Using DNA technology, researchers may have developed a “morning after” sunburn cream that will repair sun-damaged skin and help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Norman Leaf explains, “Sun-induced skin damage is commonly mediated by injury to the DNA of skin cells — which consists of two strands [of nucleotides], the double helix.

Radiation from the sun causes the two strands to link together abnormally with chemical bridges called dimers. If left unchecked, these dimers may cause the cell either to die early — producing premature skin-aging — or worse, become cancerous.”

The buzz around this revolutionary drug called Dimercine, now in FDA trials, works with enzymes that penetrate this cell nucleus. By cleaving the unhealthful dimers linking the two strands, Leaf concludes, the double helix may return to pristine condition.

“In clinical trials,” he offers, “this amazing drug has been shown to reduce the incidence of malignant and premalignant skin lesions by more than 65 percent.” [source: C Style]