dietary anti-oxidants that strengthen the endogenous antioxidant system (Camp. 2011).
References:
Camp WL, Turnham JW, Athar M, Elmets CA. New agents for prevention of ultraviolet-induced nonmelanoma skin cancer. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011 Mar;30(1):6-13.
de Maleissye MF, Beauchet A, Saiag P, Corrêa M, Godin-Beeckmann S, Haeffelin M, Mahé E. Sunscreen Use and Melanocytic Nevi in Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012 Sep 20.
Goodson AG, Cotter MA, Cassidy P, Wade M, Florell SR, Liu T, Boucher KM, Grossman D. Use of oral N-acetylcysteine for protection of melanocytic nevi against UV-induced oxidative stress: towards a novel paradigm for melanoma chemoprevention. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Dec 1;15(23):7434-40.