What are some of the common effects of Para-AminoBenzoic Acid (PABA)?
The most well-known property of PABA is as an effective sunscreen, when used topically. Para-aminobenzoic acid is a chemical sunscreen which absorbs ultraviolet (UV) and visible sun light. As an antioxidant, PABA also provides protection against ozone, smoking, and other air pollutants which damage other cell structures and membranes through oxidative stress. Limiting exposure to the sun and using sunscreen agents can help prevent early wrinkling and skin cancer. PABA is important for healthy hair and skin, and taking it in supplement form may prevent hair loss by protecting hair follicles. Pharmaceutical doses of PABA are indicated for Peyronie’s disease, scleroderma, morphea and linear scleroderma. It is also effective in the treatment of vitiligo, a condition that causes discoloration of the skin. PABA has been reported to enhance the effects of cortisone. It may also prevent or even reverse accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue.
