Sunscreens found to offer only partial UV protection
Results show that people prone to moles should cover up in the sun after two studies reveal risks
Sunscreens provide only partial protection against changes in moles caused by ultra-violet radiation, according to the findings from two separate studies published in the journal JAMA Dermatology. The results suggest that people prone to moles should cover up in the sun because wearing sunblock is not enough to provide complete skin protection.
One study, led by Cristina Carrera of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, tested 23 nevi (moles) on 20 patients, with half of each nevus protected by either a physical barrier or a sunscreen and the lesions then irradiated by a single dose of UVB. The study found more enhanced melanocytic activation and regression features in the sunscreen group, concluding that “sunscreens are not quite as effective as physical barriers in the prevention of inflammatory UVB induced effects”.
The second study, published in JAMA, took 26 melanocytic nevi from 26 patients and applied a sunscreen with SPF 6.2 (containing UVA and UVB filters) to one half of each nevus, using tape as a barrier, before exposing them to UV radiation. The study found dermatological changes in both halves of each nevus, but changes were more marked in the unprotected halves.