PABA

PABA as an element of skin care is mostly known for its use as a UV filter in may sunscreens. When it was discovered the PABA chemical actually increased the risk of skin cancer in certain types of people, many did away with their lotions and opted for a PABA free sunblock or a sunscreen with PABA derivative. While PABA still has a place in nutritional venues, the fact that PABA appears to damage DNA means suntan lotion and PABA are a combination that do not belong together. Dermatologists recommend sunscreens that block UVA and UVB rays. A good broad-spectrum sunblock is PABA free and has an SPF of 30.

As a nutritional supplement, PABA is an amino acid derivative of folic acid. It is often considered to be a B complex factor. Although not totally necessary to the body, one can find PABA in vitamin supplements. PABA resonance structures show that PABA is not a vitamin in the strictest sense of the word. Nonetheless, when the amino acid is taken as a supplement it is very good at reducing swelling. When it comes to arthritis, sufferers who prefer alternative healing methods know about the positive aspects PABA and rheumatism. Other effects of PABA are the re-pigmentation of hair and the prevention of thrombosis.
The known side effects of PABA are rashes, upset stomach and fever. As the resonance of PABA shows, problems can also result from the taking of sulfa drugs, something that is never recommended while taking PABA. PABA side effects for those who are allergic to the amino acid are chest pain and breathing problems, tightness in the throat, itchy skin hives or swelling in the skin. Side effects from topical use of PABA includes dark red spots that burn or itch, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles or dry but irritated skin. Any of these symptoms should warrant a trip to a doctor or dermatologist. Those who use PABA for vitiligo, a condition of unpigmented white patches on the skin, also know the dangers of too much PABA, as unbalanced levels will make their condition much worse.
Although it is no longer used as chemical in sunscreen, the use of PABA as a dietary supplement cannot be dismissed. The amino acid derivative is one of the few helpful alternative treatments for vitiligo that is known to work. PABA is also known to work for Pyronie’s disease and scleroderma.