SUNSCREENS MAY CAUSE SKIN CANCER

Research shows that some of the compounds used can become cancer-causing agents once absorbed by the skin.

Researchers believe this could be why more people are suffering from skin cancer, despite the increasing use of sun lotions.

Scientists at the University of California reported in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine that three widely used sunscreen filters attacked cells when combined with the sun’s UV rays under the skin.

Dr Kerry Hanson, who led the research, said: “This can lead to cell damage and cancer. Sunscreens may be doing more harm than good.” She said the damaging effects may be avoidable if lotion is used regularly. But another expert, Dr Des Fernandes, warned that sunscreens made people stay longer in the sun than was safe.