A study published by the Texas Biomedical Research Institute shows using sunscreen as a child ‘dramatically’ reduces malignant melanoma in adulthood.
The study was published in the peer reviewed scientific journal Pigment Cell and Melanoma. The lead author of the study, John L VandeBerg, PhD, says that the research was furthered by the fact that malignant melanoma cases are on the rise, although consumers are using sunscreen more regularly.
“While sunscreen is highly effective in preventing sunburn, this paradox has led some to question whether sunscreen is effective in preventing melanoma caused by ultraviolet light,” says VandeBerg. “It has been suggested that sunscreen enables people to receive more UV exposure without becoming sunburned, and that increased exposure to UV light has led to an increasing incidence of melanoma.”
