Dietary and Topical Antioxidants in Skin Cancer: A Narrative Review on Prevention, Treatment, and Dermatological Care in Patients and Survivors

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Science, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Ravand, Kashan, Iran

10.30476/ijns.2026.107353.1494

Abstract

Skin cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis. Antioxidants exhibit potent free radical scavenging properties that mitigate UV-induced DNA damage and inflammatory responses. This narrative review critically examined the role of dietary
and topical antioxidants in the prevention, treatment, and dermatological care of skin cancer. Here, we conducted a comprehensive search across major medical databases for all research types. The search employed the keywords of antioxidants, oxidative stress, skin cancer, skin neoplasms and skin care. Dietary antioxidants were shown to be associated with reduced incidence and progression of various skin cancers, highlighting the importance of nutritional strategies in primary prevention. Topical antioxidants, formulated in dermatological preparations, offer localized protection by enhancing the endogenous defense mechanisms and improving repair processes of the skin post-UV exposure. In conclusion, the adjunctive use of antioxidants may improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects of conventional therapies. In skin cancer survivors, sustained antioxidant therapy may contribute to improved skin health, reduced recurrence risk, and enhanced quality of life. Despite promising findings, heterogeneity in study designs and antioxidant formulations necessitates further researches to establish standardized guidelines.

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