Sunscreen cannot provide total protection from UV damage

New research has been published reminding consumers that sunscreen does not provide total protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

The study, carried out by scientists at Manchester University and London’s Institute of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), made significant findings regarding the link between UV exposure and melanoma.

As part of the study, researchers looked at the effects of UV on skinat a cellular level, testing skin withno sunscreen on and skin with SPF50 sunscreen on. They noted thatskin with the sunscreen sufferedsignificantly less DNA damage fromthe UV, meaning the risk of developing melanoma was greatly reduced. However, the researchers did saythat sunscreen did not offer complete protection against DNA damage.

The study found that UV lightdamages the p53 gene in the skin,which normally helps to protect fromthe effects of DNA damage caused byUV light. Even with sunscreen on, thestudy found, the p53 gene could stillsustain some damage. Richard Marais,author of the study and a CancerResearch UK scientist, said that theresearch highlights the importance ofcombining sunscreen with other sunprotection, such as wearing hats andloose clothes when in the sun.