When you think of laser treatments, you probably picture brighter skin and fewer wrinkles. But what if that same zap of light energy could help lower your risk of skin cancer? According to a recent study, nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) treatments—long beloved by dermatologists for their rejuvenating effects and one of the top minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the U.S.—may offer surprising protection against keratinocyte carcinoma, which encompasses the U.S.' most common nonmelanoma skin cancers, by stimulating skin healing and increasing skin cell turnover.
This discovery could be a game-changer, especially considering the stakes: Over five million new keratinocyte carcinoma cases are diagnosed annually in America, says Dr. Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and one of the authors of the aforementioned study. “We need better risk mitigation strategies, especially for those with fair skin and a history of significant sun exposure who are at highest risk for developing these skin cancers,” he says.
