Improper usage of Sunscreen may cause Skin Cancer

The problems associated with inappropriate usage of sunscreen lotions far outweigh the benefits derived from it, reveals a new study.

The study conducted at the University of California at Riverside (UCR), reveals that if not properly used, sunscreen can actually cause damage to skin. Sunscreens do an excellent job protecting against sunburn only when used correctly.

Sunscreen lotions when applied protect the skin from the damaging ultraviolet radiations present in the sunlight. The filters that keep out ultraviolet radiation can generate compounds that attack skin cells.

When skin is exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation (UV) is absorbed by skin molecules that then can generate harmful compounds, called reactive oxygen species or ROS.

These ROS can cause premature ageing and skin cancers they are highly reactive. They are thus the cause of “oxidative damage”. Three UV filters (octylmethoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene) used in sunscreens increase the risk of damage to the skin by ROS.

The study revealed that if coverage at the skin surface is low, the UV filters in sunscreens that have penetrated into the epidermis can harm the skin.

Kerry Hanson, an assistant professor of chemistry at UCR recommends the use of more advanced sunscreens that ensure that the UV-filters stay on the skin surface.

He states that alternatively UV-filters may be mixed with antioxidants since antioxidants have been shown to reduce UV-induced ROS levels in the skin. The best course of action to follow is to use sunscreens and re-apply them often. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that the application should be done every two hours.